As some of you may know, there is one word I’m usually not fond of when it comes to movies and that is “remake”! Last week Twitter was loudly chirping with news from Hollywood of a Rodgers & Hammerstein remake of the 1958 film, South Pacific. My initial reaction was of relief when The Sound of Music was not preceded by the word “remake”. (That just simply cannot happen!) Surprisingly, I’m not 100% against the idea of a newer version of South Pacific and can see it being a huge success…if done correctly.
Why does Hollywood want to fix what isn’t broken? If you recall, a remake of the musical was done back in 2001 for television starring Glenn Close, Harry Connick Jr. and the late Robert Pastorelli and it was an enormous flop. However, the success of the current Broadway revival of South Pacific is credited for the sudden interest and inspiration of the new film that will include “modern cinematic possibilities”. I hope the latter doesn’t interpret as the use of unnecessary CGI effects! I believe the epic story and beautiful Rodgers & Hammerstein score should speak for itself. The main focus with this remake is upon retaining the darker feel and harsh realities as James A. Michner intended in Tales of the South Pacific, the book on which the musical is based. Perhaps this vision is not too farfetched with actor and Tony nominee Bob Balaban’s production company Chicagofilms working on the upcoming film. Balaban is quoted stating, “Our movie will be a tougher, more realistic retelling of the same classic story of two very different people whose love for each other transcends their enormous cultural differences.”
The next question is who can fill the shoes of the cock-eye optimist Ensign Nellie Forbush, originally played by Mitzi Gaynor. According to a poll done by Broadway.com, the fans chose Anne Hathaway of The Princess Diaries fame to sing about her little “Honey Bun”. Anne has a lovely singing voice but I do hope they consider casting Carmen Cusack after seeing her performance last March in TUTS' presentation of South Pacific. If Hollywood wants a star to sell tickets, then my next suggestion is Matthew Morrison for the role of Lt. Joe Cable. Besides, he already knows the lines from being in the original revival cast.
South Pacific on the big screen for a second time has tremendous potential. In the meantime, Hollywood, leave The Sound of Music out of your future plans! So readers, would you like to see a new version of South Pacific? Who would you like to see play Nellie Forbush or Emile de Becque? Are you a fan of movie remakes?
Until next time,
Thea