During my visit to the movie theatre over the weekend, I was presented, as per usual, with a series of trailers for upcoming films. One of which, entitled ‘Red Riding Hood’ I found to be quite interesting as it was a remake of the traditional children’s story. This particular adaptation was not an exact replication of the original, however borrowed a number of recognizable themes and characters. Although primarily based around a love triangle between a young woman (Amanda Seyfried) and two men, the film also incorporates the traditional character of the wolf, and the several key props (red cape and picnic basket) that anybody who read the story would be instantly familiar with. I started to think about this concept of ‘borrowing’, and concluded that this, as well all other film adaptations, could be considered remixes. Whether the director chooses to stay true to the original text (original text meaning a story, a poem, another film, a real life event etc.), or use the general idea as a platform for a new concept entirely (for example ‘Red Riding Hood’), he/she is creating a remix of someone else’s work.
Just as any other remix (whether it be a song, a fan fiction video, etc.), the viewer walks into the film adaptation with preconceived ideas and judgments based on their opinion of the original work. For example, if someone had never seen the story prior to watching ‘Red Riding Hood’, they would interpret it much differently than someone who had childhood memories of reading Little Red Riding Hood. Despite these differing opinions, the director of the film adaptation is creating a NEW meaning from an old text. Rather than sticking with the original ‘girl walks to grandma’s house and encounters a wolf’ storyline, the director recreates meaning by incorporating a love story, by giving the setting a historical context, and also by creating new themes and characters entirely. The debate over which one is better – an original or its ‘remix’ – is up to the individual viewer.
Here is a link to the trailer for those of you that are interested in watching! Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM8V3cHdSC4
I know that when I go to the movies, my favourite part is seeing all of the previews; it's definitely a way to keep people coming back. When I read your post I imagined the adaptation to be rather superficial and a lot less dark. However, when I watched the trailer I was extremely surprised!
ReplyDeleteThe most significant things about it (in my opinion) definitely had to do with: using the same director as the Twilight movies, having the lead role played by a actress who is given the ability to show her versatility, adapting the story to that of horror, or grim, and by showing as many shots of possible sexual experiences in a minute-long-trailer.
I completely agree with you point: that if audience members are aware of the story, they will bring with them certain expectations and ideas. I assume that the producer has this in mind but they also wanted to leave their imprint on the old story as well (this is their own remix). However, I do believe that adapting films (recycling ideas) is all about the profit. The creators market specifically to the youth audience, and have high expectations of appreciation by the viewers. And you definitely have a valid point, that it's a completely subjective experience for those watching. Sometimes bringing back historical parts of culture and changing them to adapt to our contemporary ideas is the best way to remix, and essentially make new cultural artifacts.
I definitely want to watch this movie! thanks for the link!