Robert Downey Thinks His ‘Vertigo’ Remake Can Be “Better” Than the Original

You don’t mess with greatness. You just don’t. Gus Van Sant learned that the hard way with his 1998 remake of Hitchcock’s “Psycho.”

However, Robert Downey Jr. didn’t get the memo. He’s decided to embark on a remake of Hitchcock’s “Vertigo,” one of the greatest movies ever made.

The 1958 film was an audaciously dreamy high-wire act on the part of Hitchcock. A meditation on desire, fear, love and obsession. It was a masterfully perverse storytelling, especially in the way Hitchcock made the film as much about himself than his lead character. You can’t duplicate that kind of cinematic magic.

Paramount acquired the rights for the remake, with Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) set to pen the adaptation. No filmmaker has been tapped just yet, but, man, I’d hate to be in that director’s chair. Whoever it will be…

Downey recently spoke with The New York Times and explained this thinking behind trying to remake the Hitchcock classic, and be even thinks his version has the potential to be even better:

Not even risky. Advisably ridiculous to even consider [remaking Vertigo]. Great, let’s look into it! First of all, who would our partners be in it? Love them, respect them. Second of all, let me reread the original synopsis. I think we can do better. [Laughs.]

I’m fairly sure Downey is dead serious. I say, leave the classics alone. Hitchcock can't be recreated. Only honored. Don't do this, Paramount.

Regardless, ballsy move, remaking what is arguably the greatest film of all time — it’s most definitely in my all-time top 10. A perfect film, with no flaws whatsoever. A remake is an absolutely useless endeavour.

Hitch must be rolling in his grave. Now, hire Gus Van Sant, you cowards.