Is this new movie, a remake to satisfy movie fans, is it simply a way to make money from some someone else's previous work. Or is it both?
From Scotland of Sunday
"Wicker Man director is flaming furious over Hollywood remake"
BRIAN PENDREIGH
HE gave the world arguably the most iconic Scottish film ever made but a US remake which adds a swarm of killer bees and changes the sex of a pagan lord has proved too much for Robin Hardy.
The original director of The Wicker Man has called in his lawyers to have his name taken off promotional material for the $40m movie even before lead star Nicolas Cage has finished filming.
Read the full article here
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Re: Wicker Man remake
As I've said before , remakes don't bother me too much .
If they're good then so much the better and if they're bad , well , no one's really surprised are they .
Most of all it gets people talking about the original and maybe seeking it out . If that's the case ....... fine by me , nothing can harm the original version .
The most interesting thing about the article is the mention of Riding Of The Laddie ( May Day ) . Fingers crossed that it actually sees the light of day .
Re: Wicker Man remake
I ran across an interesting (short) piece in the UK Independent....Commenting on the film and a comment by Mr. Lee (?).
It is the 2nd item in the right hand column. The Link is:
http://news.independent.co.uk/people/pandora/article322049.ece
Cheers, 
Helen
Re: Wicker Man remake
Well here is a possible clue as to why they are remaking this film........
It seems "N. Cage saw The Wickerman with his friend J. Ramone. After watching the film, Ramone is reported to have said that as much as he loved it, he thought there was a way to update it - less campy, more serious." ...........from the Detroit Free Press.....
For the full information, see the Bottom of page, the link is:
http://www.freep.com/entertainment/movies/cage14e_20050914.htm
Cheers, :hmmmm2:
Helen
Re: Wicker Man remake
Helen Dyer wrote:
It seems "N. Cage saw The Wickerman with his friend J. Ramone. After watching the film, Ramone is reported to have said that as much as he loved it, he thought there was a way to update it - less campy, more serious." ...........from the Detroit Free Press.....
Cage should go for a Ramones soundtrack.
During the school scene we will hear Rock'N' Roll High School. The Bar scene I Wanna Be Sedated. :elefant:
etc...
If not, i'll skip this remake and watch the dvd again.
Re: Wicker Man remake
Jacob Remery wrote:
Cage should go for a Ramones soundtrack.
During the school scene we will hear Rock'N' Roll High School. The Bar scene I Wanna Be Sedated. :elefant:
etc...
If not, i'll skip this remake and watch the dvd again.
The question remaining is has anyone done a 'rock' version of 'Flight of the BumbleBee'..........:banghead:
(Sorry, that was terrible)....
Cheers,:hmmmm2:
Helen
Re: Wicker Man remake
There is a pain in thinking in The wicker Man remake. To see that without Christopher Lee should not be pleasant. Without hearing Mr. Lee's voice in the music... will there Be music? Nicolas Cage seems not to be ideal for the sergeant's character. (Cage is well in the film the angels'" city). I saw pictures of the filming places and it didn't please me anything. Much less it pleased me the wicker man that I saw in the pictures. NO! I cannot accept * it excuses if I am being infantile and acting her with prejudice but a Not for film THE man of North American wicker!* I don't have fault of what seats my heart.
Giving a clic in wicker man, on the left side, below he/she can see pictures and comments. http://www.bocadoinferno.com
:secruity:
Re: Wicker Man remake
Generally I don't let myself get bothered over remakes. A remake does not mean a film will be worse. "The Maltese Falcon" was a remake as was "His Girl Friday." More recently, Wes Craven took some cheesy dreck from the 70's and turned it into a passable horror flick with "The Toolbox Murders." For me, the mere fact of a remake is a non-issue. I will give any film a chance.
I am bothered about the fact that the story is changed so significantly. I can understand some changes, but it now bears only a passing resemblance to the original. It gives me the impression that they are trading on the legendary cult status of a great but undeservedly obscure film. Everyone has heard of "The Wicker Man" but I know too many people who have never seen it.
My concern is that this is going to be a run of the mill big budget Hollywood yawnfest production that has none of the accuracy, richness, depth and sublety of the original. IMO the remake has lost its veracity simply by virtue of abandoning Scotland as its locale.
They can go ahead with their movie, but I don't think they should be calling it The Wicker Man. This is a fundamentally altered story.
