Original vs. Remake: TTCA

May contain minor spoilers


I watched the McQueen/Dunaway original a very long time ago and was amazed by the way the film has endured in my list of all time favorite movies. Afetr viewing the remake I realized why the original appealed to me so much. Granted, I did enjoy the remake,here are a few reasons why the original was so memorable.

In the original,

1. The characters and their motives were much more strongly defined.Vicki is very good at what she does, knows who she is and what she wants. She enjoys the thrill of the chase and all else is icing n the cake. Although others may question her methods and "morality" she operates within the "system" as is evident by the fact that inspite of her "love" for TC and his lifestyle, she informs the police about the 2nd heist. T. Crown, on the other hand, is still trying to figure out who he is and has issues with the "system". He has a chip (larger than the state of Massachusetts)on his shoulder and is still trying to prove to himself and the world how smart he is. He is ruthless in his pursuit of what he wants - whether it is material or emotional fulfilment. He is intrigued by Vicki and attracted to her because, she is more than his equal, not in financial terms but in terms of her confidence, "cool" and purpose in life. She embodies qualities that TC probably aspires to.

2.The director lets the audience draw their own conclusions about certain events or statements made by Vicki and TC. Example1: The steamroom scene (what a great visual metaphor for the 2 characters' situation) with the cryptic "samba,sugarloaf, jungle,pirahna" quote. Example2: TC's scenes with Gwen and his realtionship with her. Example 3:The chess game - although an obvious metaphor, to show that Vicki was better at the game, it also shows that TC was uncomfortable with losing and preferred to play "something else" - something where he belies he could have more "control" over her.

3.Vicki and TC are subtle in trying to react to each other's actions and motives. Dunaway's extremely understated but obvious and palpable emotional reaction when she sees the photograph of TC with Gwen. She tries to be so cool and strong. When she asks TC if he has brought anyone else to the beach house -he says "it was a way of trying to get her in touch with herself". In doing so, TC has the answer he wants without appearing to be too involved

4.An unresolved (read "no neat and tidy happy hollywood ending") final scene which is emotionally and intellectually stimulating because by this time the director has put the audience thinking and guessing like Vicki and TC. What would you do if you were in Vicki's place? What goes on in your mind if you are TC? Does Vicki regret losing TC? Does TC feel more insecure since he was unable to prevent Vicki from "betraying" him? Would he still accept her now if she were to find him again?

In the remake, there is no depth to the main characters' motives or characters. He comes across as another bored richie rich and she seems too eager to become one of his aquisitions. The remake focuses on fluffy romance while the original explored gritty intellectual, emotional and sensual/sexual repartee between the main characters. In the original,the short but pithy dialogue and the music, as well as the fact the director didn't treat the audience like imbeciles by explaining every last detail made this film one of the few cross genre filmatic masterpieces.

I absolutely hated the hollywood ending of the remake - so, she kinda plays by the book, betrays him, loses her cool, cries, returns the art work and he accepts her inspite of the fact she betrayed him? Well, whatever!!!! DuH!




"Lets fold scarves!"
"Yeah"