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October 2002, Week 4

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Subject:
From:
"Larsson, Donald F." <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 27 Oct 2002 10:53:57 -0600
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Lang Thompson comments:
" Red Dragon brings up the issue of when films are actually remakes as
opposed to a new version of a source novel. For instance, The Maltese
Falcon is often referred to as a remake better than the original (or two
earlier films in that case) but it clearly owes little if anything to
the
earlier films and shouldn't be considered a remake."

While the Huston/Bogart FALCON is certainly the best of these of these
films, it is not quite as original as may seem. Several scenes or even
shots in the 3rd version are very similar to the 1931 Roy Del
Ruth/Ricardo Cortez version and some of the characterizations and
performances are similar as well, although any memory of those may be
obscured by Cortez's portrayal of Spade as a leering playboy (although
the film's pre-Code sexuality is somewhat interesting in itself). On
the other hand, the 2nd version, SATAN MET A LADY with Warren William
and Bette Davis is more ludicrous than anything else. (Allison
Skipworth is the Fat Lady, and the object of desire is not a falcon but
the Horn of Roland!)

Don Larsson

-----------------------------------------------------------
"Only connect" --E.M. Forster
Donald F. Larsson
Department of English, AH 230
Minnesota State U, Mankato (56001)
[log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: Lang Thompson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, October 25, 2002 11:11 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Remakes

>Can anyone think of a remake that was more successful (artistically
>or financially) that its original?


I think plenty have been financially more successful ranging from
remakes
where the original is practically unknown (Meet the Parents) or was
withheld from wider distribution (Gaslight, Gigi) to simply being a
higher
profile release (Red Dragon) or the having benefit of inflation (The
Haunting). And then there are things like the new Insomnia (grossing
$67
million by the end of Sept) which certainly beats the original's BO but
that's hardly a level playing field.

Red Dragon brings up the issue of when films are actually remakes as
opposed to a new version of a source novel. For instance, The Maltese
Falcon is often referred to as a remake better than the original (or two
earlier films in that case) but it clearly owes little if anything to
the
earlier films and shouldn't be considered a remake.

Remakes that are more sucessful artistically? My suggestions would be
The
Man Who Knew Too Much (56), Reservoir Dogs (if that counts), The Fly
(Cronenberg), Imitation of Life (Sirk), China-Gate (Bollywood remake of
Seven Samurai but then I've never liked Kurosawa), Invasion of the Body
Snatchers (not better but as good), & there must be others.

LT

-----------------------------
"It's people like us who took a mass medium and
made it what it is today--a subculture."

Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons


The Funhouse Journal
http://wlt4.home.mindspring.com/blog/journal.htm

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