We’re on Cape Cod this week and, so far, have lucked out with the weather, which means hiking, reading, star-gazing, and time with friends. It also means TV, which is a novelty for us. At home we have a set on which we watch rented videos, but no cable, no box (whatever that is), no antenna (do they still make them?).
The other night we watched the new Prime Suspect, which confirmed my long-held view of remakes. Sometimes they work. The Coen brothers’ True Grit, I think, is a better film than the 1969 version with John Wayne. And while High Society doesn’t have the pacing or performances or razor-sharp wit of The Philadelphia Story, it does have Cole Porter’s score and Grace Kelly’s charm. But when a film or TV series was beautifully written and directed, and intelligently performed—e.g. the original Prime Suspect—I say: Hands off, unless you’ve got something new and compelling to bring to the table.
There was nothing new or compelling in the episode I saw of Prime Suspect. The script wasn’t credible, the dialogue sounded as if it had been written by someone unfamiliar with human speech, and the director seemed to have been hiding in the bathroom. And, yes, the performances were dismal, but what can an actor do—even a fine one like Aidan Quinn—when he’s up against those obstacles?
A couple of questions: What remakes have you seen that equaled or surpassed the original? Any that shouldn’t have been made? And if you disagree about the new Prime Suspect, please jump in.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Unprime Suspect
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5 comments:
I like the new Hawaii 5-O which surprises me but I think it's a good show.
Helen Mirren's shoes are pretty big for someone else to fill.
Kaye, I agree with what you say about Helen Mirren. Jane Tennison was such a complex, compelling character.
It didn't have the grit or tension of the original. Of course, that's probably due to it being in a different time when Helen Miren was showing how to be a pioneer woman in a man's world. You can't beat her performances unfortunately.
Why on earth would they try to remake Prime Suspect? Miren made the series. I know you'll not believe this, but the remake of the Thomas Crowne Affair with Pierce Brosnan (replacing the wondrous Steve McQueen) was great. If you hate Brosnon and won't see it for any other reason, see it for Nina Simone's rendition of Sinnerman. It's fabulous.
It is a different time, Leigh, and that makes a difference. But I think the problems with the remake go back to the script and the director. The characters (and, again,I only saw one episode) felt two-dimensional.
Lois, my question exactly. And I'll check out the Thomas Crowne Affair.
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