Platinum Dunes Discussion

[kevski]

The best thing about Platinum Dunes is that it starts the career for new directors. Honestly, it's awesome how talented music/commerical video directors can have the chance to direct a well exposed and marketed film. Props to Michael Bay for that.

I also like how it is now action-orientated which Bay is known for.

But what I don't get is why is it only complete with horror remakes. To start with Texas Chainsaw was good as it was a brave move to direct such a notorious and heavily geeked-up film. That showed Platinum Dunes stamping authority. But what is it? 6 years later? Still horror remakes? Michael Bay- the incredibly talented man who changed the visual style of cinema, can only produce remakes? And not very good ones either? (ok last sentence is just my opinion).

Imagine this, a Platinum Dunes project with a debut director and a 100% original idea. Please don't say 'uh, nothing is original anymore' or 'what is original these days?'. Just make an effort to be original!

Texas Chainsaw (worth a go)
Amityville Horror (umm if you must)
The Hitcher (why?)
The Birds (seriously, why)
Freddy (this is getting silly!)

Surely as an artist you must get kicks when something you created gets an awesome reception. Why not give it a go and do a new horror film. A horror film that will have it's own legacy in 40 years time just like The Birds or Texas Chainsaw. I know it's easier said than done but fuck me!!! We're talking about the best people in Hollywood working with new and upcoming talent, surely some new has got to come out that!!! Why not even branch out and do different genres. Produce and direct Pain and Gain under Platinum Dunes?

[Mobe1969]

Yeah, I have loved all the PD films I've seen. I haven't seen Amytiville, but I really should get around to it.

I honestly don't have a problem with the horror remakes we have been seeing lately. In a lot of cases I loved the originals, but on seeing the remakes/reimaginings, I was blown away by them. TCM, Hills Have Eyes, even Dawn of the Dead.

And the way I see it at least they are being upfront. Try doing something new in the horror world and it is always like "they are ripping off this from this film" etc.

On the other hand, maybe this is the real reason behind the writers strike. They are all actually banding together in secret to actually come up with a new story...

[Chemical Superfreak]

Texas Chainsaw (worth a go)
Amityville Horror (umm if you must)
The Hitcher (why?)
The Birds (seriously, why)
Freddy (this is getting silly!)

wait, you forgot the Friday the 13th remake, which has been in the works alot longer than the Freddy remake

[redqueenar]

http://www.themovieinsider.com/prod-...latinum-dunes/

It's probably half-right, right?

As a long-time detective fiction fan, I'm pretty enthused about the concept behind Fiasco Heights.

Everything I've read about The Birds, which also is slated for 2009 release, has said it's actually going to be a return to the original short story upon which the Hitchcock film was very loosely based. Also, I've read that they're going to include some ecological reason for the animal mania in the film, which is very current, given the polluted state of the world. Horror films speak to the times (That's why a Jigsaw is a middle-aged white guy with ridiculous funding and resources driven insane by the notion of impending death and his removal from power... *ahem*) Anyway! These tidbits are all good things! Plus, Naomi Watts!

Summer's End (2010) doesn't sound like a remake of anything I've ever heard of...? Goyer's project does sound familiar, but it's vague enough that I'll reserve judgement. It's not about concept, it's about execution.

Near Dark (2008) is a remake of a previous film but the interesting tidbit about that is how cheaply it's being made... cheaply, and very *profitably*!

[Chemical Superfreak]

but does anyone remember the made for HBO <i think> movie, the Birds II : Land's End??

