I am a fan of the original version of Carrie, and a big fan of Stephen King's writing. The story of Carrie is a great allegory for puberty and adolescence that has been retold in many forms in books and film over the years.
The book was published in 1974, was and still is an exceptional work of literary fiction. Hard hitting both in it's content, child abuse, religious fanaticism, bullying, teenage pregnancy, abortion, murder, and for the fact that it was an epistolary novel. The subject matter combined with it's portrayal as actual events that took place would have made for something very powerful at that time.
Two years later, in 1976, a feature film adapted from the book was released. Whilst I don't feel that the film was able to convey the full glory of the writing, it did a stand up job. The film hasn’t aged well, and watching it now may not have as profound effect. The subject matter at that time was very edgy. As a result it was critically acclaimed and earned 2 oscar nominations, lead actress and supporting actress.
Fast forward to 2013. In our current age, with the internet, information sharing and social media the way it is, the topics mentioned above aren’t taboo. Because of this a Carrie remake would have to think outside the box a little. How do you make the film relevant to this generation. I’m sorry to say that happy slapping and video sharing via social networks just don’t cut it. They in themselves are now tired gimmicks. Used and reused many times before. So with that said an almost frame perfect (in some places) remake of the original just becomes woefully dull. There isn’t anything there to wow the current generation. No shocks, no edge. It just doesn't feel like there was any need to remake the film at this moment in time.
If you have yet to see Carrie at the cinema. I wouldn’t waste the money on a ticket. Wait a few months for your on demand service to pick it up. Or better yet, steer clear of the remake all together and just watch the original.
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