MovieChat Forums > I Think I Love My Wife (2007) Discussion > In case you didn't know, THIS IS A REMAK...

In case you didn't know, THIS IS A REMAKE

posted 15 years ago by legal_eazin
11 replies | jump to latest

There are enough comments from disappointed viewers to warrant this post.

If you find this film lacking in substance and have the patience and intellect to appreciate the true dilemma of human infidelity, please see the original movie, "Love in the Afternoon," by Eric Rohmer, aka "L'Amour apres Midi."

Yes, it is a French film, but there are subtitles. If that scares you, then you are the audience that this sad Chris Rock remake was made for (no offense, Mr. Rock).

[–] webcafe52 14 years ago

I just saw this film on TV and I also realized it is a remake of an Eric Rohmer film. When I first saw it during my freshman year in college, 1971, it was called "Chloe in the Afternoon". I saw it again about ten years ago under the same title. I also prefered the original.

[–] mathmaniac 14 years ago

I think this may be a different movie. Yes, it probably is a remake. It may be that this is even mentioned in the credits. BUT - so what?

I like Eric Rohmer. I think I have several of his movies, with subtitles, including 'Chloe...' But that is a different culture, its message is in the context of that culture.

This movie was made in this American culture, and not only that, but within the subculture that is African-American middle class. So, take it with that in mind, and enjoy it with that in mind.

Chris Rock and Louis C.K. wrote the screenplay. I think they did a GREAT job. I was very entertained. I remember many lines and scenes from this movie. I laughed during the movie. I found the message to be true.

I like Rohmer but I barely remember 'Chloe' and the two movies are not at all that similar for that reason.

[–] shroomn 13 years ago

mathmaniac - you have made me very sad today. very, very sad.

[–] Klavier_Puppington 13 years ago

Because this person prefers one movie to another...? Really?

I'd rather you boo me for everything I am, then cheer me for something I'm not-The Miz

[–] shroomn 13 years ago

sorry I was unclear...

sad because what he said is true. Only American culture today would be capable of translating a ROHMER screenplay (emphasis on ROHMER - you know the Frenchman who makes philosophical, contemplative films that do the complete opposite of anything in Hollywood?) into something like this...

I saw the remake. It's true, as far as its own merits go, it stands on its own level by not attempting to do anything "Chloe" does (which are far more complex themes – the remake is simply a comedy of the sexes with some okay writing) but unnecessarily so as it disowns or misunderstands Rohmer's purpose or intentions by such a long shot that it has to make one wonder why they even had to knock off that plot in the first place? And then credit it...? It feels lazy and thus disingenuous and ranks the film lower down the rung from some other American comedy which may attempt to describe the culture with which it springs with some originality and class. It also reeks of the kind of arrogance and ignorance Americans (especially in the arts) are criticized for. Though I ascribe none of that fault on Louis CK and Chris Rock as being intentional. I think they just didn't think the decision through much. Or simply can't respect the kind of films Rohmer made - or...just don't think it matters at all and did so unabashedly.

That being said, I would have loved most to have known Rohmer's response regardless. But in my value system, this simply reinforces some problems I have with our culture right now.

[–] Klavier_Puppington 13 years ago

Ah, my apologies, I definitely overreacted! I agree with you and would. Rather look at this as a stand alone film. I didn't take it too seriously, as far as deep, probing, thought provoking film, just a nice little way to kill a couple of hours. Im not confused at the plot knockoff bc hey, there are only so many ideas, but crediting as a remake, when it's better as a standalone is weird to me. But I guess that's why it wasn't marketed as a remake...

Thank you for stating and explaining your opinion so respectfully~

I'd rather you boo me for everything I am, then cheer me for something I'm not-The Miz

[–] shroomn 13 years ago

Apologies unnecessary! For sure, my first response was very hazy and I can certainly see how it would imply that I simply disagreed with someone who liked the film.

If I had to guess, I'd think they credited Chloe because of the American symptom I mentioned and that symptom is just a general lack of awareness towards certain things foreign and of a particular taste. Ignorance and arrogance are harsh words so I refrain from flying them at the face of the filmmakers who I think are just products of that symptom. I can think of no filmmaker like Rohmer, with such specifically crafted scripts of this nature, here in the states, besides maybe Alexander Payne and perhaps Woody Allen. Can you imagine a Payne film being intentionally repackaged so extensively by another country/culture? It simply doesn't happen and it would be strange to do so. Only in America can you market a film, or piece of art, for a specific demographic while also rewriting history to reinforce that model.

Comparing these films hand in hand is almost like holding a cultural barometer up like a mirror toward America and France respectively (and certainly the time periods they were filmed too!).

[–] allthewine 13 years ago

To the op:

Why would subtitles scare anyone?

Why be so condescending?

Why would it take patience and intellect to watch a 97 min movie with subtitles?

It isn't some test of frigging endurance, its reading words on a screen for just over one and a half hours.

Btw I am not a fan of I think I love my wife. Chris Rock should stick to stand up as he is a genius on the stage. His work doesn't work so well on the big screen.

That doesn't mean he shouldn't be allowed to have a stab at remaking a Rohmer movie. God forbid he might actually make someone go out and see the original. of course that's if they have prepared themselves for the most challenging task of their lives.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] moionfire-259-468629 13 years ago

Many countries remake US films all the time, not to mention from other countries. It has nothing to do with arrogance. I haven't seen the orginal, but I have a feeling it wasn't a comedy. So therefore this movie brought something different.

If there is any arrogance in the US it is not importing enough, not the audacity of remaking films.

[–] jejozi 12 years ago

Might that be why at the end it says "FIN"? Now, tell us about The Birdcage!!!!

This will be the high point of my day; it's all downhill from here.