Everything I've read about The Birds, which also is slated for 2009 release, has said it's actually going to be a return to the original short story upon which the Hitchcock film was very loosely based. Also, I've read that they're going to include some ecological reason for the animal mania in the film, which is very current, given the polluted state of the world.

hmmm...could be decent, not that the last Hitch remake <Gus Van Sant's Psycho> wasn't THE worst remake in history, but i don't want them to take out the mystery of the Birds by explaining away the "animal mania" as you call it. That would be like Lucas doing something horrible like trying to EXPLAIN why the force works, which would be to stupid an idea to follow thru, right Lucas? err...sorry for all my Lucas fanboy hate. *akward*

[redqueenar]

but does anyone remember the made for HBO <i think> movie, the Birds II : Land's End??



hmmm...could be decent, not that the last Hitch remake <Gus Van Sant's Psycho> wasn't THE worst remake in history, but i don't want them to take out the mystery of the Birds by explaining away the "animal mania" as you call it. That would be like Lucas doing something horrible like trying to EXPLAIN why the force works, which would be to stupid an idea to follow thru, right Lucas? err...sorry for all my Lucas fanboy hate. *akward*

True. I was just thinking about it in terms of depth of story possibilities rather than explanations. I wouldn't want a pat solution either, of course. (And, as much as I love Lucas, mitochlorians *were* silly... it shames me that I know what they are!)

[Chemical Superfreak]

my shame stems from paying to see Ep 1 like 5 friggin times...........and its midichlorians.........woah.woah. okay party foul, i dunno what they were called i mean........*shifty eyes*

[kevski]

If these new titles are originals then I take back a lot of the criticism.

I just seen a reply from Bay to someone about Nightmare on Elm Street, and he says his partners wish to make it under PD and he doesn't feel he shouldn't hold them back. If I was in his position I'd like to think I would question it due to opinions I've already stated, but I gotta give him respect for not stopping them fulfil their wishes.

I still think some films shouldn't be re-made. Imagine if someone remade Alien or Taxi Driver, I can't see how that would better the story or originals, and quite frankly 'why?'

[Chemical Superfreak]

from Aint It Cool News -

A number of industry sources recently phoned in to shed some light on the early discussions going on behind-the-scenes regarding "Nightmare"...and none of them include Englund starring as Krueger.
The franchise facelift includes discovering a new actor to polish up the finger knives and play the iconographic dream role Englund has practically made his second skin since '84.

[Chemical Superfreak]

I for one was a big fan of the Freddy series, Freddy was very funny to me, and the deaths were SICK. I mean sick like NASTY. Remember in part II <i think> when the one girl was working out and Freddy snapped her arms off and she turned INTO A COCKROACH?!?!??! I don't see how Jason fans can argue that Jason is more enjoyable.

[r-type]

I see and agree with the counterpoint for trying to make something original or not touching sacred films (like an Aliens or Taxi Driver).

But honestly, they are remaking/rebooting Horror franchises. Campy ones at that (for the most part). No crime in that. If I had the business saavy to make some money in the movie business, I would lose no sleep exploiting this particular genre. Franchises like Texas Chainsaw, Nightmare, and Jason, were bastardized to the point that they became comedies anyway.

At the end of the day it's still campy horror.

I didn't think I was gonna enjoy Hitcher (PD's version), but it was stylish, the effort to make a thriller was there, and it ended up being a good way to kill 2hrs with my wife.

More power to them. I loved the originals of these franchises, but they aren't sacred ground.

Oh and Chem, I'll see your sick death from part II and raise you the death of that deaf guy in Freddy's Dead when Freddy shoves the Q-Tip deep into his ear. That one makes me cringe the most for some reason...

[Chemical Superfreak]

nothing will beat the death in part.........4?5? When they are like in a video game and Freddy is controlling them with the NES Advantage..........no way. i mean THAT death IS sacred ground.

but the best part of Freddy was they KNEW the series was a dark comedy at that point and Englund rannnnnnnn with the part, he had so much fun playing Freddy, and i loved his performance as a result

[redqueenar]

[excerpt from Interview: Brad Fuller: Behind the Dunes]

In addition to its remakes, Platinum Dunes will soon bring an original film to the screen with "The Horsemen." Starring Dennis Quaid, the film focuses on a widowed detective who discovers he has a connection to the suspects of a killing rampage. "Horseman was a project we bought even before we made the 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre,'" Fuller points out. "It was never our intention just to become a remake company."

Proving Platinum Dunes’ intent to develop original projects, the company also optioned the original script, "Fiasco Heights," which Fuller describes as "a film noir that takes place in a lawless land where a guy with some integrity tries to save a girl."

