Spike Lee is a talented director. There, I got that out the way. Today we learn that Spike Lee is confirmed to direct a remake of the south korean film “Old Boy”, and he’s also resurrecting “Mookie” for a movie he’s currently filming in Brooklyn.
Source: AICN
Los Angeles (July 11, 2011) – Mandate Pictures announced today that Spike Lee (Inside Man) will direct OLDBOY, a remake of the highly-acclaimed South Korean film. Mark Protosevich has adapted the screenplay and will co-produce. Roy Lee and Doug Davison (The Departed, The Grudge) will produce. The film is a Vertigo Entertainment/40 Acres & A Mule Production. Mandate President Nathan Kahane will executive produce.
“It’s a great honor to put this special project into the hands of such a gifted writer and iconic director,” said Kahane.
OLDBOY tells the story of a man who is kidnapped and imprisoned on his daughter’s birthday. For fifteen years, he is held captive, and, upon his release, must begin his journey to find the reason for his imprisonment. He soon finds out that his kidnapper has plans for him more tortuous than his solitary confinement. The original film, released in 2003, directed by Chan-wook Park won the Grand Prize Jury Award at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.
I like the idea of this movie. I find the premise very intriguing and think the Spike Lee is a curious choice for the job. I don’t believe that he will do a “bad” job just a really curious choice. I think this movie needs some really strong cinematography and would have envisioned Tony Scott being chosen for the job before Spike Lee, but I am optimistic that Lee can make this film enjoyable.The premise leads me to believe that he will need a substantially solid performance for whomever is chosen for the lead role so I look forward to hearing more news.
What’s also intriguing is the return of Mookie!
Fans of Spike Lee (of which I’m one) can rejoice. Apparently he’s started filming just today on a low-budget film in Brooklyn called RED HOOK SUMMER (according to Blackfilm) which is being described as bring about an “adult from Atlanta who comes and spends the summer in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, NY.”
Spike Lee filming a joint in Brooklyn. Who would have ever guessed such a thing? Either way, I’ve put the movie on the radar. I wonder if this will be a spiritual sequel to “do the right thing” or not.
