Top 10 "Re-Imaginings"

As promised, there's newer content on its way and more Top 10s is part of that. So, I felt that with the recent success of Quentin Tarantino's recent picture, Django Unchained, I thought I should investigate decent re-imaginings.

Okay, Django Unchained is very tenuously linked to the original series of films, but that's the point. The idea of a good re-imagining is that it takes inspiration from its source material, using sometimes just a core structure of the story and characters, and birthing a unique tale in its own right (except in a couple of examples, as you'll see below). The original and new equivalent could have some of the same DNA but are separated by era's, characters, genre and even title.

To explain the concept, take the film Pretty Woman. Some people are not aware that it is a re-imagining of one of William Shakespeare's most popular plays, The Taming Of The Shrew. Absorbing the core plot and premise but completely re-establishing it's own identity in the modern day, it's a fine example of a re-imagining done well (except, it just missed out to a superior pair of versions included in our top ten).

The criteria: No direct adaptations or re-adaptations; no parodies, as they are not re-imaginings but humorous re-do's; certainly no remakes; no comic book conversions, as it's easy to say they are all re-imaginings in their own right, where really they are technically adaptations (the new Batman films don't count, for example, as they take a lot from the source material, and are really just reboots). Really, they have to have more to do with the original source than just a name. However, they can take influence from different forms of media, covering TV, Film or Scripture. Oh yeah...and spin-offs don't count either!

WARNING! Some major spoilers ahead...

10. The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

Many attempts have been made to tell the epic tale of The Journey To The West (Monkey! being a favourite) but this recent take on the classic saga not only modernises some of the familiar characters but highlights some of the untapped comedy chops of kung fu legend, Jet Li, as the Monkey King. More from the perspective of a character sharing a name with the infamous monk Tripitaka (in this case Jason Tripitikas), it's a comical approach to the source material.

9. Easy A (2010)

Emma Stone really made her mark in this alternative take on Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 novel, The Scarlet Letter. A prime example of when lies can grow uncontrollably, Stone establishes her comedic talents as the girl who told a little white fib about losing her virginity, only to regret the consquences. A nice nod to original book, the red "A" on her clothing, representing her "punishment/status" for her supposed conquest.

  

8. Natural Born Killers (1994)

Oliver Stone was admittedly inspired by Arthur Penn's romantic buddy film, Bonnie & Clyde when filming Tarantino's script. Not only did he create a modern equivalent of the duo in Mickey & Mallory Knox, but homaged Penn's famous death scene. The shooting of Bonnie & Clyde used innovative techniques at the time, with multiple camera angles & alternating speeds, Stone nodding to this by using similar methods throughout what he refers to as "his road movie".

7. Splice (2009)

There are many versions of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Splice takes only notes from the original story, following the template of a scientist out of his depth, lacking the control he believes he has. A result of splicing DNA of different species, Dren displays all properties of her base genetics with some surprises. Natali's inspired tale is a dissection of questions thrown at modern science & its controversial methods.

6. 21 Jump Street (2012)

Little was expected of a re-imagination of the late 80s show that launched Johnny Depp, so it was a refreshing surprise when we were presented with this genuinely hilarious romp. Refreshed for the modern day school kids, the role reversal of our two leads is the perfect impetus for numerous pranks and plot developments. Plus, the hilarious cameos from Depp and fellow actor Peter DeLuise as older versions of their original TV characters adds a nice comedic cherry on top!

5. The Truman Show (1998)

Many tales have referenced The Twilight Zone, but non more beautifully realised than Peter Weir's attempt. Inspired by the episode "Special Service", Jim Carrey proved he was more than a clown by playing the touching role of Truman Burbank: a man so delightfully ignorant of his town-sized Big Brother cage. Never has a film tapped so deeply into the raw desire to escape life's trappings than this sweet story of a man who just wants to explore.

4. My Fair Lady (1964) / Pygmalion (1938)

This is sort of an adaptation being based on Shaw's 1912 play, but the overall plots of all versions including the original are re-imagined from Shakespeare's The Taming Of The Shrew. Taking the premise of conditioning a woman to be a bride, it draws on the comical aspects of altering someone's class instead, as cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle must pass as a duchess at a main ambassadorial event. My Fair Lady is the almost identical musical equivalent but is included due to the breathtaking performance from Audrey Hepburn.

3. Star Trek (2009)

On paper, it's technically a re-boot but can also be classed as a re-imagining due to its brave approach of an alternative time-line and fresh takes on some of the characters. Further Star Trek adventures will belong to a different universe now, so any new tales can be followed without impeding on the historical cannon. With an injection humour and excitement this is an example of when a take on an established franchise shines on an exemplary level. 

2. Throne Of Blood (1957)

One of the greatest of Kurosawa's masterpieces, this is the most dramatic & moody version of Macbeth you are ever likely to see. Extracting the narrative and characters of the famed Scottish play and placing them into feudal japan, the transposition of the story exudes from its new setting. If you are new to Kurosawa but not partial to samurai epics, this may be a better introduction to his work, especially if you are familiar with Macbeth.

And the winner is...

1. Star Wars (1977)

Many forget that this behemoth space opera was in fact inspired by a picture from the helmer of out no.2 slot, Kurosawa. George Lucas was inspired by the comical and unique story of one of Akira's other greats, The Hidden Fortress.

There are many references that you can pick up on from watching Kurosawa enchanting piece: the need to locate a princess hidden away; the "Hidden Fortress" a foreseeing allegory for the Death Star; the hunt for treasure to restore the clan becoming the hunt for the Death Star plans to prevent the end of the rebellion... even a scene where the General is convincing guards to let through a border that is mirrored in Mos Eisley with Obi Wan Kenobi ("These aren't the droids you are looking for").

But the most definitive inspiration taking from The Hidden Fortress is the technique of telling the story from the perspective of the lesser characters. In the original they are the two peasants, constantly bickering, but we know them in Star Wars as C3P0 and R2D2...who are constantly bickering! It's these two iconic characters that hold the whole SW galactic glue together, and they are an homage to characters a lot less likeable in the Kurosawa's piece. But there are still likenesses to be drawn from, especially in one key moment in the beginning of The Hidden Fortress when the peasants have an argument and are separated. Their re-union occurs when captured by another group in an elating moment to see each other again, just like our favourite droids storming off in different directions, only to be captured by the Jawas in the "R2, it is you!" scene.

But let it be said, one of the most important movies of modern cinema did not steal from this foreign classic...it purely took reference and essence from it's predecessor to be re-crafted into a glorious monument of sci-fi glory, and is clearly grateful for that privilege...and Kurosawa's technique of screen wipes!

Just missed out: Pretty Woman, Disturbia, Cruel Intentions, Hook, West Side Story

If you disagree, and have other suggestions, please post comments at the bottom of the post. Or, email me directly on topten@filmbore.co.uk.

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