By: Catamaran

Catamaran — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:31:18 +0000

Perkins was such a talented and natural actor when he was young. His performance in “Fear Strikes Out” was absolutely brilliant, far more so I thought, than in “Psycho.” He was good in the latter but magnificent in “FSO.” He should have won an Oscar for it. I agree that his later performances became stilted and he seemed to lose his natural acting ability. A sad decline as the years went by. I remember watching him in “How Awful About Allan” in 1970 (on television) and I was very disappointed. The actor who, just 10 years earlier had made Norman Bates a household name and had regaled us with his wonderfully charming performances in “The Matchmaker,” “Friendly Persuasion,” “Fear Strikes Out,” and even “Goodbye Again” (wherein he was at his most appealing), seemed stiff and uncomfortable playing the bland Allan Collie (I think that was his character’s name). It was obvious he had lost his earlier charm and almost effortless abilities. I wasn’t aware he had developed a drug problem and I always thought it was odd that he married. I think everyone in Hollywood was aware of his homosexuality, something with which he was sadly unable to come to terms. I don’t think one decides they are no longer homosexual, and of course he announced he had become straight (or overcome homosexuality) in 1970 or thereabouts. Obviously he had not “become straight” and according to the book, continued his homosexual lifestyle during his marriage. In any event he was multi-talented (his early acting, singing – yes singing – and piano playing). The singing and piano playing were quite good and many people are surprised to hear that he cut a few record albums. Anthony Perkins was indeed one of a kind and probably had perhaps, one of the most unusual personas ever to grace the screen. His physical attractiveness (at least in the early years of his career) also added greatly to his entire package.

By: Bonehead-XL

Bonehead-XL — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:12:26 +0000

I trying to imagine Christopher Walken as Norman Bates.

By: Dr Freudstein

Dr Freudstein — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:03:41 +0000

Loved the book, but didn’t know there was an updated version. I know I must go get it, but wonder if I’m ready for the inevitable depressing events that seem to plague the late Mr. Perkins and his legacy.

By: Christian Sellers

Christian Sellers — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:52:18 +0000

I guess the casting of Jamie Lee Curtis would have made sense with Psycho 2 as she had become the scream queen and her mother in real life was Marion Crane, but Meg Tilly is excellent in the role so glad it worked out the way it did. Sounds like a cool book!

By: Ross Horsley

Ross Horsley — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:37:56 +0000

Wow, some intriguing facts there. Sounds like a really interesting read… I’m ordering it.

Comments on: Split Image: The Life of Anthony Perkins

By: Catamaran

By: Bonehead-XL

By: Dr Freudstein

By: Christian Sellers

By: Ross Horsley