Ways to save this
Ok, first let me express my fanboy loyalty and my disapproval for remakes in general, and this one in special, especially regarding the fact no one bothered to inform Argento, let alone ask for permission.
But let's face it folks, this one's likely to happen and there ain't no petition to stop it. So as much as I'm inclined to paint it black, I still clinge to hope this won't be one of the remakes that look more like a spoof on the original than anything else.
I've been trying to figure out ways to keep this from becoming a total disgrace and realized that some decisions might have already planted rays of hope. Among them:
1.) Casting an Italian director
This shows at least some respect for so called "world cinema" and it's strengths. At least it's not going to be another "American remake of a foreign film". Which leads to...
2.) Keeping the original setting
Germany in the 1970s to be precise. Time and place are essential components of this movie, unthinkable to have it set in present day America. It's all about that euro feel.
3.) Giving nods to the original.
Which has already happened with casting Jessica Harper. Hard to deny this makes us at least somewhat curious what here role might be.
So far for what we know. But what else would be necessary to make this a dignified reimagining? A few thoughts from me:
4.) Keep the original score
Or a slightly modified version. The Suspiria theme has always reminded of something that would come from an old music box. I could really see using one as a McGuffin, maybe with a spinning ballerina figurine? This would be a great chance to turn the soundtrack into diegetic music, which isn't too far from "reality" as they actually played the music on set to let the cast interact with it.
5.) Don't overexplain
Remakes, reboots, prequels. They all tend to answer questions we never asked. What makes many of these simple stories great, is the underlying mystery to them. Adding a complex backstory to each character and trying to forcefully fill all the gaps keeps the viewers from using their imagination. So if you want to shed light on certain story aspects, do so with caution. Please leave something of the mystery.
That's pretty much of what I wish for in this movie. Can anyone think of other ways to save this project? (Besides that it should never be made)