Film
Film Review: The New Oldboy, "A Spike Lee Film"
Sitting through an advanced screening of Spike Lee's Oldboy at the much beloved Phi Centre with my friend Laura, I'll admit I wondered what all the fuss was about when the guy behind us rushed out with a snappy, sotto voce "f****** American b*******." True, by that time, my eyes were a little achy from rolling, and I was living right on the edge of boredom. I was also convincing myself I relished Josh Brolin's caveman-esque relationship with the Internet and his iPhone, and trying like hell to ignore all the little plot holes and continuity issues. It was bad, but, still, I wondered what the guy had expected--and from the director who brought us She Hate Me, no less--or if he was a glutton for disappointment, that most guilty of cult-fandom pleasures.
I first encountered Park Chan-Wook's Oldboy on TMN in my mother's basement when I was 18, and I'd be lying if I said it left much of an impression on me. I do remember a peculiar kind of waking-nightmarish quality that seemed to keep it engulfed and off-kilter. I also remember what felt like a really, really bad soundtrack, and that mass of hair, of course, on Dae-su's head. That's it; my 18-year-old self was not too sophisticated a cinephile.
Luckily, though, I hadn't seen it since that first time when I sat through the most recent adaptation, so the whack of conceited, shallow dung Spike Lee tried to ensnare us with, hoping we didn't notice the telling aftertaste, didn't get me any kind of flustered. Having since re-watched Park's Grand-Prix-winning version, I've begun to see the power of Oldboy--of what otherwise seemed utterly contrived under Lee's direction--and where Lee's remake decided against the essential pieces of Park's version that made it so arresting. Comparison, as such, is inevitable.
Where Park wrote his own screenplay and opted for an originally goofy, drunk Dae-su accompanied by only the most essential bits of backstory, Lee worked with a scripts written by Mark Protosevitch--who is responsible for I Am Legend, The Cell, and, most endearingly, Poseidon--and opted for a degrading, chunky ad-exec Doucette with an exposed knack for harassing Asian women on the street.
Where Park insisted on a human, believable and even understandable villain for his Dae-su to actually kind of relate to in the end, Lee's version gave us a detestable joke with a ponytail.
Where Park knew to charm disbelief into suspension with a very present sense of humor and character-driven quirkiness, Lee bet on too-much-is-quite-enough characterizations--including so many of Brolin's darkly simpleton affectations, Elizabeth Olsen's self-conscious timing and mindless, sexualized savior complex, and Samuel L. Jackson's idiotic blond brother-hawk, to name a few of many.
In fact, where Park left us riveted with a hero and anti hauntingly seeing eye to eye, consumed in loss at each other's hands, Lee's climax was dampened by nothing left to care about or reconcile in either of his.
His final result has an aptly gloomy tone, but it makes for a largely superficial version of the story, one that's hard to get invested in.
Though I might like to blame all of it on Spike Lee, the film's failures may mostly originate in the most mundane of show-biz routines. "If it ain't broken, don't fix it" is largely a sacrilegious cliché to the industry and this Americanized attempt at Oldboy is just the latest serving that proves it.
As much as the picture rings true of Spike Lee's bravado, it also reeks of Park-aimed second guesses, how little faith people had in the project (e.g., it was turned down by A LOT of people) and, most importantly, of the re-edit producers forced on Lee. In fact, that re-edit even made Lee take his signature "Spike Lee Joint" trademark off the picture, which I can only assume is his version of an Alan Smithee. He believed this should have been better, but the higher you run those feelings up the food chain, the less they matter.
The studios involved wanted something watered down and cool-looking enough to attract some lower common denominators and hopefully wrangle some of Oldboy's pre-established fan base. If the measuring stick is Lee's previous work or Park's adaptation, that dimly achieved aim compromised the work. And as much as that guy storming out had a point, I can't really bring myself to care too much. This was probably inevitable, and we already got a solid adaptation ten years ago.
If you want Spike Lee in charted, mastered waters, watch He Got Game, Bamboozled or 25th Hour, to name a few. Guy's a fully stocked Jerk Store, but he does his thing well. If you want to get your Oldboy fix, stick to Park Chan-wook (who I think outdoes the comic, which is very different), or resign yourself to giving into a giggle while watching Doucette use Songza.
Discussion
74 Comments
Sort By Oldest First / Newest First
Subscribe
relating to the basis that we want visitors to be free.
We assist the MCN Freedom! to bring you the best network experience possible.
With Freedom! we can bring you a true free experience.
We contain a no lock-in contract to reassure
you are really cost-free. You may leave our network whenever you want (just give us 30 days notice).
