It is really disapointing when an initially good film is re-made, virtually shot for shot. It seems so damn pointless. I mean who will ever be able to figure out why Psycho was ever re-made in this fashion? Unfortunately 2007 Spanish horror flick [Rec] was re-made in America, and re-named Quarantine. I'm sure that I'm not telling you anything new here, but when I rented this DVD I didn't realise it was an actual shot for shot re-make. I saw Quarantine back in 2009 at my local cinema. I think these type of horrors really work as they are more believable than the normal run of the mill slasher flicks. [REC] cum Quarantine, Paranormal Activity, Blair Witch, all have an inherent creepiness that is far superior to any other type of horror movie in my opinion. The Blair Witch Project started it all off with its shaky camera lost/ found footage premise. But I think as the premise has grown, the chills have increased with it. Blair Witch was certainly innovative in its day, but it didn't really creep me out like Paranormal Activity or Quaratine has subsequently managed to do.
[REC] then is a 2007 Spanish horror. Unfortunately I don't think it played here in cinemas but I wish it had of. Quaratine was bloody scary on the big screen, but since it is a remake I would have prefered to see the original. I'm not adverse to reading sub-titles and find it somewhat pathetic, and somewhat arrogant, that many people turn their noses up at doing so. Honestly, besides a few minor script changes, what was the point of Quarantine except to pander to those who won't read sub-titles?
The problem now with reviewing [REC] is that I saw Quarantine first. Also since they are virtually scene for scene it becomes impossible to compare the two. Is one scarier than the other? No. Is the acting better than the other? No. No. No. No to all else. But more importantly is Manuela Velasco sexier and better looking than Jennifer Carpenter??! Ummm...hmmm, dunno! Suffice to say they both get infected last of all, in probably the scariest scene from both movies.
So besides a bunch of people freaking out and screaming in Spanish or English there really is absolutely no difference between the two. The only real change is in the narrative rather than a visual one. In [REC] the infection is demonic in nature, whereas in Quarantine it is actually rabies. Why the change I don't know. I like [REC] more as the idea of a contagious virus from demonic sources is far creepier than a dose of dog bite disease! So maybe [REC] is the superior movie?!
[REC] had a sequel in 2009 which starts at the end of the first movie. Angela Vidal, the female reporter, has been infected by the virus and is possessed by the girl in the attic. Fortunately in America Quarantine 2 took a different story line. I believe there are two more [REC] movies to be made. I haven't even seen a DVD copy of the second [REC] which is probably due to Quarantine squeezing it out due to being in English. This annoys me because we see the few who won't read sub-titles dictating to the many who do. I'd rather read sub-titles than not see a movie at all
Since Quarantine is the shot for shot re-make, I say avoid it and watch the original Spanish version, simply because it got in first. Don't like sub-titles? Harden up! There is really nothing between the two, but I just don't like the thinking behind Quarantine. It was simple arrogance in making exactly the same movie just because the original wasn't in English. ( The Orphanage is another fine Spanish horror and I'm surprised that hasn't been turned into an English language re-make yet either ).
If you haven't seen Quarantine then I recommend you see [REC] instead. Scary, moody, claustrophobic, bloody, original, and nerve jangling. Quite simply a roll-a-coaster of a fright flick.
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i didnt know quarantine was a remake of rec. not that i've seen either of them.
ReplyDeletei thought the orphanage had been remade already? liv tylers in it maybe? or am i just confusing myself?
You weren't the only one that did it backwards Brent, I watched the remake first as well.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy both films but I like the slant the original takes, have always assumed that the religious aspect was more of a reflections of it's very Spanish and very Catholic filmmakers.
While I enjoy both film, I'm a fan of Carpenter as well, I think [REC] is clearly the better film. I'm looking foward to checking out the sequel which I've been looking foward to for a while, a copy of which is incredibly hard to find Stateside for some reason.
Ah well I may be wrong as I haven't heard if The Orphanage has been re-made. I hope not as the Spanish version is a damn creepy ghost flick!
ReplyDeleteDaniel...yeah I like both films but didn't see the need to re do it. I agree to the Catholic sentiment from a very Catholic country. I liked the original more though as the virus is creepier than rabies!
Like you I haven't seen the Spanish sequel here either...hope it turns up as the whole premise is excellent.
I take it back. I mustve been confused. Although a remake is scheduled apparently.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the [REC] films and although Quarantine is as you say pretty much a shot for shot remake [REC] tops it for me due to the performances of the cast.
ReplyDeleteI think that Manuela Velasco acts Jennifer Carpenter off the screen.
The only thing I will say in Quarantine's favour is that it had one good scene in a lift which wasn't in [REC] at all.
If you can catch [REC2] I would thoroughly recommend it as it is just as good
I should point out that I watched [REC] first :-)
I do live Spanish horror - we have one called The Silent House bookmarked in for movie night this Wednesday and I cannot wait
Scary film. The sequel's ok too, but I've had enough of it now.
ReplyDeleteK...I think the Spanish are making some very fine horrors. I mean Rec, The Orphanage are just so original ....and creepy. The Orphanage in particular scared me senseless! It's annoying that Hollywood is re-making them as it shows the total lack of imagination coming from there. They re-made all the Japanese horrors they could and are now doing it to the Spaniards.
ReplyDeleteCDR..yeah I think after 2 movies that would be enough. Sometimes due to popularity a premise is pushed too far. I think the shaky cam/found footage premise can be limited to how far it can be taken. Leave off while the going is good!