The Day The Earth Stood Still ?

[stusegal]

I just read there is a remake in the works (OK, maybe I’m a little slow as this news is about 6 months old), starring Keanu Reeves as Klaatu, and with Jennifer Connelly and Kathy Bates.  Sounds like a good cast.

BUT AM I ALONE IN MY OUTRAGE about trying to remake a classic (piece of modern-day art)? 

Immediately the 2005 remake of War Of The Worlds comes to mind – where a great director (Spielberg) manages to turn a true classic into a forgettable piece of drek.  If you have any doubt, watch the 1953 movie with Gene Barry – the acting styles and dialogue may be a little dated (though appropriate for a movie made in the early 50’s) but the film, even with its’ 50+ year old special effects, is more frightening, and perhaps even riveting at times, than the remake that somehow destroys the classic plot and distracts through the overuse of graphics and ridiculous subplots.

I am not saying that all remakes are bad.  There was the 1976 remake of King Kong by Dino DiLaurentis, which was horrible regardless of a good cast, but this was subsequently followed by the absolutely memorable 2005 Peter Jackson remake.  The Jackson remake did justice to the original concept, and may even have improved upon it through the judicious use of special effects (hey, the ape looked real).

So back to my point.  The Day The Earth Stood Still from 1951 reminds me of the ’53 version of War Of The Worlds – it has acceptable special effects, a great plot, and very good acting – both Michael Rennie as Klaatu and Patricia Neal put in excellent performances (the kid was irritating, but necessary to the plot).  And it was a movie with a serious, relevant message.  So why remake a classic?

What’s next?  A remake of Forbidden Planet with CGI replacing “Robbie”, or perhaps a new Wizard of Oz with CGI instead of small people (that way, no political incorrectness), or even a new Gone With The Wind?  Where will it end?  Am I just over-sensitive, or do we need these remakes to replace tattered, outdated films and I just don’t get it?

Comments

The Day The Eart Stood Still?

[(Anonymous)]

Yes, you are alone in thinking that this movie should not be remade. (except i remember reading one other comment) so maybe there are two of you. The ironic part being for it not to be remade is exactly why it should. "Great plot, with a serious, relevant message" is what you said. So you ask why.. its simple- the message will hit the big screens (almost like the first time ever seen) for most, because not many people rent the 1951 original to get the message. This is two generations beyond that have not even known to experience it...It will be like a first run for many people...and they seriously, will say who remade this in black and white? and how come they didn't put any people in it we know...(except Aunt Bee) but it needs to be seen again...you are right, we both are:) The original was outstanding. I love Patrica O'Neil and Michael Rennie. I also LOVE Keanu Reeves.:D

Re: The Day The Earth Stood Still?

[stu-segal.livejournal.com]

You make a valid point.

My hope is that they are able to clear that oh-so-high bar, and equal the quality of the original. There are a few examples of great remakes (eg. the 60's remake of Ben Hur and the '05 remake of King Kong), but there are many more examples of lesser remakes.

I'll keep my fingers crossed.

ps - If you saw another comment, then I'm not alone. Didn't I once read that for every comment posted there are 1.257 million other people who have the same opinion, but aren't blogging?

[(Anonymous)]

there's been about 800 remakes in the last 2 decades so I don't know how that calls for outrage.

More importantly, you think Peter Jackson's King Kong was "absolutely memorable" so your article is entirely contradictory.