In a one star review of the Carrie remake (not a remake -- remake), filmstalker shared something I had not put together. Yes, I know this was everywhere, I just missed it.
So, drum roll . . .
The screen writer for the 2013 Carrie is Lawrence D. Cohen, who co-wrote the 1979 script. So it's not a remake, but it has the same screen writer? Okay. The article picks up on this, noting, "It seems odd then that if this is a new version of the novel and was clearly trying to distance itself from being a straight remake, that they would bring on board the screenwriter from the original film but let’s not be picky, the original Carrie was after all a very good film. The upside is also that since it was such a good film then perhaps the original writer would bring some of the talent he poured through the keyboard back then." www.filmstalker.co.uk
Cohen has links to several Stephen King projects, scripting things like The Tommyknockers, IT and he appeared in a short film titled, "Resurrecting Carrie." He is also the author of the 1988 musical version of Carrie.
Cohen has a special connection to Carrie, having written the musical twice and the movie twice -- it would seem he's written more about the kid than King has.
I don't think he worked on it. I think the explanation instead is that this new production simply used so much (structure, and even dialogue at times) from the original screenplay that if Cohen hadn't been credited, he could have sued.
ReplyDeleteI'm just guessing at that, though.
Also, Cohen is only one of the credited writers. The other is Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. My guess is that his screenplay bore what might be termed "uncomfortable similarities" with Cohen's 1976 screenplay, so MGM decided to credit Cohen lest Cohen's lawyers start making phone calls.
I think that does account for it.
DeleteI can't really say I'm surprised. Given a chance between going with a formula and thinking outside the box, Hollywood can always be counted on to stick with the formula.
ReplyDeleteChrisC