According to Fuller, Michael Bay has been a major supporter of "Fiasco Heights" from the beginning. He recalls, "Fiasco Heights is a script Michael Bay read and came in and said, 'This is the thing we need to move more into.' This comes more from Michael in terms of a mandate for our company, which is to find things people haven’t seen a lot of and see if we can make it feel fresh. 'Fiasco Heights' fits into that."

[Click here for the full article]

(P.S. I think Martin Campbell has been tapped to direct The Birds, btw. Yes, that Martin Campbell! Woo-hoo!)

[Mobe1969]

Hey, if they keep making "remakes" that surpass the originals in my books, I'm happy.

[elemental fantasy]

never mind. sorry.

[olwenda]

I think platinum dunes should just stop with the whole remake band wagon,i`ll be honest i am a big michael bay fan but it just really really disappoints me to see him in the lead of this,it just comes to mind that this is a bunch of people with lack of originality,it`s like they have to do 10 remakes then do an original picture?huh?

"Afraid to take chances i suppose"

It`s typically stating that "We are going to use this persons original/old good or bad idea and going to mix it up with new modern day idea and technology"

If you are an upcoming filmaker like me you can`t get away with that,
I Made a short action/drama film with every thing Original but it still got shitted on for being too Hollywood =　"NOT Original i suppose "

But it perfectly shows you what it is"making money" all about the benjamins.I understand Hollywood has to make a certain amount of money periodically but making money on remakes instead of originallity =DISAPINTING

platinum dunes upcoming films

A Nightmare on Elm Street
The Birds
Friday the 13th
The Unborn
The Horsemen

I SMELL REMAKEs don` t forget my favourite.

Rosemary Baby (what for????)

Now imagine a new director show up and do a Pearl harbor remake and do the exact opposite of what michael did.

HERE`S A GREAT IDEA FOR PLATINUM DUNES KING OF REMAKES AND HOLLYWOOD

"Let’s Remake Everything!!! I Mean ALL THE CLASSICS GOOD NOR BAD"

Besides,michael is the one with the "200 million dollar bank account!" he can do whatever he wants.

Where the hell did the ART of Filmaking/CINEMA go!!?
"The Real Porn industry died because it became a bussiness.
same thing might happen to the film industry,if some people don`t change their point of views before it`s too late"

A.

[kevski]

In what way are you an upcoming director dude?

[olwenda]

In what way i am i an upcoming director/filmaker?

well DUDE like every other filmmaker out there making films,
who start from down bottom Where you have to kiss ass and shed tears,
make both friends and enemies.

I Make short films,Work as a PA,Producer,Screenwrighter,director,director of photography,music composer and lastly Actor.
I do this in both professional and non professional films "freelancefilmmaker" it`s my job I have been doing this for the past 4 years,i am 21 yrs old and do not intend to give it up because i love to both watch and make films and i will keep on doing it until i reach my goal, thats how i am an upcoming filmaker.

Where i come from filmmaking/Cinema "The Art of Controlling Time" does not exist so i try my best in anyway,to learn and do as much as can because there no second chances in life.

projects and people i work with not much but i still manage.

http://www.myspace.com/uchino
http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=SizTokyo
http://www.brucecole.fm/
http://speaking-pictures.com/index.html
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2434470/

So i hope that answer your question "kevski".

[kevski]

When you said you were an "upcoming director" I just thought here we go? Another arrogant stupid kid.

I was wrong though. Checked out your stuff and I like it. Very offbeat but impressive. Hopefully you can expand your equipment and make it look even better.

[olwenda]

need tha cash.

[kevski]

But there is the case of being a tube of lube

[redqueenar]

Official Site! Bonus!

[redqueenar]

More here!

Look! Not a zombie!

Well, I'm excited anyway!

[redqueenar]

More here!

Look! Not a zombie!

Well, I'm excited anyway!

Aaaaaand now they're gone because they were never supposed to be there at all. I didn't know. Sorry. (Still neat, though!)

[r-type]

They looked pretty good, but what was with the hair?