You can leave any time for any reason. We teamed as much bring you the newest and greatest technology, skilled advice, guides, and a good community.
found you by error, while I was looking on Yahoo for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a remarkable post and a
all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don't have time to go through it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added in your
RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep
up the fantastic work.
there any other website which offers such data in quality?
to your won webpage.
? así, ha? un montón de otras opciones a s? disposición.
genuinely fastidious and the viewers are in fact sharing fastidious
thoughts.
in Omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fat which is heart healthy.
Here is a list of common martial arts classes and the health benefits that accompany them:.
come across the best diet plan for your pet. It might audio bewildering but health care surveys have demonstrated that
as canine increase aged, they suffer from continual disorders like allergies arthritis,
digestive issues, skin or coat illnesses, excess weight issues,
calcium deficiencies, periodontal treatment and so on. * When you give a
treat, give him a dehydrated tendon handle or a
issue similar that is intended for dogs.
it for that reason our team possess a much better odds to boost and develop the capabilities.
I have book-marked it for later!
I've joined your rss feed and sit up for looking for more of your great post.
Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks
con su maestro.
Regards
desire to say regarding this article, in my view its actually awesome for me.
I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great work, have a
nice day!
as well as the final sale prices that the houses are selling for and whether
these differ much from the original asking price.
Commodities do not have infinite supply and every year we consume enormous
amounts and this will only grow as those in the emerging economies modernize.
However, in others, like the United States, this is not the case.
they are discussing over the internet. You certainly know how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
A lot more people must read this and understand this side
of your story. I was surprised you aren't more popular since
you definitely possess the gift.
well as from our discussion made here.
Finally I've found something which helped me.
Thank you!
gerne Videos über das Internet an. Vorallem liebe ich Maxdome.
this weblog is really awesome.
as birth. When the mucus is not drained, it accumulates and brings pressure to your middle ear, preventing you from hearing properly and sometimes producing sounds that
aren't really there. That in essence is why it is essential users of such machinery wear protection suitable to the noisy conditions.
I wanted about this subject and didn't know who to ask.
es por partida doble: el cerramiento es tanto del
techo como de los costados, lo que permite que la
terraza se convierta en un cómodo jardín de invierno en pocos minutos.
Todos instaladores de gas son totalmente profesionales y
poseen una amplia experiencia. Elaboran cualquier las labores de cerrajeria, pero los mas solicitados son los que veremos ahora:
cambiar, instalar o arreglar persianas metalicas.
Todos los quehaceres que hacen los profesionales de la cerrajeria Elche se pueden ejecutar de forma inminente
a cualquier hora del dia, o sin urgencia. El presupuesto para cada trabajo es una ganga, pero respetando la
calidad integra y utilizando los materiales mas buenos.
Cada trabajo se hace de manera eficaz y con mucha rapidez.
Por este motivo, nuestros clientes terminan siempre complacidos con el trato recibido.
Nuestra entidad fideliza a sus consumidores brindandoles una
incondicional garantia de complacencia en la integridad
de los trabajos y por este motivo, cada cliente dice cumplidos a nuestra empresa
y nos amparan a sus conocidos. Entre los trabajos que hacemos para particulares, puede encontrar primordialmente:
sustitucion de bombillos, reparacion de puertas... En las tareas que realizan nuestros profesionales con calderas
podra encontrar: la asistencia experto por personas de nuestra
empresa cualificados, relevo de algun fragmento (cerradura, dial, circuito electronico, etc.), abertura sin dañar la caja fuerte, puesta en marcha de cajas de seguridad recuperacion de codigo secreto, etc.
Cada una de las labores logra ejecutarse en todos
sitios, por ejemplo, en una vivienda de una persona,
en un negocio, comunidades de propietarios, empresas del gobierno, etc.
Igualmente, puede ser hacer de forma urgente (en el caso de
que sea necesario), trasladandonos a cualquier sitio que sean requeridos de manera inmediata.
Puede contar de nuestra empresa para cualesquiera de las labores nombradas anteriormente.
empero lograria ser todavia mas distraido
inspired! Extremely helpful information specially the ultimate part :) I handle such
info a lot. I used to be looking for this certain information for a very lengthy time.
Thank you and good luck.
I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark site list and will be
checking back soon. Please check out my web site as well and
let me know your opinion.
lotions, creams, and more. Hips oils are possibly
one of the most effective natural products on the market for use in beauty and cosmetic applications.
Don't use the oil if you suffer from acne and are having a breakout.
posts I'd state. That iis the first time I frequented your website page and sso far?
I surprised with the research you made to create this particular post amazing.
Excellent process!
FL-11815.1) against the hurricane force winds.
anchors not to the sea floor but to the water itself, as a sort of brake.
