Talk about a bold experiment. Recreate a silent film from 1920 using modern actors with speaking roles, green-screened over frames of the original movie’s sets. Such a lofty experiment seems inherently flawed, especially one based on such an iconic title. Filmmaker David Lee Fisher dares to fix what ain’t broke, joining the ranks of Psycho copycat Gus Van Sant as an easy target for critics. (At least Fisher is secure enough to leave the picture black and white.) As is often the case with mostly unknown indie actors, some of the performances are awkward and too self-aware. Leading man Judson Pearce Morgan strongly resembles Green Day’s Billie Joe, giving an edge to a role that could have too easily been a gothic cliché. Too bad Doug Jones‘ portrayal of the somnambulist Cesare is completely laughable. The master of willowy creatures just doesn’t channel enough tragic ennui, and his dreadful makeup is like a cross between Phyllis Diller and Ronald McDonald. Hardly the menacing figure gracing the black t-shirts of countless angsty teenagers. On the plus side the combination of new and old material is nearly seamless, and the surrealist sets look sharper than ever. Fisher describes the project as a remix, much like what the music world has been practicing for ages. In that regard it’s interesting, I just wish Fisher explored new corners of the story and scenery rather than sticking so close to the familiar script. I’m curious to see what else will appear in this new world of movie mashups. Maybe Blue Ray discs will eventually include virtual sets for desktop directors to play with. Should make for some interesting YouTube viewing.

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