MovieChat Forums > Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) Discussion > Remake 'The Birdman'

Remake 'The Birdman'

posted 15 years ago by urbisoler-1
15 replies | jump to latest

I recently saw this film again and decided to do a bit of research on Stroud. After having done so I now suggest that this film cries out to be remade. It is a farce and a travesty. Stroud was a murderous thug, manipulative, violent and was extremely fortunate that he was not put to death as was his original punishment for his crimes. His free-flying birds made a disease-prone mess of Stroud and his cell. The film is based on a book by Thomas Gaddis, a sympathetic portrayal of Stroud equally deserving of our condemnation. Why can't Hollywood get anything right?

[–] dantheloyalroyal 15 years ago

It was a personal project of Lancaster to show his views on the prison system. Why would he want to position the audience against the main protagonist?

HTH

[–] electrictroy 7 years ago

That's okay but he should have man his character fictional, rather than pick a real life person who was violent.

[–] mike-1730 15 years ago

Nobody is perfect.

[–] Pharmacist-1 12 years ago

I am.

[–] smokehill retrievers 14 years ago

They'll never do that, because the "progressive" leftists in Hollywood are perfectly happy with the propaganda message Lancaster portrayed in this film.

Guards & Wardens -- BAD
All Prisoners -- GOOD

It's a formula they've found that sells well, and it feeds their egos as well.

[–] marktayloruk 14 years ago

Stroud was rehabilitated but wouldn't crawl-the victim of vindictive and paranoid bureaucrats like Bennett.

[–] snsurone 13 years ago

It'll never be remade because none of the pouty pretty-boys of today's Hollywood even comes close to having the acting chops of a Burt Lancaster, a Telly Savalas, a Karl Malden, etc.
And that brilliant "film noir" photography would be replaced by damned computer effects!

Bite your tongue for even THINKING "remake".

[–] Pharmacist-1 12 years ago

I totally agree with you. Bravo!
It feels good to tell the truth.

[–] amer9001 11 years ago

Totally agree !! Burt was perfect, he didn't say much in many long scenes yet I didn't feel not for a moment that I am bored !! who can do this from todays pretty boys?! the only one I think can and might be good to play this role is Russell Crowe.. But I doubt that he will be near the perfection of Burt's performance!!

[–] noveltylibrary 11 years ago

the only reason i don't agree is i don't care about a no-good thug and his birds. burt i liked.

[–] amer9001 10 years ago

If someone can make a list of movies that are impossible to remake, I think this one might look like one of those movies impossible to currently remake, for tons of reasons.

1- Such movies do not sell tickets no more -no production value $-.
2- No one can even get close to the perfect performance by Burt, I mean who would play him?
3- Its magical in B/W and only in B/W.

I loved it, a great film.
Also, the movies showed that if you do a crime you will pay for it, I don't see how that delivers the wrong message, counting the hours and minutes and going nowhere, being sent to life in prison, seeing how they became so attached to the Canaries, its all sad and it makes anyone sane think twice before committing a crime!! the movies showed us that in the blackest way possible..

Thats my opinion..

[–] valis1984 9 years ago

Birdman of Alcatraz is not a documentary. One does not learn history by watching feature films but we may, if lucky, be entertained.

"Everyone is ignorant, only on different subjects". Will Rogers (1879-1935)

[–] whitesheik 9 years ago

Oh, someone's been reading Wikipedia. The line about Stroud being one of the most violent criminals in the history of the penal system simply is not supported by the facts. Sorry.

[–] Boliwill 9 years ago

Should be titled "Birdman Of Leavenworth"

[–] doobienick 7 years ago

Jeebus, another remake moron. Why can't you people leave great, classic movies alone.

I spend my money on dope, sex and cheap thrills.
The rest of it, I waste.