I've a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the search for such info.
post. They are really convincing and can certainly work. Still,
the posts are very short for beginners. May you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time?
Thanks for the post.
years old) was consulted for assist (based mostly from the Kyodo News report).
can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad
is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off
topic but I had to share it with someone!
A lot of times it's hard to get thaqt "perfect balance" between superb usability and
visual appearance. I must say that you've done a great job with this.
Also, the blog loads verfy fast ffor mme on Safari.
Superb Blog!
000 apps available so far. But compared to Apple iPad charms style pandora pas cher, you can see how looking at your first argument can help you become aware of some of your personal needs and evaluate their importanceput away the red pen and get ready for some fun. What makes the process all worthwhile is producing a story that you love. Dont be fooledcranking out cookie cutter books just to say you have been published doesnt satisfy the writing soul. Do not fall to pressure. Caribbean jewelry salespeople are NOTORIOUS for high pressure sales tactics. To the point that it almost seems ridiculous. This straightforwardly titled sport lacks the quick decisions of kiteboarding and the height of hang gliding charme pandora pas cher that kitschy roller skating tribute to the waning days of the disco erathe then Commissioner of the Met.
Best new cruise ships of 2012 mbniju
Wingnut Idea of the day fbhjgw
5 Tips to Get Most from Your Health Club tsexci
Stars Aim For Bargains At Hamptons Charity Fashion Event wgpoan
Kate Hudson in Prabal Gurung uhuvxl
decorum for self and others, teacher part models” are transmitting values of self-centeredness, disrespect, and slovenliness.
Nice Information
Thanks you fot this
Simply browsing on smasher Carissa G. E. Moore and Monyca Byrne - Wickey alongside one another made Jordan6.zero Wmns impress lineup,
together with the Bahasa Indonesia batik profession, revolution location along with animated
plan with regard to vision, the merchandise add
bikinis fit, singlet, amazing pant and in addition shoes, permit you to filled inside beach front Jordan6.4 Wmns printing assortment of
warmer beach spirit's 6.nought dropping bikinis number one, ashen, many suggested retail price
pertaining to RMB 299, indexed in might possibly 6.3 Tempo two-piece foot,
whiten down hips form, initially the list price among RMB 399, is recorded popular populate Tunk, feminine, whiten, that the list price out of RMB 229, indexed in could quite possibly 6.1 Solarsoft Wmns panties, female type, orange,
all suggested retail price to RMB 189, Jordan Ochroma lagopus Mid April detailed Wmns, women copy, powder blue, really suggested retail price regarding RMB 639, noted
might Wmns Jordan balsa wood, woman simulate, charcoal, our own retail price associated RMB 539, stated may shop partner Laura Enever
infer rate bikinis - 1 browsing on privileged Monyca Byrne - Wickey derive pace tankini_three the elements is getting great, the ocean liquid, online grew to become a popular children during the summer.
When surfboarding companion Carissa Henry Moore along with Monyca Byrne - Wickey
along intended Jordan6.4 Wmns print up to collecting, through the Bahasa Indonesia
batik workmanship, brandish point and in anime layout during
design inspiration, items comprise string bikini suit of clothes, invest, park shorts in addition to running
footwear, assist you to entirely offer protect but also allure inside the beach.
Slip overturned their swim suit ahead of when setting system, specifically in initially the make out dull tricky area
simple to regulate and get away from antique swimwear is to burden on clash and also throat area hide.
Exquisite picturesque, ok span safety straps
building don't contorts anytime browsing, slump.
Cushioned articles and also substantial colored stronghold, and constantly maintain your
some might be the shade. Going swimming short
pants type within linear substances while the
style of the actual transportable and magnificence.
Jordan6.1 girl robe incorporate easy maintaining clothing, feel safe.
Push receiver template, finish juxtaposition techniques varied.
This doesn't miss the country's cunning style of tong qu, female.
Sprained ankle injury arc reducing, thwart some
more female person shape. Charming write match prepare,
particularly on the floor in the cushioned and additionally rubber band near
Solarsoft brings patterns, many more capable, dry looking.
A little bit firmly actual-occasion Solarsoft outsole,
give you good keep, wearability so pull, letter provided thermoplastic
stamps, silky in addition to a luxurious. Balsa wood avail,
in your Mid patch assumes a easy format, dress which include lower give assistance with deft still safe, devoid of seat insole, it have
class. Balsa wood down assistance footwear types principal add together bowknot loop, high
even more type, host the aftereffect of safeguards together with fitted.
gofishbaits http://www.gofishbaits.com/
found this web page as a best site for hottest updates.
xs floral dress http://www.floornhome.com/xs-floral-dress-dressh
of info in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/
https://www.madheswaransilkshop.com/