j123vt_99

Anyone see this before? Can't decide if I should go to Alamo to check this out


In 1982, Eric Zala, Jayson Lamb and Chris Strompolis began filming a shot-for-shot remake of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. They were twelve years old. Six years later, the film was in the can. Eighteen years later still, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is proud to announce RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK: THE ADAPTATION with the filmmakers live in person, telling the amazing story of this legendary movie. No other film experience will prepare you for this. The Adaptation is like no other film you have ever seen (except of course RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK). This trio of filmmakers showed more tenacity, originality, heart, courage and skill than ten independent production teams put together, and all before puberty! SEE Indiana Jones grow six inches, drop into a baritone and grow facial hair! SEE Marion Ravenwood develop breasts! SEE the meanest pack of prepubescent nazis ever recorded on film! PLUS! Stick around for a special midnight screening of Spielberg’s version of the movie!

THE HISTORY: RAIDERS: THE ADAPTATION had its World Premiere at the Alamo Drafthouse in 2002, after a copy of the film fell into the hands of Alamo pal director Eli Roth (Cabin Fever). Roth loved its whimsy and ingenuity, and brought it to the attention of Steven Spielberg. A much-read piece in Vanity Fair ensued, and a Hollywood bidding war broke out. The three signed their life rights to producer Scott Rudin for a reported mid-six figures, and a feature film about these boys’ lives is due in 2006.

Though there has never been a cease and desist order, the three filmmakers have agreed that they will not financially benefit from showing the film. Instead, Raiders: The Adaptation plays only at non-profit venues or fundraisers. Piracy is a huge concern, and one of the three travels with the film to all locations. Advance copies are not made available to the press. "Mr. Spielberg and Mr. Lucas have given us a strange and silent endorsement and we’re not going to exploit it," says Strompolos. "We want to stay true to the spirit in which it was created."

Groucho

I remember reading about this some time ago. It's an interesting story to be sure.

I hope that my shot-by-shot remake of Britney Spears's "Toxic" video goes over as well.

Greg613

If they are not looking to make a profit, then why is piracy a concern?

The Bus

They don't want bootleggers to make a profit.

I'd be willing to see this if it came nearby.

SuicycoDave

Haven't they made fun of this on South Park?

PopcornTreeCt

I can't believe this actually caused buzz and they sold the rights to their lives. It doesn't sound all that interesting.

Fincher Fan

It'd probably be interesting to watch a couple of clips from it but the whole thing would probably be pretty painful.

NatrlBornThrllr

You probably should've read the sentence before the piracy comment: "The Adaptation plays only at non-profit venues or fundraisers. Piracy is a huge concern..." They may not be making a profit, but proceeds do go to a good cause, so naturally you'd hope that people paid to see the film.

I've toyed with the idea of checking it out at the Alamo as well, but I don't think it'd be worth the effort. Don't get me wrong, it sounds amazing...and from what I hear these guys went to great effort to parallel the film. I just haven't viewed the original enough to be able to appreciate the adaptation. So, I'm sitting it out.

-JP

j123vt_99

that's my thought also.. they are doing a double bill at alamo of the original and this one, but they are playing this one first and then the real one.. i think i would go if it was the other way around

dvduser6

I think most everyone else would, too. I guess they're trying to imprison folks in their seats for an extra couple of hours so they are more likely to see the other version first.

Superboy

I've seen this, and yes, this piece of shit is amazing.

Neeb

I saw it at the Northwest FilmForum in Seattle (sold out screening no less).

It's... interesting. A tribute to endurance and love. Best seen with a bunch of people.

Worth a trip to the Alamo.

Michael Corvin

How is making a shot for shot remake of someone else's work original?

Mabuse

Seen it. Loved it.

It's like peering into another dimension where Raiders is suddenly totally different but unmistakably the same. It's a truely strange experience. Being familiar with the original you know damn well what's going to happen next, but you're on the edge of your seat wondering how these kids will do it. Then you're blown away to discover just how close they've adheared to the original. A kid goes under a moving truck and another kid does get lit on fire. It's low rent, but it's really well done. The Draft House's promotion makes watching them grow up and mature before your eyes some kind of joke. In fact it's endearing and in a way a little too intimate a look at the kids growing up. Making the film took 8 years. Watching the film is like looking through the childhood mementos of a stranger.

Highly recomended

Osiris3657

I just watched this and it was a thoroughly impressive shot for shot, line for line remake. Highly recommend checking it out

Bobby Shalom

I walked out of it, because after 15 minutes I didn't think there was going to be anything new to it, + it bored the shit out of me.

Osiris3657

sarcasm noted