MovieChat Forums > Billy Budd (1962) Discussion > Isn't it time for a new adaptation?

Isn't it time for a new adaptation?

posted 15 years ago by Conspirator_Slash
10 replies | jump to latest

Although this movie is nearly perfect, long time has passed since it and the novel definitely would need a new adaptation. So people would discover both ther book and the old film. Of course, it shall be kept a psychologigal drama, and shall not be turned into a sea adventure.

What would be your dream cast for a new movie?

I'd love Robert Lindsay (Pellew from Hornblower) for Vere. He's just "that type". A father to his men, but strict when comes to the Articles of War.

For Billy, no idea. A newcomer like Terence was. It would hard to find him, but I'm sure it's possible. Ustinov found Stamp. Dreyer found Mlle Falconetti. Innocence exists.

For Claggart: too bad Alan Rickman is too old. Yes, he is, although he can look younger. But he doesn't look 30-something as Snape either, and Claggart is about 35...
Javier Bardem could easily handle the chaotic evil thing, but I think it's important that Claggart is pale, and Bardem is just too healthy-looking.
i somehow suspect the part would land in Christian Bale's hands, who's definitely good, but could he be super evil?

For Dansker, well... there are many veteran actors who could play him perfectly...

For Squeak: please, please, Timothy Spall! No-one does rats like him. :D

And Stamp needs a good cameo. He truly deserves it.

Starry Vere, God bless you!

[–] lastmidnite2 14 years ago

sorry, but I don't understand why the novel "needs" a new adaptation if this one is so good. Let younger viewers discover the magic of black and white photography and let's stop pandering to people who want constant remakes.

[–] willjohn 14 years ago

I would prefer there was no remake. I had no problem with the original movie and would not like the pseuds to get hold of it.

[–] sampafelipe 14 years ago

more likely than not the new version would be set in outer space and CGI would run the show. sometimes a classic needs to be left as the gem that it is. i know people who refuse to watch black and white movies; it's their loss!

but it's fun to cast a speculative remake; bale was pretty evil in american psycho...

[–] Meinster 14 years ago

I too hope there is no remake. I can just imagine them introducing superfluous female characters (in flashbacks, if necessary) so they can get a love interest in. Alternatively, they would go way overboard with the homoerotic angle and probably have Billy and Claggart in bed together. And then the floggings would be shown in gruesome close-up, and we would have to find room for plenty of obscene language.
A recipe for disaster. I do not understand the remake mentality of today: 'I love this film, so I hope they remake it.' It's like saying, 'oh, I love this classic novel. I wish somebody would re-write it!'

[–] dslacker 12 years ago

Absolutely agree - no need for a remake. And Bale is a great actor who would undoubtedly shine as the evil Master of Arms.

[–] Conspirator_Slash 14 years ago

Calling a book adaptation "remake" is ridiculous. BB was filmed before for TV, with William Shatner (yes, THAT Shatner). And it's performed on stage 2-3 places per year on average. Nearing to the Britten centenary this will increase.

The cinematography is beautiful and I don't think anyone could come close to Robert Ryan's chilling performance but I just can't have enough of BB. I own 4 opera dvd's beside this one and always want more and more.

I really want a better Vere. Ustinov was really great but not an aristocrat and not a dreamer. When I imagine Vere, I see someone like a young Max von Sydow or Jeremy Irons.

Starry Vere, God bless you!

[–] lilianxiao0-829-516922 13 years ago

I hope there is a remake.

[–] rondine 12 years ago

Personally, I hope there ISN'T a remake because of what someone else already suggested. If they did a remake, somehow they would work women & a love story into it and I'm sure they would find a way to make it into some kind of love triangle or some other asinine thing. If you do that, then it wouldn't be Billy Budd any more. This movie (which I too like better than the book) is really perfect already.

I too sometimes speculate on who would be cast IF it was remade, but I have to say, this is one where I cannot imagine anyone else in each role.

[–] jellyree 10 years ago

You've got your answer and I'm so pleased I'll no longer be reading any of your posts.

[–] berzelmayr 7 years ago

Vere: Richard Armitage
Billy: Alex Lawther
Claggart: Joseph Gilgun
Dansker: Lars Mikkelsen
Squeak: Stephen Graham