'WICKER MAN' Remake - It's... Different

[Scott W. Davis]

As Robin Hardy plans his anticipated pseudo-sequel to THE WICKER MAN called THE RIDING OF THE LADDIE, the Hollywood remake is finally getting some press.

The new WICKER MAN is being helmed by Neil LaBute (IN THE COMPANY OF MEN, NURSE BETTY) and stars Nicholas Cage. Now LaBute has talked to Cindy Pearlman of the about his take on the project. To say it differs from the original is an understatement.

For one thing, he's moving the story from the strange English island of pagans to America. Nicholas Cage plays the part originated by Edward Woodward. Instead of Christopher Lee's pagans, Cage finds a matriarchal society of women descended from the pilgrims. The women will be aged 10-50. None of the women have been cast, but LaBute throws around the names of Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie in the article.

[JohnShaft]

Wow, way for them to totally fuck with the original idea.

I must admit I'd be as rabid about this being remade as many would be about DAWN OF THE DEAD. It is one of those films I've had a soft spot for from a very young age.

I'd be pretty suprised if Cage's character doesn't fuck his way through the island (well with Ryder and Jolie on there I'm sure I would! :devil: ) but that is just the antithesis of the original.

I also hadn't heard anything of THE RIDING OF THE LADDIE, which sounds like a similar bonkfest :P

[Scott W. Davis]

RIDING OF THE LADDIE which sounds like a Scottish porn film, is at least done with the participation of Robin Hardy and Christopher Lee. It is not a sequel in the strictest sense but is definitely a loose follow-up.

But this WICKER MAN remake, it just sounds horrible. And I'm not even most upset with Nicholas Cage. He's just there. I'm upset with the writers and director Neil LaBute. I did not like IN THE COMPANY OF MEN or YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS. Showing the cruelty between genders is a good theme for a movie, but I thought he amplified everything to ridiculous proportions. I couldn't even enjoy YF&N and it has the Goddess Nastassja in it! I did however like NURSE BETTY (which he didn't write) a great deal and I am extremely curious to see POSESSION.

One thing's for sure - he's going to have to get Aaron Eckhart in there somewhere. It's like a law with him.
:D

[JohnShaft]

Ah. Good. A bit more encouraged now Scott. At least with RIDING OF THE LADDIE.

I echo your thoughts on the remake though. I've never had a problem with Nicholas Cage, he's fine in my book. But the direction this 'remake' will take is distinctly troubling.

I'll definitely be watching out for this one.

[whataboutbilly]

This has to be one of the stupidest and mindnumbing remakes ever,to rework the original so much is idiotic they should have kept some more of the original in it.I am a huge fan of Nicholas Cage and he can be an outstanding actor but here he seems lost and just going through the motions perhaps even disinterested in what he is doing,sad chapter to a great career.I guess I will give him an E for Effort just to be nice about it.

[Chris_Morey]

You know I actually liked the movie Wicker Man. Most people I know don't like it at all, but bah!

[MystMoonstruck]

By now, we know what an atrocity the remake is and can be grateful that it bombed. What a horrendous experience that single viewing was! I'm not sure I'll ever be able to watch it again, but I might relent.

As for the original: It would have taken an amazing "reimagining" to match this one, let alone topple it. It's still safely among the most remarkable thrillers ever made. My one problem is that I have yet to see a version that includes both of his nights on the island. The one USA showed ages ago had the virgin deflowering scene. The version TCM shows has the attempted seduction. I suppose the DVD might have both, but I've never managed to get a copy of it.

The original has such a wonderful soundtrack. I don't recall that of the remake, so I won't pass judgment. The rest was so awful that it's likely the greatest of music might have been lost as I was reeling from the cinematic wreck.


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