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One remake I'd love to see.
Sep. 29th, 2007 04:20 pmNormally, I hate seeing classic films remade, unless the director has something new to add, a new twist or an updated vision. But most older films got it right the first time and should be enjoyed as they are.
But there are a few exceptions; films that, handled correctly, could be improved with modern film making techniques and technologies.
The Longest Day
Were I making this, I wouldn't change most of the film. I especially would follow Darryl F. Zanuck's led in casting German, French, and British actors and filming their scenes in the correct language. I would also keep the focus on the people involved in the invasion on all sides. However, you can vastly improve the film with CGI. The original film is hamstrung by the realities of equipment availability. There simply weren't any FW-190s or Spitfires flying, and the landing craft had to shown using stock footage. CGI cures that. Need two FW-190s strafing the beach? You got them. Need the entire 29th Infantry Division on Omaha, with the second wave landing in the background? Sure thing. Judicious use of CGI to add appropriate vehicles and columns of men in the background. Another place for improvement is camera technology. Anyone who has seen Saving Private Ryan knows how effective hand-held cameras can be in giving the chaotic feel of combat. Again, careful use of this can really impart the "stark moments of terror" feeling to the audience.
I'd also work on one (IMHO) really bad casting decision: John Wayne as Lt. Col. Benjamin Vandervoort. The real Vandervoort was bookish, soft-spoken, and one of those quiet leaders who inspired by example. Not right for John Wayne at all. In my remake, I'd want Nicholas Cage in the role. Another casting must would be Rutger Hauer as Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt.
So, what classic film would you like to see remade, and what changes would you make or what casting decisions would you make?
For that matter, what's your favorite war movie of all time?
But there are a few exceptions; films that, handled correctly, could be improved with modern film making techniques and technologies.
The Longest Day
Were I making this, I wouldn't change most of the film. I especially would follow Darryl F. Zanuck's led in casting German, French, and British actors and filming their scenes in the correct language. I would also keep the focus on the people involved in the invasion on all sides. However, you can vastly improve the film with CGI. The original film is hamstrung by the realities of equipment availability. There simply weren't any FW-190s or Spitfires flying, and the landing craft had to shown using stock footage. CGI cures that. Need two FW-190s strafing the beach? You got them. Need the entire 29th Infantry Division on Omaha, with the second wave landing in the background? Sure thing. Judicious use of CGI to add appropriate vehicles and columns of men in the background. Another place for improvement is camera technology. Anyone who has seen Saving Private Ryan knows how effective hand-held cameras can be in giving the chaotic feel of combat. Again, careful use of this can really impart the "stark moments of terror" feeling to the audience.
I'd also work on one (IMHO) really bad casting decision: John Wayne as Lt. Col. Benjamin Vandervoort. The real Vandervoort was bookish, soft-spoken, and one of those quiet leaders who inspired by example. Not right for John Wayne at all. In my remake, I'd want Nicholas Cage in the role. Another casting must would be Rutger Hauer as Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt.
So, what classic film would you like to see remade, and what changes would you make or what casting decisions would you make?
For that matter, what's your favorite war movie of all time?
