In the world of cinema, remakes are a frequent and often contentious occurrence. While some remakes honor their source material and even surpass the original, others fall woefully short. Here’s a look at some of the best and worst remakes in film history.
Best Remakes
“The Departed” (2006)
Original: “Infernal Affairs” (2002)
Why It Works: Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” masterfully adapts the Hong Kong thriller “Infernal Affairs” for an American audience. With a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, the film retains the intense cat-and-mouse dynamics of the original while adding layers of depth to the characters. Scorsese’s direction and the film’s gripping narrative earned it the Academy Award for Best Picture.
“The Fly” (1986)
Original: “The Fly” (1958)
Why It Works: David Cronenberg’s remake of the 1958 sci-fi horror classic turns a somewhat campy original into a deeply disturbing and poignant film. Jeff Goldblum’s performance as the scientist-turned-monster is both heartbreaking and horrifying. The film’s practical effects and Cronenberg’s unique body horror vision elevate it to a masterpiece of the genre.
“Ocean’s Eleven” (2001)
Original: “Ocean’s 11” (1960)
Why It Works: Steven Soderbergh’s slick, stylish remake features an ensemble cast led by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts. Unlike the original Rat Pack version, this remake is a tightly plotted heist film that balances humor and suspense. The charisma and chemistry of its cast, combined with Soderbergh’s direction, make it an immensely entertaining watch.
“A Star is Born” (2018)
Original: “A Star is Born” (1937, with notable remakes in 1954 and 1976)
Why It Works: Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, starring Lady Gaga, brings a fresh perspective to the oft-remade story. The film’s exploration of fame, addiction, and love is intimate and raw, supported by outstanding performances and a powerful soundtrack. It connects with modern audiences while respecting its predecessors.
“True Grit” (2010)
Original: “True Grit” (1969)
Why It Works: The Coen Brothers’ take on the classic Western remains faithful to the original novel, offering a grittier and more nuanced version than the 1969 film. Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, and Matt Damon deliver compelling performances that breathe new life into the story.
The Worst Remakes
“Psycho” (1998)
Original: “Psycho” (1960)
Why It Fails: Gus Van Sant’s shot-for-shot remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s horror classic is widely regarded as unnecessary. Despite a talented cast including Vince Vaughn and Anne Heche, the remake lacks the tension and originality of Hitchcock’s version. The decision to replicate the original so closely resulted in a film that felt redundant and uninspired.
“The Wicker Man” (2006)
Original: “The Wicker Man” (1973)
Why It Fails: Neil LaBute’s remake, starring Nicolas Cage, transforms the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the original into an unintentionally comedic mess. Cage’s over-the-top performance and the film’s illogical plot changes turn what was a cult classic horror into a widely mocked failure.
“The Mummy” (2017)
Original: “The Mummy” (1932, with a notable remake in 1999)
Why It Fails: Intended to launch Universal’s Dark Universe franchise, this remake featuring Tom Cruise fails on multiple fronts. Unlike the 1999 remake that embraced a fun, adventurous spirit, the 2017 version is overly serious, with a convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. The film’s attempt to set up a larger universe detracts from its standalone quality.
“Oldboy” (2013)
Original: “Oldboy” (2003)
Why It Fails: Spike Lee’s American remake of the South Korean neo-noir thriller is a pale imitation of Park Chan-wook’s original masterpiece. The remake fails to capture the psychological depth and intensity of the original, and changes to the plot dilute its impact. Despite Josh Brolin’s solid performance, the film feels unnecessary and inferior.
“Red Dawn” (2012)
Original: “Red Dawn” (1984)
Why It Fails: The 2012 remake of the Cold War-era action film struggles to find relevance in a post-Cold War context. The original’s premise, involving a Soviet invasion of the United States, is replaced with a North Korean invasion in the remake, which feels forced and lacks the urgency and emotional weight of its predecessor. The film’s action sequences and character development are also subpar.
The success of a remake hinges on its ability to honor the essence of the original while bringing something fresh and relevant to the table. While some films have managed to strike this balance perfectly, others serve as cautionary tales of how not to revisit cinematic classics.