Re: Wicker Man remake
Hello everyone,
I usually reserve my judgement over remakes until I have seen them, but in this case I cannot imagine how they hope to improve on the original by relocating the action to the US and completely changing the main story? I am often skeptical about remakes: what is the point in remaking a film that already exists? The only reason I can think of would be if the original contained promising ideas, or a worthwhile story but had been realised in a very poor manner (there are many examples I could name on this score.) The Wicker Man does not fall into this category at all. Granted, there are problems with the film, but this has more to do with the scandalous politics surrounding the post-production rather than the film itself as an artistic endeavour.
I would agree with much of what has already been said by previous posters. I suspect that the real scandal will prove to be that the world will end up with another film called The Wicker Man which a) bears little resemblance to the original, and b) is some kind of shoddy third-rate effort seeking to live off the deserved fame of a cinematic classic.
Perhaps we will be pleasantly surprised, but I seriously doubt it. In any case, I do not think that a film can be accurately described as a remake with so many alterations. I have the solution, though: call it American Pagans and let that be an end to the matter. And I think I've said this before somewhere, but the idea of killer bees has been somewhat done to death by now... I have a feeling this will end up being a comedy - for all the wrong reasons:
Warmest regards,
Andrés
Re: Wicker Man remake
I agree with you Euterpe, this is the worst mistake, to change such important facts of the original. He/she seems that the "SOUL" of the film will stop existing. And as I already read in some goods, there is always a great concern of Hollywood in giving great importance to the exaggeration of special effects, to the faces and bodies " perfect", always not valuing what is good in the reality. This film for me is a jewel and he/she didn't want to see him/it so modified and emptiness.
:questionm :questionm :questionm :questionm :hmmmm2:
Re: Wicker Man remake
I usually, don't have a problem with re-makes if they are good, however, when I read about The Wicker Man re-make and the things I have been hearing about it, it sounds completely appauling. I am rather disheartened and upset. I think that they are messing with something that has already reached perfection and shouldn't be touched, it should be left the classic that it is. People who have beliefs in aspects of paganism may be offended if they decide to do something inaccurate.
Anyway, thats just my opinion, I will give it a chance, but it does not look too promising does it.
wrote:
It looks like the 'wicker man' will be opening September 1st...and the BBC is showing an opening in the UK on October 20th....I guess the time grows short........Can't wait to see the reviews.....
In other news, I don't know how accurate this is, but "Cowboys for Christ" is in 'Filming', reported by some sources........
Re: Wicker Man remake
Don't ask me why it took me so long to get mad about this. THE WICKER MAN is one of a kind. It irks me that Nicholas Cage & his pal would even try re-making it, or, as they call it, "updating" it. And to move it to the U. S., yet! Part of the beauty of the original is its Scottish flavor. (And most of its beauty is Mr. Lee as Lord Summerisles, natch!)
There's an old saying: "No statue has ever been erected to a man who felt it was best to leave well enough alone."
Sorry. In this case, that does NOT apply!
Re: Wicker Man remake
The trailer for this is now available online. It does nothing to encourage ME to see this, but...
Re: Wicker Man remake
Ah, well, the reviews so far from critics have been that the new one is extremely funny, and that one should rent the classic 1973 version. I've seen the extended trailer and I was laughing when I got to the end, even with Ellen Burstyn, whom I really admire, saying Christopher's line "do you suspect foul play?" as if she were copying Christopher's sardonic approach, rather than developing her own. It's such an apparent copy of the original, without much adjustment to the story. Instead of apples apparently it's honey they produce, and the line "killing me won't bring back your damn honey!" just makes me snicker. Sister Summerisle..oh, brother.
Best thing that comes out of this: critics saying watch the "critically acclaimed", "cult treasure" original! If it ain't broke...don't remake it.
:biggrin:
Re: Wicker Man remake
Pam Stockbarger;33709 wrote:
Best thing that comes out of this: critics saying watch the "critically acclaimed", "cult treasure" original! If it ain't broke...don't remake it.
:biggrin:
So true Pam...I have seen a couple of 'positive' reviews, but extolling the 'comedic' aspects of the remake (fairly sad commentary) (I guess the scenes of Nic Cage in a bear suit are hillarious). There have even been scathing reviews by a number of people that haven't seen the Original Wickerman!
