We get word today that George Clooney may be making an appearance in the remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. We get the skinny thanks to our friends at cinematical:
First came Naomi Watts as a possible replacement for Tippi Hedren in that long-brewing remake of The Birds. Now a rumor straight from Metro.co.uk claims that George Clooney might play Mitch Bremner. It seems that the original Mitch, Rod Taylor, told the Daily Express: “I often cringe when I hear mention of remakes but I’ll hold judgment, especially since I’ve been told Clooney’s the favorite.” To add to the displeasure, Tippi herself said: “Can’t we find new stories, new things to do? Must you be so insecure that you have to take a film that’s a classic and try to do it over?
Amen Tippi, Amen. Remakes are (usually) ridiculous and life would be better if they did not exist. It’s cool to see someone from the original Birds weigh in and speak the truth about this remake. It’s also hilarious that George Clooney alone seems to be buttoning Rod Taylor’s critical lip. I can’t say I blame him, if anyone would do justice to a remake of The Birds – it would probably be Clooney.
I can’t say that I’m pleased that they are doing a Birds remake, but I am glad that Clooney is on board. This is a best of the worst news announcement for me.
