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The famous and very thick (over 1,500 pages!) novel by Stephen King is a classic of horror literature. It was first adapted for television in the early 90s, resulting in a cheap two-part production. Many of the ideas from the book only made it to the film in a condensed form.
In contrast, Andrés Muschietti was able to draw on a substantial budget for the big-screen remake. Finally, the extensive story could be properly told. Although the remake sometimes relies a bit too heavily on jump scares, it is well made and particularly shines due to its strong cast.
Fun fact: Stephen King himself has a cameo in the second part of the remake. He plays a shopkeeper in the town of Derry.
The Fly
Director David Cronenberg is a master of body horror, which he clearly demonstrates in The Fly. The original from 1958 is well made and a product of the 50s horror wave. However, it was only under Cronenberg’s direction that the story gained the grotesque edge it desperately needed.
Jeff Goldblum plays a scientist who slowly transforms into a fly-like creature. As was the case with The Thing, the effects here are the standout highlight. Those who are afraid of insects should steer clear of this film.
Fun fact: To apply the elaborate makeup, Jeff Goldblum had to spend around five hours in the makeup chair each day. Body horror fans would say: it was worth it.
Dune (2021 and 2024)
Dune is an incredibly ambitious novel, whose adaptation is no easy task. Great filmmakers have failed in the attempt. David Lynch managed to bring an adaptation to the cinemas, but it suffered due to producer interference that left Lynch with little room to maneuver.
Denis Villeneuve’s remake, on the other hand, is lavishly produced, with a clear vision and an ensemble of many stars.
There is a lot of attention to detail in the film. Generally, Villeneuve chose a slightly more serious and adult tone than Lynch before him. This allows the remake to convey the complex world of author Frank Herbert in a comprehensible way and in epic visuals on the big screen.
Fun fact: Composer Hans Zimmer is a huge fan of the source material. When he was offered the chance to score Dune, he even turned down his longtime partner Christopher Nolan for his film Tenet.
These were five remakes that are better than their originals. Do you know any more good examples? Let us know in the comments. An Italian classic received a remake a few years ago with Suspiria – with significant effects on the lead actress: The remake of a horror film classic led to the lead actress seeking therapy
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