TheCrow

Rupert Sanders' remake of The Crow is an ambitious work that attempts to reinvent a cult film while remaining faithful to the dark, tragic essence of James O'Barr's original comic. Compared to the 1994 adaptation, directed by Alex Proyas, this film stands out not only for a different approach to the source material, but also for an aesthetic and tone that reflect a significant change of perspective.

Alex Proyas' original work, starring the unforgettable Brandon Lee, is deeply rooted in the grunge aesthetic of the '90s, a blend of gothic elements, stylized violence and rock music that captured the spirit of the times. The film, marked by the real-life tragedy of Lee's death on set, has become a symbol of artistic expression through the prism of pain and loss. 1994's The Crow is often seen as a raw, stylized emotional exploration of revenge and grief, magnified by Alex Proyas' visionary art direction and iconic accompanying soundtrack (Empire).

By contrast, this new version with Bill Skarsgård in the lead role opts for a more down-to-earth approach. Rupert Sanders, who has already explored similar themes in Ghost in the Shell, departs from Hollywood codes in favor of a direction reminiscent of the independent films of the 70s. This choice manifests itself not only in the less stylized, more realistic visual style, but also in the way the story is told: in a more intimate way, focusing on the raw violence and raw emotions of the main character.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the film is its limited budget. With only $50 million, a modest figure by today's superhero movie standards, Rupert Sanders had to be creative to convey the emotional intensity and darkness of the story. This budgetary constraint seems to have prompted the director to focus on the essentials: emotion, the actors' performance and effective direction, without allowing himself to be distracted by spectacular special effects. This deliberate choice might remind some of the philosophy of directors of the 70s, who favored substance over style, a comparison Sanders himself is quick to make.

However, this approach also has its drawbacks. The absence of the visual lyricism and gothic atmosphere that characterized the original may displease purists. Where Alex Proyas was able to create an atmosphere that was both oppressive and captivating, Rupert Sanders seems to have opted for a rawer, more grounded-in-reality direction. This choice, while potentially more accessible to a contemporary audience, could also be seen as a loss of the mythic dimension and symbolic richness that made the 1994 film such a unique cinematic experience.

Bill Skarsgård's performance is also open to debate. By opting for a more realistic, violence-based interpretation of Eric Draven's character, Bill Skarsgård detaches himself from Brandon Lee's tragic, almost mythological aura. His approach, while faithful to the spirit of the comic, could be perceived as less charismatic, even less memorable. However, the actor seems to have captured the tormented essence of Eric Draven, delivering an intense performance that fits the film's dark tone. His dynamic with FKA Twigs, who plays Shelly, adds a welcome emotional depth, even if it doesn't always manage to compensate for the loss of the poignant aesthetic of the original (Empire).

This new adaptation of The Crow is an audacious and divisive project. While Rupert Sanders has captured the essence of the comic's darkness and violence, it remains to be seen whether this new, more realistic and less stylized interpretation will appeal to new audiences and long-time fans alike. This more sober and personal retelling offers an alternative vision of Eric Draven's story, but may lack the visual and emotional impact that made the 1994 film a timeless classic. Only time will tell whether this risky gamble will pay off for the director and his collaborators.

The Crow
Directed by Rupert Sanders
Written by Zach Baylin, William Schneider
Based on The Crow by James O'Barr
Produced by Edward R. Pressman, Samuel Hadida, Victor Hadida, John Jencks, Molly Hassell
Starring Bill Skarsgård, FKA Twigs, Danny Huston
Cinematography : Steve Annis
Edited by Chris Dickens, Neil Smith
Music by Volker Bertelmann
Production companies : Pressman Film, Davis Films, The Electric Shadow Company, Ashland Hill Media Finance, Hassell Free Productions, Media Capital Technologies, 30West
Distributed by Lionsgate Films (United States), Metropolitan Films (France)
Release dates : August 21, 2024 (France), August 23, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 111 minutes

Seen on August 21, 2024 at Gaumont Disney Village, Room 10 seat A20

Mulder's Mark: