MovieChat Forums > Two of a Kind Discussion > I never recommend remakes... (SPOILERS)

I never recommend remakes... (SPOILERS)

posted 13 years ago by mnoe
5 replies | jump to latest

...since they are usually clumsy botches of better (sometimes classic) films. And this premise of a "long-lost heir" con game isn't exactly unique in fiction.

But, as at least one of the user reviews points out, this movie had the potential to be a terrific noir of the darkest kind. But it went sappy on us.

First with the introduction of the (frankly) irritating young debutante ditz of a niece, then with that niece deciding to "tame" someone she presumes has broken into her house to rape her (as though a rapist is a pet!), then with the unbelievably "happy" ending.

I'm not suggesting the old man had to die to make this a true noir, but does anyone else feel a nice neo-noir could be made with the darker elements that remain if (at least) poor Terry Moore's goofy role were excised?

last 2 dvds: Loong Boonmee raleuk chat (2010) & I Need That Record! (2008)

[–] directorscut 13 years ago

It's not a noir. Why set it against a set of standards it had no intention of following?

So sezeth I, so sezeth the world.

[–] mnoe 13 years ago

It's not a noir. Why set it against a set of standards it had no intention of following?

No filmmakers of the time set out to "follow a set of standards" to produce a noir, since it is a retroactively-designated "genre" or set of criteria.

It is listed as a noir on this site. Not extremely convincing, I know, but TSPDT also has it on their expansive list of "More American Noir" among "films [that] contain strong film noir elements."

In any case, the point of my post was that it COULD HAVE BEEN a good noir, and that it could be MADE into a fine neo-noir if some of the less convincing/more irritating characters/plot devices were eliminated. I stand by this, whether anyone should consider the original to be noir or not.

last 2 dvds: The Set-Up (1949) & If God Is Willing and da Creek Don't Rise (2010)

[–] Xcalat3 12 years ago

No filmmakers of the time set out to "follow a set of standards" to produce a noir, since it is a retroactively-designated "genre" or set of criteria.

good point.

When there's no more room in hell, The dead will walk the earth...

[–] funkyfry 10 years ago

I think this film was intended to be darkly humorous, and the element of the spoiled socialite who fantasizes about dangerous men (Terry Moore's character) was one of the best bits in the film. Considering how ridiculous the premise of the film really is, I don't think the material would hold up to a more serous treatment.

Did I not love him, Cooch? MY OWN FLESH I DIDN'T LOVE BETTER!!! But he had to say 'Nooooooooo'

[–] franzkabuki 9 years ago

Yes, the Terry Moore character is unbelievable, silly and annoying - a major flaw in the film and one that makes it hard to take the whole thing seriously. Also, after a promising set-up, the film kind of fizzles out in the end with not enough drama or suspense. It's still a decent one, but could have been more (and yes, I do think it more or less qualifies as a noir and it does attempt to be a serious film).

"facts are stupid things" Ronald Reagan