MovieChat Forums > The Grapes of Wrath (1940) Discussion > Can Grapes be remade?

Can Grapes be remade?

posted 13 years ago by bobloblaw917
38 replies | jump to latest

I've often wondered why Grapes of Wrath hasn't been remade. Perhaps many directors, producers, et al feel like that the original movie cannot be improved upon, and I can understand that. The original is an outstanding film but was made at about the same time the book was written. Perhaps this is why a remake hasn't been attempted because the thought is, it cannot be made better. I think that this story needs to be told to another generation that will NOT take the time to read a book OR watch an old black and white movie. My point is, I do beleive that we have some talented directors who could pull this off. The Coen Brothers come to mind. If anyone could direct and cast a remake of this film, Joel and Ethan Coen would be the guys I'd vote for. I wonder if they would ever consider it???

[–] Wolfbrother1983 10 years ago

Since when did "Can't improve upon it" ever stop a film from being remade?

This could be remade (poorly).

"America isn't ready for a gay, mexican chicken sandwich" - Poultrygeist

[–] 10 years ago

[deleted]

[–] MissMargoChanning 9 years ago

I don't think it's such a bad idea. Look what Gary Sinise did with his re make of, Of Mice and Men!

"Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night"

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] tawna_e 9 years ago

I recently read the book and just watched the movie, and the same idea occurred to me. A remake would be good if it would stay more true to the story, plus modern special effects could add scenes from the book that were not in the original movie. I imagine the Hoover town being set ablaze, and rain flooding the cotton camp near the end of the story.

[–] lisajohn-4 9 years ago

Frankly, I can see both sides of the argument. I was also reminded of Gary Sinise's "Of Mice and Men" which I thought was well done.

Yes, the Coen brothers would be a good choice. I love Spike Lee and Malick, but I think they would twist or politicize it. Yves Simoneau could be good ....I think he is a good story-teller. Kathy Bates would be fantastic as Ma Joad!

It would be very hard to do. Someone is going to complain about something....trying to be politically correct, or too revisionist, or trying to popularize the story with sex, CGI, violence, or trying to make it "relatable" to modern audiences, etc. It gets down to goals and who is providing the money. Do they want to tell a story (art) or make a bunch of money (the usual studio MO). It would take a fearless leader, with power and money and vision and heart to do this. Still, they would take some flak from some direction. Maybe Spielberg or Hanks ....they have the power and money to do whatever they want. Still, I would love to see what the Coen brothers would do with this ... they are fearless. I love what they do.

[–] goldenskies 8 years ago

One thing that would be lost is the freshness of it. This movie was filmed not long after the Dust Bowl. Route 66 looked like that because they were still traveling on it to California. It was so current when it was made that the director paid people to travel with the filming of the movie. Hollywood could certainly recreate it but it's important to remember when you're watching this movie that the locations you see were very recent and "of the time".

[–] aidankost 7 years ago

Most movies that are remade couldn't have been improved upon, but a**hole directors still copy other director's work to make money. Of course, there are very few exceptions(Cape Fear, The Departed, etc.). The point, I have no idea why it hasn't yet been remade, but thank God it hasn't.

[–] aidankost 7 years ago