Monday, June 29, 2009
Books / Film Department of Unnecessary Remakes
Posted by Paul Constant on Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 5:26 PM
I really, really loved the Swedish vampire movie Let the Right One In (The book the movie is based on is wonderful, too, although I would actually suggest, in this one rare case, to read the book after watching the movie). And this is why I'm so annoyed to read this interview with Matt Reeves the director of Cloverfield. He's now hard at work directing the American remake of the Let the Right One In.
The remake will be set in 1980s Colorado.
"There's definitely people who have a real bull's-eye on the film," Reeves said, "and I can understand because of people's' love of the [original] film that there's this cynicism that I'll come in and trash it, when in fact I have nothing but respect for the film.
He doesn't explain anywhere in the interview why a remake of the original film is at all necessary or respectful.
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2
Paul, you're so elitist. Not everybody can read, so subtitles are worthless. And the dubbing was excrutiating, so that option is out too.
The film must be Americanized for Americans to enjoy it. There is no other option.
The film must be Americanized for Americans to enjoy it. There is no other option.
3
It's necessary because someone caught wind of it and decided it was a resource they couldn't afford not to mine. See also The Ring, The Grudge, and No Reservations. Blech.
4
It doesn't need to be said, dummy, because the movie's in fucking Swedish.
You are such a pretentious douche it's hilarious.
You are such a pretentious douche it's hilarious.
6
You don't explain anywhere in your blog post why a remake of another film is inherently *dis*respectful, or why only "necessary" movies should be made.
7
I'm not a fan of remakes in general, but I don't see what's so upsetting in this case. Bringing popular genre fluff to the States is nothing new, and it's not like "Let the Right One In" is anything but that.
8
I'm also in the "loved loved" camp for this movie, and I don't really get why a re-make is necessary. I don't know, would you all think it was weird if someone was like, "hey, that movie Humpday was pretty good, I think we should make a big studio re-make"? I think this re-make is weird in the same way that that would be.
At some point, don't you have to have respect for the fact that the thing itself is an artistic creation (the acting, the direction, the cinematography), it's not just the story? It does seem disrespectful to me -- like someone saying, hey, that was good, but I can do much better.
At some point, don't you have to have respect for the fact that the thing itself is an artistic creation (the acting, the direction, the cinematography), it's not just the story? It does seem disrespectful to me -- like someone saying, hey, that was good, but I can do much better.
11
@10
Nah, Paulus, this one was a decently conceived spook show with a couple of novel ideas floating in the periphery (the most resonant of which was the contrictively angular production design, which could actually translate well to '80s Colorado). It also had embarassing, shitty CGI cats. Neither of these things, alone or in tandem, suggest greatness.
Nah, Paulus, this one was a decently conceived spook show with a couple of novel ideas floating in the periphery (the most resonant of which was the contrictively angular production design, which could actually translate well to '80s Colorado). It also had embarassing, shitty CGI cats. Neither of these things, alone or in tandem, suggest greatness.
12
I don't think this is a re-make of the movie but another adaptation of the book. From what I've read the director is exploring other aspects of the book that did not make it in the other movie. I understand the reaction though. I'm dreading and a little excited at the new movie being made, but knowing hollywood they are probably going to fuck it up.
14
I loved this film, the ending was heartbreaking.
At least a remake might encourage people who missed the original first time around to check it out. I know the arthouse cinema over here tries to show original foreign films that have been remade a little before their release, to try and capitalise on the studio's promotion.
At least a remake might encourage people who missed the original first time around to check it out. I know the arthouse cinema over here tries to show original foreign films that have been remade a little before their release, to try and capitalise on the studio's promotion.
15
I really liked the original, but I'm not entirely sure why a remake set in Reagan-era Colorado is especially offensive. The point about the original being in Swedish holds some water given how horribly the DVD subtitles were translated.
16
They are also remaking the awesome 2005 French film 13 Tzameti simply titled 13. The cast is ridiculous including Jason Statham and 50 Cent. I don't know if I should blame Hollywood or the director who is the same as the original. Either way it's so unnecessary.
17
This weekend I watched "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" for the first time.
This has to be one of the best children's movies ever made...fascinating and highly recommended for all ages!
http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/…
This has to be one of the best children's movies ever made...fascinating and highly recommended for all ages!
http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/…
18
Not having seen the movie, I cannot comment. However, Remember when Insomnia was remade. But, Insomnia needed to be redone, though not as a shot for shot remake (that was still slow as fuck).
However, I will challenge you in saying that you should generally read the book first. There are a lot of movies that improve on the books which they were based on. But, these are little known books that weren't very good to begin with (or, Stephen King novels).
However, I will challenge you in saying that you should generally read the book first. There are a lot of movies that improve on the books which they were based on. But, these are little known books that weren't very good to begin with (or, Stephen King novels).
19
I haven't seen this because of the above mentioned mangled subtitles. Should I wait for a new edition to arrive or just see it as is?
20
I saw it in the theatre and also watched the DVD and the subtitles don't make it unwatchable.
And this particular remake idea is terrible because the original is totally accessible, and because Cloverfield is one of the worst movies ever.
And this particular remake idea is terrible because the original is totally accessible, and because Cloverfield is one of the worst movies ever.
21
@11: since you thought the greatest thing about the film was the production design and loathed the CGI (cats), I'm sure you'll be quite happy with the US version! Have fun with your highly developed visual prowess!
p.s. it wasn't a horror film.
p.s. it wasn't a horror film.
22
I think there's only 3 places where the DVD subtitles are really bad, I agree with #20 Patti that the DVD isn't unwatchable but I would wait for the rerelease with the fixed subtitles if you are buying it. I'm assuming most rental places aren't going to buy new copies for the rerelease, so it might be pointless to wait in that case.
24
Summary of comments:
Statement made just to evoke controversy: "The movie sucked" "All movies are purely commercial" Hey, why did you comment here if it's a subject you don't care about?
Ad hominem attacks, assholery: "Elitist! Elitist! Idiot!"
And if I wasn't quoting or paraphrasing you, thanks for being cool. But your civilized discourse didn't register because I was distracted by dumbfucks, as usual.
Statement made just to evoke controversy: "The movie sucked" "All movies are purely commercial" Hey, why did you comment here if it's a subject you don't care about?
Ad hominem attacks, assholery: "Elitist! Elitist! Idiot!"
And if I wasn't quoting or paraphrasing you, thanks for being cool. But your civilized discourse didn't register because I was distracted by dumbfucks, as usual.
25
I'm just afraid the director will age-up the two main characters (after all, that brings in more of the Twilight tween set) lower the violence to PG-13 (same reasoning) and remove all trace of the Eli transexual subplot. (which the original only hinted at, but still included none the less).
26
Can the Swedes remake Transformers (and the sequel) into decent movies? I'll even read poorly translated subtitles if they do.
28
Hollywood isn't interested in originality anymore - the economy has them running scared, and they see anything that hasn't already generated some money as a risk. Thats why we're getting so many sequels and remakes. If you don't like it - don't go see it. By giving them your money you're just encouraging them.
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