It is almost frustrating when remakes of some of the best movies are greenlit even when the original films were already definitive in their vision and execution. What is even more annoying, though, is that when the remake of a near-perfect film or franchise is announced, it is hard not to feel hopeful that it will somehow match the legacy of the original.
Unfortunately, remakes rarely live up to the high standards set by their original films. Owing to this, it feels safe to be cautiously optimistic about the upcoming remake of one of Clint Eastwood’s best movies. However, if the film gets its casting right, it could prove that, unlike most remakes, it deserves to exist.
Rebel Ridge & Lanterns Can Be Perfect Stepping Stones For Aaron Pierre To Lead Fistful Of Dollars’ Remake
During some of the early years of his acting career, Aaron Pierre starred in a wide set of movies from diverse genres. However, he is now starting to build a solid foundation in Neo-Westerns with movies like Rebel Ridge and shows like DCU’s Lanterns. Like the Man With No Name, his characters in Rebel Ridge and Lanterns have a quiet intensity to them, where he allows his presence to do all the talking.
While only time will tell how Lanterns will turn out, Pierre’s performance in the scenes from the show’s trailer and Netflix’s Rebel Ridge proves he has the gravitas to capture the Stranger.
With his portrayal of John Stewart in Lanterns and Terry Richmond in Rebel Ridge, Pierre seems to have proven that he can play a character who walks into a town torn between two warring families and manipulates the entire board.
Even from a physical standpoint, Aaron Pierre is close to 6 feet 3 inches tall, giving him the towering, imposing presence needed to play a stoic and fearless Western gunslinger. The ease with which he shows how his characters demand respect without resorting to extreme violence is another solid reason why he would perfectly fit the leading role in A Fistful of Dollars‘ remake.
A remake always needs a concrete reason to exist. If it is too close to the original, it risks being weighed down by comparisons. On the other hand, if it is too distinct from its source material, is it even a worthy remake? With Aaron Pierre as its lead, A Fistful of Dollars‘ remake to etch a distinct identity for itself without coming off as a hollow remake.
However, even if he does not get to play the part in the upcoming Western remake, Aaron Pierre seems to have a bright future ahead.
The Clint Eastwood Western’s Remake Can Be Tricky, But It Might Actually Work
The news of A Fistful of Dollars‘ remake raises an immediate “Why?” because the original film still stands the test of time. Sergio Leone’s 1964 masterpiece also did not just define the Spaghetti Western, it turned Clint Eastwood into an icon. Why would anyone take the risk of revisiting something so culturally definitive when the original still feels untouchable?
At the same time, though, considering how A Fistful of Dollars was itself a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo, the idea of reinterpretation is baked into the film’s legacy. If it could bring such an incredible reimagining of an already brilliant movie, why can’t another remake do the same?
A modern remake of the Clint Eastwood Western would also benefit a lot from the technical developments in filmmaking. It should still be driven by Morricone’s iconic score, but its portrayal of sweeping vistas of the Tabernas Desert can be better captured with modern 65mm digital sensors.
If the remake of the Clint Eastwood Western manages to get a worthy actor as its lead, it could further prove why it deserves to exist and potentially continue as a movie series. Hopefully, after his roles in Netflix’s Rebel Ridge and DCU‘s Lanterns, Aaron Pierre will get a shot at the role.