Producer Thomas Schuehly (Alexander) has acquired the remake rights to Fritz Lang's classic SF movie Metropolis and is partnering with Mario Kassar on an updated version of the 1927 movie, Variety reported.
The Munich-based Schuehly and Kassar are currently in negotiations with a number of top directors to helm the movie, with a final decision expected in the next few months.
Schuehly obtained the rights to the film from Vienna-based publishing group Sessler Verlag.
One of the most groundbreaking films in cinematic history, the influence of Metropolis is evident in classic works that have spanned the 20th century, from James Whale's Frankenstein to Dr. Strangelove and 2001: A Space Odyssey to Blade Runner, Gattaca and The Matrix, the trade paper reported.
Considered one of the most expensive films of its time, Metropolis is set in 2026 in a massive city-state characterized by its monumental skyscrapers and art-deco architecture.
The film, which is listed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's World Register as part of Germany's documentary heritage, depicts the class struggle between the wealthy society of planners and thinkers, who live in luxury high above the Earth, and the workers, who live underground, toiling to sustain the lives of the privileged.
You can't remake a classic like Metropolis! I wish these Hollywood idiots would wake up and come up with some original ideas. No matter what they do and how cool the new sfx will be in the new version it won't be able to compare to the classic. Some things are just almost sacred to touch and Metropolis is one film in my opinion should never be redone. Remember though that I run a classic film board and I feel that way about many films. If they ever try and remake Gone With The Wind or Casablanca I'll be spittin' mad!
Kevin
Quote from: Ktrek on December 10, 2007, 12:44:47 PM
You can't remake a classic like Metropolis! I wish these Hollywood idiots would wake up and come up with some original ideas. No matter what they do and how cool the new sfx will be in the new version it won't be able to compare to the classic. Some things are just almost sacred to touch and Metropolis is one film in my opinion should never be redone. Remember though that I run a classic film board and I feel that way about many films. If they ever try and remake Gone With The Wind or Casablanca I'll be spittin' mad!
Kevin
Ibid
WHY? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?
Quote from: Darth Gaos on December 10, 2007, 01:00:55 PM
WHY? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?
Because the original Metropolis is not JUST a story and NOT just another film among many. It is a piece of art imho. It would be like remaking a Van Gogh masterpiece. It might look similar to a Van Gogh but you know what?... it's a conterfeit! Some films imo should never ever be remade. They are true masterpieces of cinema.
Kevin
I would prefer they call it a reimagining and do like they did with the "Tin Man" miniseries. I'm guessing since this movie is to made so many years past the original it won't share much with it except some basic plot points, the name, etc. It's not like they are going to try and make the same movie. While I would prefer someone would take the tons of great SF stories and books out there that haven't ever been filmed and take a crack at them - this is hollywood.
You misunderstand KTrek...I am in TOTAL agreement with you....My "WHYYYY?" was a scream of despair to the movie gods who are allowing this travesty to transpire. Hence the "Ibid".
Quote from: Darth Gaos on December 10, 2007, 09:25:58 PM
You misunderstand KTrek...I am in TOTAL agreement with you....My "WHYYYY?" was a scream of despair to the movie gods who are allowing this travesty to transpire. Hence the "Ibid".
Oh....sorryy! I missed the Ibid! Glad we agree then! :)
Kevin
Could only get worse if it stars Keanu Reeves - whoooo!
(The Day the Earth Stood Still - 2008) :'(
Quote from: davekill on December 10, 2007, 09:39:07 PM
Could only get worse if it stars Keanu Reeves - whoooo!
(The Day the Earth Stood Still - 2008) :'(
I can almost agree with you there Dave! However, I don't feel as passionate about The Day The Earth Stood Still as I do about Metropolis. Not that it's not a great film but it's a film that I can actually see updating. It's not a "masterpiece" of cinema in the same way that Metropolis is.
Kevin
No but it is considered by many one of the quintissential Science Fiction movies of all time. Plus the message would need slight updating.....it was definitely a statement on the Cold War (or not so cold as Korea was gearing up) and mutually assured destruction etc.
I don't know I just someone in Hollywood would come up with an original idea....or at least pick a book that hasn't been made into a movie yet.