O...kay...

[ksmith]

Not sure how I feel about this:

JIM CAVIEZEL AND IAN MCKELLEN TO STAR IN AMC'S REINTERPRETATION OF CULT CLASSIC, THE PRISONER

Six-Part Mini-Series Set to Premiere in 2009

New Series Furthers AMC's Cinematic Approach to Creating High-Quality Original Programming

Someone should tell their publicity department that "original" kinda means that NO ONE HAS DONE IT BEFORE. Remakes aren't original programming.

I'm on board with Ian McKellen. I'd pay to watch Ian McKellen read the labels of soup cans. Does anyone know enough about Cavaziel to give an opinion?

While the original series, which debuted in 1967, was a riff on Cold War politics, AMC's reinterpretation will reflect 21st Century concerns and anxieties, such as liberty, security, and surveillance, yet also showcase the same key elements of paranoia, tense action and socio-political commentary seen in McGoohan's enigmatic original.

Now we can talk about TP:TOS.

So, kinda reserving opinion, although my first reaction is to jump up and down and yell NO! NO! Then hold my breath until I turn blue. Or something.

Because we all know how well that movie remake of THE AVENGERS went over.

Comments

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

All I know about Caviezel is that he played the title role in "The Passion of the Christ," and I didn't see the film.

Part of me is appalled by the idea of remaking "The Prisoner." Part of me is intrigued. I guess we have no choice; it'll come whether or we want it or not.

Hmmmm.

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

Like you, I hae me doots. But, as we don't get cable, the potential or actual desecration won't affect us directly.

[dbara.livejournal.com]

As long as they have that white bouncy balloon thingy I'll be happy.

dn

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

Giant weather balloons made me uneasy for years.

[dbara.livejournal.com]

Not to mention bubble gum.

[michaeldthomas.livejournal.com]

I am very uneasy about this remake. I just don't see a reason to do it.

On the plus side, this means that Mel Gibson isn't making his planned film version of The Prisoner.

[jessica-de-milo.livejournal.com]

I don't know anything about the series or the movie, but Jim Caviezel also played Edmond Dantes in the 2002 version of The Count of Monte Cristo - I loved him in that.

[scbutler.livejournal.com]

It's going to be awful. They'll try to give it a point.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Lava lamps.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

That's the thing--I don't see a reason either. Add to that the fact that the show is iconic. The new version will have to be incredible to even be considered good.

OK, speculating a bit. And given that McKellen is in it, I have some small shred of hope.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I know some argue that Patrick McGoohan couldn't act. I'd argue with that, but oh well.

Good to hear that Caviezel can.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

TOS had sort of a point--why did No. 6 resign? Funny thing is, I don't remember why he did.

[scbutler.livejournal.com]

Because he was a Free Man?

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

But *not* a number.

[daveamongus.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. I'll pay attention, but all this really does is make me want to get The Prisoner on DVD, which I haven't done yet (assuming it's available?)

Caviezil is pretty good. I've liked him in what I've seen him in, and he's demonstrated pretty good range in his roles (and within them).

[daveamongus.livejournal.com]

I may remember wrong, but I don't think he ever said. I thought the point of the final episode was that Number 2 failed to get it out of him, and 6 in fact broke 2.

But I could be wrong. I just learned there was a whole rationale for the spin at the end of Spin that left my head as soon as it entered it, it seems, so I could just be not remembering.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I thought the point of the final episode was that Number 2 failed to get it out of him, and 6 in fact broke 2.

I think you're right.

I need to get hold of the DVDs. PBS.org is offering the whole set.