Why People Misunderstand the Reasons Behind Remaking Unsuccessful Movies

There is a prevalent belief that movies are often remade to improve upon their original versions, especially when those originals were unsuccessful. This is a misconception that has led to significant criticism, particularly when it comes to remakes of movies that were labeled as bad or awful. Many argue that these remakes are purely motivated by financial gain rather than a desire to enhance a film's quality. This article aims to shed light on the real reasons behind such remakes and to clarify that they are not confined to improving unsuccessful movies.

Unsuccessful Movies and Their Remakes: A Closer Look

One common argument is that remakes are only made to improve upon the original, especially in cases where the original was unsuccessful. However, this is not always the case. Many classic films, which were successful in their time but seem outdated today, have been remade. Examples include Miracle on 34th Street, The Prisoner of Zenda, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and Seven Days in May. These films, while initially well-received, were remade due to the sense that their stories could benefit from a modern, updated version.

In reality, the primary motivation behind remaking a movie is often to capitalize on its financial potential. As per industry analysis, remakes that are commercially successful can bring in significantly more revenue for studios than the original films. This is particularly true for movies that, despite being critical failures, still managed to generate substantial profits. For instance, Michael Bay's film might have been considered a failure by some, but it still grossed over $600 million, which is an impressive figure by any standard.

The Role of Studio Profitability in Remakes

Studios are, by nature, businesses focused on profit. When a movie is a significant success, the studio may decide to remake it, hoping to recoup investments from the old version and potentially earn more. This profit-driven approach can often overshadow the original film's artistic value or critical reception.

Moreover, studios are not hesitant to remake movies that were relatively unsuccessful if they believe a reimagining could bring in more money. Even in cases where the original film was a financial success, the studio might still opt for a remake if they believe they can increase the revenue stream through different marketing or distribution avenues. Thus, the reason for remaking a movie is frequently more about financial viability than artistic improvement.

The Case for Quality Adaptations

Another common misconception is that remakes are always attempts at quality adaptations. While this can be true, it is not always the case. Sometimes, remakes are actually attempts to return to the source material and create a fresher, more engaging version. This is evident in the numerous adaptations of The Wizard of Oz and The Lord of the Rings. In these cases, the original films were not necessarily unsuccessful, but the studios felt they could do better.

More recently, comic book adaptations like the Fantastic Four franchise have seen multiple attempts, with each version aiming to improve upon the previous one. These remakes are often driven by a desire to tell a better story, rather than to capitalize on the original film's success.

Exceptions and Misunderstandings

While remakes of unsuccessful movies are rare, there are some notable exceptions that highlight the complexities of remaking movies. For instance, the remake of Ed Wood's film Manos: The Hands of Fate in Manos Returns was more of a crowdfunding project aimed at nostalgia and humor rather than an attempt to create a quality film. Such cases are the exception rather than the norm.

Moreover, remakes of unsuccessful movies often face criticism, but this criticism is often misplaced. Studios are primarily driven by profit, and their decision to remake a film is based on financial considerations rather than a desire to improve upon an original that was considered a failure. In many cases, the original films were not truly failures but were simply outdated and in need of a contemporary update.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is a common misconception that movies are remade to improve upon unsuccessful ones, the primary motivation is often financial. Studios aim to recoup and maximize profits, especially when the original film was a financial success. Remaking classics is also a strategy to update old stories for modern audiences. Understanding this can help alleviate some of the criticism directed at these remakes, and provide a clearer perspective on the motivations behind these productions.