Remakers Mark

In part one of our discussion of the 1973 caper classic The Sting, we take on the far-from-easy task of recasting major and minor roles alike, including replacing Paul Newman and Robert Redford. Along the way we reveal our 30’s-era gangster nicknames, mix up Gondorf and Gandalf repeatedly, utter the phrase ‘Hooker’s Impatient Yang’, invent several new ways to refer to a well dressed man (suavarino?) and, somehow, bring up Dikembe Mutombo.

The Sting

Actors and Actresses Discussed

Movies and Links Discussed

In part two of our discussion of ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai‘, we first reveal who we picked as the best recasting choices, as well as listed feedback received from Facebook and Twitter. Then we tackle a wide range of topics, including the changes we would like to see in the portrayals of both Nicholson and Saito, the strangeness of both of their behavior throughout the film, and our being pleasantly surprised at the cultural sensitivity shown in the film (considering it was made in 1957). We also discussed some filmmaking changes we would like to see in a remake, including both an appreciation for the original’s epic nature, and a proposed tightening/shortening with that in mind (montages, anyone?), as well as raising the stakes in the POW camp from the get-go. Finally, history junkie Mark discusses some alternate times and settings that could be used for such a remake.

The Bridge on the River Kwai

Actors, Actresses, and Directors Discussed

Links and Movies/TV Shows Discussed

In part one of our discussion of the classic war film ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’, we tackle recasting major and minor roles alike, and along the way, talk about our favorite racist beers, mutton chops, pragmatism vs. going crazy, and Voldemort’s bridge building skills.

The Bridge on the River Kwai

Actors, Actresses, and Directors Discussed

Links and Movies/TV Shows Discussed

In part two of our discussion of ‘Rear Window’, which might be the best candidate yet for a modern remake, we talk about how many of us found the suspense in the original a bit lacking, and how we could improve that in this remake. Given the recent revelations regarding the NSA’s ahem “role” in our daily lives, we talk about whether that could come into play at all. We also talk about how setting our remake in today’s age could be different with the role Twitter and Facebook might have in such a case, with social media being used in a modern ‘boy who cried wolf’ scenario. That then spirals into a lovely discussion of new media vs. old media, and how the nature of the word ‘stalking’ has changed significantly thanks to how and where people share information. We wrap up with a discussion of misogyny in Rear Window (and other Hitchcock movies), and, finally, we touch on other movies inspired by Rear Window in ‘Been There, Done That’.

Rear Window

Actors and Actresses Discussed

Links, Shows, and Movies Discussed

Next Episode’s Movie – The Bridge on the River Kwai

In this first part of our discussion of Alfred Hitchcock’s beloved voyeuristic thriller Rear Window, we tackle who we would re-cast in the five major roles, were it re-made today. Along the way we contemplate the wily-ness of the Lars Thorwald character (as well as Raymond Burr’s hair-do in the original), give great respect to Grace Kelly’s ability to seemingly float, never touching the ground when she walks, and finally, talk about the goods and the bads of Jimmy Stewart’s performance.

OH, and we manage to go the entire episode without any of us doing a Jimmy Stewart impression, which is no small feat, I’ll have you know.

Rear Window

Actors and Actresses Discussed

Links, Shows, and Movies Discussed