Thursday, December 08, 2005
It's A Wonderful Life
Although this topic has probably been done to death all over the 'net, I have to speak on it, since I saw It's A Wonderful Life last nite. For anyone who hsan't seen the film, I would reccomend it. It is overly senitmental and sappy, but beneath that there's a lot of good theme work going on in the film, and although it is overt it is done well by a very talented cast. James Stuart is magnificent, really. A fantastic actor.
Does anyone else feel that this movie is seriously flawed in that Mr. Potter gets away with stealing $8k from the Baileys? He wheels away at the end of the film $8k richer; what's up with that? Uncle Bailey, what the hell were you thinking? I think that this was a big plot hole that screams to be resolved. But it isn't. Leaves an unsettled feeling in your stomach.
I was thinking about how if this film had been remade recently what changes we might see:
Although this topic has probably been done to death all over the 'net, I have to speak on it, since I saw It's A Wonderful Life last nite. For anyone who hsan't seen the film, I would reccomend it. It is overly senitmental and sappy, but beneath that there's a lot of good theme work going on in the film, and although it is overt it is done well by a very talented cast. James Stuart is magnificent, really. A fantastic actor.
Does anyone else feel that this movie is seriously flawed in that Mr. Potter gets away with stealing $8k from the Baileys? He wheels away at the end of the film $8k richer; what's up with that? Uncle Bailey, what the hell were you thinking? I think that this was a big plot hole that screams to be resolved. But it isn't. Leaves an unsettled feeling in your stomach.
I was thinking about how if this film had been remade recently what changes we might see:
- Women would be featured in more prominent roles other than old maid, mother and possible prostitute.
This was one of my biggest hang-ups with the film. Women are so supporting cast here. Violet is a tart, but not an empowered one. She has to get George Bailey's loan to go to New York (?). In the alternative reality she was a dancer being arrested, so go figure. Arguably the black maid is the strongest female character, which is a whole discussion waiting to happen.
- Minorities would be featured as something other than maids, piano players, etc.
The only black people I saw were the maid and a piano player in the alternate reality when Martini's becomes Nick's. Martini is an Italian immigrant and today I don't know if a remake would be able to shy away from something mob-related for him, since that topic is hot, hot, hot ever since the Sopranos aired. I think it would probably feature an Asian or two as well, which would be nice. Perhaps a Latino?
- Sex would probably play a larger role in the film.
Hollywood is all kiss, kiss, bang, bang today. There'd definitely be more sex. George would be tempted by Violet, or we'd have more graphic portrayal of lewdness in the alternate reality Bedford Falls. Maybe they'd link Violet to Mr. Potter in some sort of twisted power for sex plot. Hmmm ...
- Mr. Potter would be an even bigger asshole.
Not to say he wasn't already in this film, but we'd be given a look into his despicable nature. He'd probably hit some kid with his car or kill a puppy or something. Maybe he'd be involved with shady political financing. Something. We would definitely be given the old "power/money = bad news" schtick.
¶ 1:51 PM
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I adore this movie. I watch it no less than 3 times per holiday season. I agree 100% with your conclusions. Yes, I could pick it apart to death but the exstential dilemma is so profoundly touching that we can forgive its faults.
I think that if this movie was created today, in 2005, the main character might be a woman working through the same life moment as the male in the original. Am I being too optimistic?
Katie
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I think that if this movie was created today, in 2005, the main character might be a woman working through the same life moment as the male in the original. Am I being too optimistic?
Katie
# posted by 
: 7:10 PM
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