Regarding the remake of Cape Fear, I’d actually go further in my criticism; it’s almost a cartoon when compared with Thompson’s movie.
I think it’s one of Sorsese’s least artistic films, and I agree a lot of that is down to the casting and the slight shift in emphasis. DeNiro is little more than a caricature and consequently lacks any real menace – he’s not the real person that Mitchum was. I think the choice of Nolte, and the way his role was written, was questionable, and not just because he didn’t have the legacy of Peck to back him up. The script’s attempts to paint him in a more morally ambiguous light weakens the character too much.
In truth, I think the best thing about the remake was the use of Herrmann’s original score.
I agree completely, especially about your comment on Nolte’s character. It’s one of Scorsese’s worst films, along with Shutter Island I believe, where he attempted to do something stylistic again and pay homage to his favorite filmmakers.
I’d need to sit down and watch Shutter Island again before commenting too much on it. From what I remember of seeing it in the cinema, I would have said it was a better film than Cape Fear – it’s certainly highly derivative but at least has the benefit of not being a remake and faring poorly when compared to the original.
Perhaps one day I’ll have the curiosity, be desperate enough, or must the courage to watch it again too. I’m posting more video blogs today, Colin. I hope you’ll watch them.
Regarding the remake of Cape Fear, I’d actually go further in my criticism; it’s almost a cartoon when compared with Thompson’s movie.
I think it’s one of Sorsese’s least artistic films, and I agree a lot of that is down to the casting and the slight shift in emphasis. DeNiro is little more than a caricature and consequently lacks any real menace – he’s not the real person that Mitchum was. I think the choice of Nolte, and the way his role was written, was questionable, and not just because he didn’t have the legacy of Peck to back him up. The script’s attempts to paint him in a more morally ambiguous light weakens the character too much.
In truth, I think the best thing about the remake was the use of Herrmann’s original score.
Comment by Colin — October 27, 2012 @ 9:49 pm
Hey Colin,
I agree completely, especially about your comment on Nolte’s character. It’s one of Scorsese’s worst films, along with Shutter Island I believe, where he attempted to do something stylistic again and pay homage to his favorite filmmakers.
Comment by gustravis — November 1, 2012 @ 1:21 pm
I’d need to sit down and watch Shutter Island again before commenting too much on it. From what I remember of seeing it in the cinema, I would have said it was a better film than Cape Fear – it’s certainly highly derivative but at least has the benefit of not being a remake and faring poorly when compared to the original.
Comment by Colin — November 1, 2012 @ 1:29 pm
Perhaps one day I’ll have the curiosity, be desperate enough, or must the courage to watch it again too. I’m posting more video blogs today, Colin. I hope you’ll watch them.
Comment by gustravis — November 18, 2012 @ 4:23 pm