It's Michael Rennie vs. Keanu Reeves for The Day the Earth Stood Still.
Rennie played Klaatu, an alien visitor that has a dire message for the people of the earth. He was a sympathetic character that, even though was alien, had a sense of humanity to him. He saw potential in the human race but acted sternly when he told the world that our petty wars would eventually lead to space...and if it did "the world would be reduced to a burned out cinder." This was a great socio-political conscience movie as the Cold War had begun and the threat of nuclear annihilation was real.
Fifty seven years later this epic movie that started the UFO movie revolution in the 1950s is now being remade. Keanu Reeves is filling the shoes of Rennie portraying Klaatu in a more emotionless way. From what we've seen in the trailers, Reeve's Klaatu is more alien, sinister and dangerous. I really can't critique this movie as it won't come out for the next two weeks but from what I've seen it can either be really good or really bad. I'm hoping for something really good but we all know, remakes are disappointing most of the time. Klaatu's robot Gort remains unchanged in this version although it does get the CGI treatment. The newest addition to the Day the Earth Stood Still is the cloud that disinegrates everything it touches. This is a new and far more menacing threat. I understand that the remake must up the ante and make things that much more dire than the original, but honestly, the original proved its point without losing the humanity it so richly displayed.
The Day the Earth Stood Still is one of my REQUIRED VIEWING films! If you have never seen the original now is the time to do so before the remake comes out. Once you see the original you can decide which was the more superior.
At this moment, on the eve of the remake's opening, I have Michael Rennie leading over Keanu Reeves. What do you think?
Finally, "Klaatu Barata Nikto" will have a new meaning for you after viewing the original and hopefully the remake.
Mike
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1 comment:
Mike,
Very thought provoking post. I am waiting, as you are, for this remake. Rennie was masterful as the alien. I guess we have to be fair to Keanu. This is a separate movie from the original and has to be judged on its own merits. On the other hand, since it is a remake we can't help but compare it the original. My friend Ed is a big fan of the original movie. I hope he comments on your post. He should have an interesting take on things.
Bob
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