They (producers/actors/directors/writers) may have thought they could 'improve' on the original and as they said..."Bring it up to date"......But by all accounts they seem to have missed the mark, by not understanding the nuances of the original.....
However, I am glad it came out...Intelligent people will now go in search of the 'classic'!!!!!!!
Cheers,
Helen
Re: Wicker Man remake
But they are these scenes, these faces below that they will be in our minds forever. Here, there and there... in the most distant songs of the Earth, there is always some positive comment on The Wicker Man (actors, sceneries, music, plot, direction.... )
That the new generations have access to the original! That can evaluate and to discover the great value and quality of that work done in 1973.
Mr. Lee, I give him all reason: That is fantastic!
:congrats:
http://www.bocadoinferno.com/romepeige/artigos/palha.html
:willy: Oh! Any... Bees no! Honey (in spite of healthy, it tires)
Re: Wicker Man remake
While I've only ever had a middling appreciation for the original Wicker Man I was convinced early on that any remake would have a hard time of earning any sort of place of respect, particularly if it was to water down the question of comparative spirituality that is an inherent, and key, component of the original. Considering there was no press screening for this remake, I'd say that the studio was pretty much of the same opinion in its lack of faith. It may take top slot at the box office this weekend, but judging by the reviews I've read, see it soon if you plan on catching it in the cinema folks.
Re: Wicker Man remake
I've never seen a film go down in flames as this one has with the critics, unless it was "Battlefield Earth". When the San Antonio, Texas "Current" says "Something Wicker This Way Sucks"....oh, dear. And every single review I've seen (over 60 online) have said that the film is hilarious... The topper is that NBC4 online is advertising a contest where the prizes are Warner Bros. golf hats, bags, T-shirts etc. with their Wicker Man logo, which looks more like the stick figures from "Blair Witch Project".... next we'll have the do-it-yourself Wicker Man kit, build your own, hours of fun...well, an hour or so until it burns down, but...how about Wicker Man candles? Ok, I need to go back to work, I'm snickering too much and the boss is watching.. :joyman:
Re: Wicker Man remake
Pam Stockbarger;33733 wrote:
I've never seen a film go down in flames as this one has with the critics, unless it was "Battlefield Earth". When the San Antonio, Texas "Current" says "Something Wicker This Way Sucks"....oh, dear..................... Ok, I need to go back to work, I'm snickering too much and the boss is watching.. :joyman:
Pam, Love your comments! As the movie 'attempted' to be 'The Wickerman', maybe it is fitting that it went 'down (up?) in flames'......:eek:
The reviews just keep pouring in....the one's I greatly appreciate are from those individuals that never saw the original!...One of the latest..(Link below), mentioned that they wouldn't have been surprised to see 'Monty Python' cast members dressed up and leaping about...(Personally, being an MP fan....I think they probably could have done a better remake)....
Ah well, it provides us with some entertainment, whilst the critics are 'buzzing' around about it...(Sorry, couldn't help myself)..........:willy:
http://www.2theadvocate.com/entertainment/movies/reviews/3870972.html
Cheers,
Helen
Re: Wicker Man remake
Pam Stockbarger;33733 wrote:
I've never seen a film go down in flames as this one has with the critics, unless it was "Battlefield Earth". When the San Antonio, Texas "Current" says "Something Wicker This Way Sucks"....oh, dear. And every single review I've seen (over 60 online) have said that the film is hilarious... The topper is that NBC4 online is advertising a contest where the prizes are Warner Bros. golf hats, bags, T-shirts etc. with their Wicker Man logo, which looks more like the stick figures from "Blair Witch Project".... next we'll have the do-it-yourself Wicker Man kit, build your own, hours of fun...well, an hour or so until it burns down, but...how about Wicker Man candles? Ok, I need to go back to work, I'm snickering too much and the boss is watching.. :joyman:
Pam:
Like I said, nobody puts it quite like YOU!
Re: Wicker Man remake
Cindy Rosmus;33735 wrote:
Pam:
Like I said, nobody puts it quite like YOU!
In Brazil that will go out with the name " The Sacrifice", until I read something on the title to be "The Scarecrow! ".
The critics all bring a disbelief in the success of the film. They remember the original of 1973 as being something difficult of being overcome.
