Hot scripts (or novels) are circulated to movie stars, which is a common method by which Hollywood films are created. In the same way, American Psycho, a book published in 1991, was made into a movie. But, did you know that Stuart Gordon first tried his hand at directing the film version of Bret Easton Ellis’ book? And moreover, despite his unsuccessful attempt, he had originally intended to cast Johnny Depp.
However, later on, Anthony Hopkins’ horror movie, The Silence of the Lambs had reportedly a significant impact on casting a different actor for Patrick Bateman’s role (in American Psycho).
Stuart Gordon, who passed away on March 24, 2020, once shared his fascinating account of reading the unsettling book for the first time and having trouble getting the story out of his head.
And because he was so engrossed in the tale, Gordon successfully requested the film’s rights from Ellis’ agent.
How Anthony Hopkins’ Horror Film Became Johnny Depp’s Bane?
In the world of Hollywood, the casting decisions made for a movie can make or break it. Finding the ideal fit for each character requires constant juggling by producers and directors, which often necessitates last-minute substitutions. One such instance was when Johnny Depp, who had been an initial candidate for the lead role in American Psycho, was later eventually dropped off the list.
Thanks in large part to The Silence of the Lambs, a psychological horror film that starred Anthony Hopkins and was based on a 1988 novel by Thomas Harris.
The Dark Shadows actor was initially chosen to play the lead by the late director Stuart Gordon, who was eager to produce something as enduring as Bret Easton Ellis’ novel on the big screen.
But then, something unsettling happened, according to an article written on The Talkhouse:
“Everything seemed to be coming together, but that summer a movie had recently opened that would radically change the landscape of the entertainment industry forever. It was The Silence of the Lambs, a story that featured another brilliant serial killer, Hannibal Lecter and his grisly handiwork.”
The Silence of the Lambs started gaining huge popularity over time, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture of the Year. As Gordon further added:
“So I shouldn’t have been surprised when I got the call from Bret Easton Ellis’ agent. She was pulling my rights to her client’s book because there were suddenly other offers on the table.”
What Actually Went Wrong?
It was an interview (in New York Post) with Bret Easton Ellis, in which, he described Stuart Gordon as a “schlocky horror movie director” who would ruin his book by turning it into a bloodbath. According to the late director:
“The fact that his book was already the bloodiest thing anyone had ever read seemed to somehow escape him. But what really infuriated me was that he also put down Johnny Depp, calling him a lightweight actor who was too old to play the part (Johnny was 28 at the time).”
After Gordon left the project, it was directed by a Canadian filmmaker and screenwriter. Lionsgate, the production company, hired Mary Harron, who ultimately decided on Christian Bale to play serial killer, Patrick Bateman.
Undoubtedly, Johnny Depp might have been a good fit for the role. However, let us never, ever take for granted Bale’s iconic performance in American Psycho.
Bale delivered a rousing, unsettling, and complex performance that essentially catapulted him to the A-list star in Hollywood.
American Psycho is streaming on Peacock Premium. Meanwhile, you can watch Anthony Hopkins’ The Silence of the Lambs, which is available to stream on Max and DIRECTV.
Source- The Talkhouse
