Spielberg and Smith Project
A chance for Steven Spielberg and Will Smith to work together would be fantastic. They both hold their own brilliantly. Together would be a lava flow. Variety just reported that the two are in discussions to collaborate on a remake of Chan-wook Park’s Oldboy. The film won Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.
DreamWorks is working on securing the remake rights, and the new film will be distributed by Universal.
In the 2003 Korean original, which is a second installment of The Vengeance Trilogy, a man gets kidnapped and held in a shabby cell for 15 years without explanation. Suddenly, he’s released and given money, a cell phone and clothes and is set on a path to discover who destroyed his life so he can take revenge.
Spielberg would like to take this opportunity to make a film with Smith, who would play the kidnapped man if all the pieces fall into place. Spielberg is looking for a writer to begin the process of putting the production together.
This is a terrible, terrible idea. Oldboy is one of the best modern films around. But most, importantly, it deals with disturbing issues in a serious, dramatic manner, without being sensational.
This film won’t work in the US. It deals with issues like incest and other inappropriate ways. And not only that, it’s direction was very impressive, boasting one of the best action sequences in years.
There is no way Spielberg can work his magic on this. And any sanitised Hollywood version will sterilise the risque story. This is a terrible, terrible idea, and while it would be nice to see Smith and spielberg work together, not on this project. It doesn’t suit the wholesomeness of either director or actor
Eoin,
Good points. I can see what you mean. It’ll be tough write for the writer or writers who try to pull it off. Spielberg has the money to give the writer a shot at it. It won’t be the first time he’s shelved a script.
Pingback: QuickPicks - DigitalBattle.com