Then there is PSYCHO (1960, 1998). This one is similar to STAGECOACH as it is a classic that virtually can’t be duplicated. However, director Gus Van Sant tried to do exactly that by copying the original scene for scene in the shameless 1998 re-make. The biggest problem is with the stars plus the fact that it is hard to duplicate perfection. The role of Norman Bates is synonymous with Anthony Perkins, Vince Vaughn had no chance. The same goes for Ann Heche playing Marion Crane. Forget it Ann, you are not Janet Leigh. More bad re-makes: YOURS, MINE, AND OURS (1968, 2005), THE GETAWAY (1972, 1994).
One of the problems with some re-makes is the over use of special effects. I believe that is one of the problems with the 2005 copy of KING KONG. This movie has not lived up to expectations at the box office as it has barely made it’s cost of $207 million. They took all the charm out of the original and made it too long.
As I have mentioned before, one of the fun things about being a critic is you can never be right or wrong. All you are doing is giving your opinion which may or may not differ from that of your readers. However, with the track record of re-makes, if you see a re-make of one of your favorites ready for a debut, you may be better off staying home and reading the book.
1 comment:
Jim:
I enjoyed this column on remakes. I really don't like them in general. The Fugitive (although a remake from television to movie) is awesome, probably because of Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. Another bad one HAS to be Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, which was awesome, being remade last year into a movie with Ashton Kutcher and Bernie Mac called Guess Who? It flip-flopped the races. Admission: I didn't even see it, but I am offended that they would try to recast a film with the likes of Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn and the amazing Sidney Poitier. (And they chose Ashton Kutcher and Bernie Mac???)
--Emily
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