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The Squatter of Amon Rûdh · 09-19-2006, 08:21 AM

Can't Peter Jackson find any new screenplays to direct? It seems that apart from LotR everything he's done recently has been a re-make of an existing film. As for The Dam Busters, I don't see a reason to film it again. Fair enough, the special effects were terrible by modern standards; but the script, the acting and the cinematography were all spot on, and it was much easier in those days to lay one's hands on authentic equipment. This looks to me like a continuation of lazy Hollywood film-making, which prefers to re-hash an established classic in an attempt to revive some of its profitability.

I must say that the name of Guy Gibson's dog is going to be a real poser for any modern production team. More difficult still is the fact that the original code word for the complete destruction of one of the dams was the same word, which isn't one which anyone will be able to get away with using. Another issue is that this will inevitably revive all the controversy about Sir Arthur Harris and his subordinates in Bomber Command, who are already anathema to many people in their own country. All in all, the spirit of the original film is one that will be very difficult to recapture, and I'm unsure of the wisdom of attempting it. What I would like to see is a completely new film about Operation Chastise, based on a new screenplay, that gives a contemporary view of events and characters, perhaps reflecting the fact that the world has moved on; and certainly giving a less one-sided view of events. To be honest, I could wait a good many years before I see another film about the Second World War: we in Britain seem to dwell on it more than is entirely healthy.

That said, done well and with a cast of British and Commonwealth actors, this could be a good tribute to some very brave men. I suppose I'm just worried that it will turn into more gun-happy Hollywood tripe, with facile one-liners in broad Californian accents dropping along with the bombs.

Wait: apart from Christopher Tolkien's wartime service with the R.A.F. what does this have to do with Tolkien anyway?

09-19-2006, 08:21 AM	#7
The Squatter of Amon Rûdh Spectre of Decay Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Bar-en-Danwedh Posts: 2,178	Another re-hash? Can't Peter Jackson find any new screenplays to direct? It seems that apart from LotR everything he's done recently has been a re-make of an existing film. As for The Dam Busters, I don't see a reason to film it again. Fair enough, the special effects were terrible by modern standards; but the script, the acting and the cinematography were all spot on, and it was much easier in those days to lay one's hands on authentic equipment. This looks to me like a continuation of lazy Hollywood film-making, which prefers to re-hash an established classic in an attempt to revive some of its profitability. I must say that the name of Guy Gibson's dog is going to be a real poser for any modern production team. More difficult still is the fact that the original code word for the complete destruction of one of the dams was the same word, which isn't one which anyone will be able to get away with using. Another issue is that this will inevitably revive all the controversy about Sir Arthur Harris and his subordinates in Bomber Command, who are already anathema to many people in their own country. All in all, the spirit of the original film is one that will be very difficult to recapture, and I'm unsure of the wisdom of attempting it. What I would like to see is a completely new film about Operation Chastise, based on a new screenplay, that gives a contemporary view of events and characters, perhaps reflecting the fact that the world has moved on; and certainly giving a less one-sided view of events. To be honest, I could wait a good many years before I see another film about the Second World War: we in Britain seem to dwell on it more than is entirely healthy. That said, done well and with a cast of British and Commonwealth actors, this could be a good tribute to some very brave men. I suppose I'm just worried that it will turn into more gun-happy Hollywood tripe, with facile one-liners in broad Californian accents dropping along with the bombs. Wait: apart from Christopher Tolkien's wartime service with the R.A.F. what does this have to do with Tolkien anyway? __________________ Man kenuva métim' andúne?