MovieChat Forums > Le grand bleu (1988) Discussion > Fan Re-Edit - Any thoughts?

Fan Re-Edit - Any thoughts?

posted 17 years ago by evildead167
4 replies | jump to latest

There are web sites out there where movie fans re-cut films. Sometimes this is done to correct perceived flaws - such as in the case of The Phantom Menace. Others do so to provide a new outlook on an old favorite - such a meticulous version of Superman II referred to as the Deja Vu Cut.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWD3vfPuOA0

I love Le Grand Bleu but I think it has some serious flaws. The Director's Cut - at 168 minutes - is too long for it's own good. At times the story meanders and feels like it is going nowhere. Sometimes less is more.

For fun I have been thinking about re-cutting this film, to tighten the pace and remove bits that are redundant or unnecessary. I don't have as big of a problem with Rosanna Arquette's performance as many seem to, but I wouldn't mind removing some of her less convincing dialogue.

If I go about this project would any of you have any thoughts or suggestions for what could be changed, removed, etc?

Keep in mind I love this film and my edit will by no means be a replacement for Luc Besson's own cut. I will not be trying to make money off of this, all perfectly legal. I consider Le Grand Bleu to be one of Besson's four great movies [followed by Leon, Nikita and Atlantis].
If I do this I am approaching it as fun editing experiment; a way to hone my skills & gain a new perspective on one of my favorite films.

EDIT -
As of now I have only seen the Director's Cut of this movie. I have yet to see the 119 minute American version or the 132 European theatrical release.

[–] gonvik 17 years ago

Not a bad idea at all, there's surely some material that could definitely be experimented around in the director's cut. I haven't seen it in a while, so any exact scenes don't really come to mind.

As a current film student editor (mostly on Final Cut Pro), I wish you luck! If you have a moment, give me an email and keep me updated on any work you do to it, I'd love to hear about it ---> [email protected]

[–] evildead167 17 years ago

I will do just that. I'm also a former film student. I'll be using Final Cut Pro 6 for this project.

[–] Bflicklover 17 years ago

Here's an idea for a fanedit - why not try to sync up the Version Longue with Conti's score? [Tracking where appropriate]. Just throwing it out there.

Vader's his father and Bruce was dead the whole movie.

[–] acegreenview303 16 years ago

The Big Blue is possible my fave. movie ever, but I really love this concept. I'm tempted to watch it sometimes, but it seems like such a hassle to endure the length of the Director's Cut. Plus a more streamlined version would definitely make it more accessible to unpatient viewers (all of my ADD friends).

You'd have to think up some cool name to call it, like the "Deja Vu" version of Superman 2. I'll for sure post some suggestions next time I watch it.

Keep us updated!