Re: Wicker Man remake
Hello everyone,
Here is an interesting article dated October 3rd, which I discovered online at http://living.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1460372006. The article reviews The Wicker Man "remake" and includes comments from Robin Hardy, who expresses his views on the LaBute film. The article also makes reference to Hardy's new book, Cowboys For Christ: 'Cowboys for Christ, he says, inhabits much of the same territory as The Wicker Man but is an entirely different story, dealing with two American born-again Christians who come to Scotland for some door-to-door preaching. It will be filmed in Scotland and Texas. Christopher Lee and Lesley Mackie, who both appeared in The Wicker Man, will star. Hardy describes it as a scary thriller with humour and sex; Lee is more graphic: "It is erotic, romantic, comic and horrific enough to loosen the bowels of a bronze statue."'
Some very promising information on Cowboys For Christ. I very much hope that the film will be made!
Warmest regards,
Andrés
; wrote:
I have seen the remake, tell you the truth it was interesting. Luckly I read this first before I went and to check it out for people. I just say that the first one with Mr. Lee was more interesting than this. If anyone dares to see this one be my guest.
Thanks,
Amber
Re: Wicker Man remake
I heard an interview with Robin Hardy on BBC 6 Music, on the Phil Jupitus breakfast show,when the latest DVD release came out. Mr Hardy said that he had seen the remake but didn't really regard the film as a remake of his film, as it lacked 3 key ingredients of the original, humour sex and music, I got the impression that he was trying to be polite about the remake and say nothing bad. I didn't bother going to see it myself as I assumed the worst, instead I bought the latest DVD release of the original, and listened to Mr's Hardy, Lee and Woodward doing the audio commentary, which was quite amusing.
Paul Harrison
Re: Wicker Man remake
I finally got around to seeing the Remake last week .I'm delighted to say it's even worse than I had imagined. I know I'm biased but it really is awful.
From the tagged on prologue to the overacted ending it's a pale shadow of the original. I had intended posting a full review but I don't want to think of it a moment longer .A corpse of a movie .
Re: Wicker Man remake
Películas menos taquilleras del 2006:
http://today.reuters.com/news/articleinvesting.aspx?view=CN&storyID=2006-12-24T233435Z_01_N24350866_RTRIDST_0_BOXOFFICE-BOMBS.XML&rpc=66&type=qcna
http://www.abc.es/20061228/espectaculos-cine/hollywood-tapa-fuera-casa_200612280301.html
http://www.informativos.telecinco.es/rusell_crowe/nicolas_cage/taquilla/variety/dn_38471.htm
http://www2.noticiasdot.com/publicaciones/2006/1206/3012/noticias301206/noticias301206-1025.htm
Re: Wicker Man remake
Luzmila Frisancho;34426 wrote:
Películas menos taquilleras del 2006:
http://today.reuters.com/news/articleinvesting.aspx?view=CN&storyID=2006-12-24T233435Z_01_N24350866_RTRIDST_0_BOXOFFICE-BOMBS.XML&rpc=66&type=qcna
http://www.abc.es/20061228/espectaculos-cine/hollywood-tapa-fuera-casa_200612280301.html
http://www.informativos.telecinco.es/rusell_crowe/nicolas_cage/taquilla/variety/dn_38471.htm
http://www2.noticiasdot.com/publicaciones/2006/1206/3012/noticias301206/noticias301206-1025.htm
The critics' opinion: The Wicker Man = The Sacrifice
http://www.cinemacomrapadura.com.br/criticas/?id_critica=664
Here it is the translation of the 2nd paragraph of the text. The remaining explains on the characters and of the incapacity of he Labors in arresting the interested spectator in the film.
"""It "is not innovation for anybody that Hollywood is without creativity. As the time passes, the producers stiller invest in remakes, adaptations and similar. "The Sacrifice", remake of "THE Man of Straw", of 1973, is not different. However to what extent remake can be faced in a positive way? In your majority, they just serve so that we can affirm that the original ones are almost always better, although they have been made years ago, time in the which nor there were many resources. There are some exceptions, of course, however, unhappily, this is not the case of "THE Sacrifice."
Re: Wicker Man remake
Admin, I am so glad you posted this news...I had found a 'screenplay' review by STAX a week or so ago, and wasn't sure where to put it.....
The review contains some spoilers, as does the article Admin references...
The site of the review is:
http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/629/629916p1.html
Sister SummerIsle? :stoned:
Cheers,
Helen
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