So this idea came about when I was on my vacation down south with friends having a conversation about movie remakes. It was an interesting topic in which they encouraged me to write a handful of posts during the month of May, hence the “may-keover”. It’s definitely quite a process for me to do all this “research”, but I’ll take any excuse to watch movies and listen to music.
Round one I have three movies and three songs to compare and contrast!
01. Lolita (1962) vs Lolita (1997)
I found that there’s a sort of innocence to the 1962 Lolita, which could be because of limitations of the subject matter at that time. The movie (adapted from the novel) presents a risky topic; topics considered shocking in the 60’s were considered not-so-shocking in the 90’s which is why I think Lolita was better represented in the 90’s. I’m usually all for originals, but in this case, I’m fond of the remake and the way it was delivered. They were given more to work with. Although, the author of Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov, did write the screenplay for the 60’s version which kind of gives it more authenticity.
My Conclusion – Original: ✘ Remake: ✔
02. La Cage Aux Folles (1978) vs The Birdcage (1996)
Oh my goodness, this Robin Williams movie always made me jolly. I had no idea it was a remake, and so I watched the original. If you don’t mind reading subtitles, it’s definitely worth the watch. You may fight me and say that anything Robin touches is gold and the original has nothing on him, but au contraire, the original was just as entertaining and I actually really loved it. Albin still has high pitched screeches, the characters are just as lively, it’s loaded with drag, and the story is just as absurd. I now love both just as equally.
My Conclusion – Original: ✔ Remake: ✔
03. The Omen (1976) vs The Omen (2006)
So here’s one remake I wasn’t so much in favor of. The Omen is one of my favorite horror movies that I really feel is untouchable. When the remake was released, I refused to watch it until just the other night. My problem with modern horror is that Hollywood can’t seem to capture the eeriness and creepiness that the older movies had. Modern day Hollywood relies too much on technology and graphics, which makes everything visually scary but not psychological. Horror from the 70’s scares me more than today’s horror because it wasn’t about their graphics, and I think that’s what makes it unsettling. That’s what I love about the ’76 Omen.
My Conclusion – Original: ✔ Remake: ✘
01. Tainted Love – Gloria Jones (1965) vs Soft Cell (1981)
(I know it was also covered by Marilyn Manson, but I don’t plan on mentioning that cover, fyi). Let me start by saying I adore the 80’s, and this song is just a classic, but I never heard the original until…now. I immediately connected with it since I’m so familiar with Soft Cell’s version. Sounds so Motown-y, which is how I expected it to sound like. I just can’t help but be in favor of the 80’s version since it’s the version a lot of us know and love.
My Conclusion – Original: ✘ Remake: ✔
02. People Are Strange – The Doors (1967) vs Echo And The Bunnymen (1987)
I’m sure y’all know the original Doors version, but for those of you that love The Lost Boys, I’m sure you’ve heard the cover. The Doors are great, and their songs will always surpass covers of their songs, but I love the electronica/new wave sound to the Echo And The Bunnymen version, especially that synth solo.
My Conclusion – Original: ✔ Remake: ✔
03. Wild Horses – The Rolling Stones (1971) vs The Sundays (1992)
Loving the 90’s like I do, I’ve heard The Sundays version of this song not even knowing it was a Rolling Stones cover. I love Harriet Wheeler’s voice with this song which makes me love the cover more than the original. The Sundays made this song emotional and deep. I appreciate the Stones and everything they do, but in this case, the 90’s won me over.
My Conclusion – Original: ✘ Remake: ✔
All these songs can be found easy on Youtube, although I can’t promise these movies are on Netflix, but they ain’t hard to find on the web! Let me know if you watch any of these, and stay tuned for round two!
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