KOSAR TALKS AMITYVILLE REMAKE
FANGORIA scribe Sarah Walker reported in with comments from screenwriter Scott Kosar about the new AMITYVILLE movie hes scripting for MGM and Dimension:
For those of us who saw THE AMITYVILLE HORROR when it was released in 1979, its easy to remember the publicity storm around the true story of the Lutz family, whose fly-infested, demon-whispering, pig-loving abode left us fearful of our own attic windows. But for many of us now-sophisticated gorehounds, revisiting this dated andlets face itsilly movie leaves a lot to be desired. Perhaps this is why Michael Bay at Platinum Dunes decided to remake the film, with TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remake writer Scott Kosar bringing his modern sensibilities to the 70s horror favorite.
I remember when I saw AMITYVILLE in the theaters, it was all the rage, Kosar recalls. Its really bizarre how in our childhood recollections the movie is absolutely terrifying. Looking back, there were certain moments that were memorable, but here we are 25 years later and we need to reinvent things. Whereas CHAINSAW was intimidating in that I didnt think there was any way to improve upon the original, theres plenty of room for improvement with AMITYVILLE.
Though the 79 film is clearly lacking by todays standards, Kosar credits the success of the original to the decades fascination with demonic possession. I personally believe the whole story of Amityville came into existence because of the success of THE EXORCIST and THE OMEN, Kosar explains. Im not saying that the Lutzes story didnt happenIll leave that for someone else to decide. But I know Hollywood and the publishers saw a market for that story, and I dont think it would have happened had THE EXORCIST not been what it was.
Although Kosar is contractually sworn to secrecy about much of the new film, Fango was able to pry loose a few delectable tidbits. Although I wouldnt call it the most faithful remake, I can say that we are being more faithful to the book than the film. But its being reinvented in a way that will make it feel more contemporary. But then Kosar grows cautious. Platinum Dunes, MGM and Dimensionthere are a lot of people involved and a lot of excitement. As was the case with CHAINSAW, we want to keep the lid on things as much as possible so theres some anticipation and surprise. We dont want to show our cards too soon. But I can say that I think were making a better movie than the first one.
The new AMITYVILLE is due to hit theaters January 14, 2005.
Courtesy of Fangoria
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