Luca Guadagnino, the maestro behind Call Me by Your Name and Bones and All, has always been a filmmaker who dances to the beat of his own drum. So, when news broke that he was tackling a remake of American Psycho, the internet collectively held its breath. But here's the twist: Guadagnino hadn't even seen Mary Harron's iconic 2000 adaptation until “quite recently.” What does this mean for his version? Let's dive in.
The Backstory: A Director's Obsession
Guadagnino's connection to American Psycho runs deep. He first encountered Bret Easton Ellis's controversial novel in 1990, when it hit shelves in Italy. “I was obsessed with the book,” he admits. So much so that he even wrote a script for it, dreaming of bringing Patrick Bateman's chilling world to life. But when Mary Harron's film debuted in 2000, Guadagnino avoided it. Why? “I was very sad when they made the movie because I wanted to make the movie,” he confesses. It's a sentiment many creatives can relate to—watching someone else bring your vision to life is bittersweet at best.
Harron's Shadow: A Tough Act to Follow
Mary Harron's American Psycho is a cult classic, thanks in no small part to Christian Bale's unhinged performance as Bateman. The film took liberties with the source material, but it carved out its own identity, blending satire, horror, and social commentary. Guadagnino's decision to avoid Harron's film for over two decades speaks volumes. It's not just about avoiding influence—it's about preserving his own creative integrity. As he puts it, “I might do it,” suggesting that his version will be a fresh, unfiltered take on Ellis's novel.
The Screenwriter: Scott Z. Burns Enters the Fray
Guadagnino has enlisted Scott Z. Burns, the scribe behind Contagion and The Report, to pen the script. Burns is known for his sharp, cerebral storytelling, making him a perfect match for the dark, satirical tone of American Psycho. Guadagnino gushes, “He's so smart,” and it's hard not to share his enthusiasm. With Burns on board, the project feels less like a remake and more like a reimagining.
What's Next for Guadagnino?
While fans eagerly await updates on American Psycho, Guadagnino is far from idle. He's just wrapped After the Hunt, set for a 2025 release, and is gearing up to direct Sgt. Rock for the DCU. The man is a whirlwind of creativity, and his recent Instagram post—sporting a DCU sweatshirt—hints at his full commitment to the comic book genre. But let's not forget: Guadagnino's heart lies in character-driven stories, and American Psycho could be his most daring project yet.
Conclusion:
Guadagnino's American Psycho is shaping up to be more than just a remake—it's a passion project decades in the making. By distancing himself from Harron's film and collaborating with Burns, Guadagnino is poised to deliver a version that's uniquely his own. Whether it will surpass the original remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: this is one cinematic journey we can't afford to miss.
Personal Impressions:
As a cinephile, I'm equal parts excited and cautious about Guadagnino's American Psycho. On one hand, his track record speaks for itself—Call Me by Your Name was a masterpiece of emotional nuance. On the other, Harron's film is a tough act to follow. What intrigues me most is Guadagnino's decision to avoid Harron's version for so long. It's a bold move, but one that could pay off if he stays true to his vision. My only hope? That he doesn't lose the biting satire that made Ellis's novel so unforgettable.
Do you think Guadagnino's American Psycho can live up to the original, or is it destined to be overshadowed by Harron's cult classic? Share your thoughts!
