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Update: Let The Right One In American Remake

Posted on Monday, June 29th, 2009 by Peter Sciretta

let the right one in

As you know, Let the Right One In was one of our favorite movies of last year. And you might also remember, the Swedish vampire coming of age film is getting an American remake by Cloverfield director Matt Reeves. It has been a while since we’ve written an update on the project, but Reeves’ recent interview with the Los Angeles Times provides us with a reason. Here are a few things we’ve learned:

The film is now officially titled Let Me In, which is a more accurate english language translation of John Ajvide Lindqvist’s original novel.
A second draft of the screenplay is completed.
The Americanized story is set in the snow covered mountains of a Ronald Regan-era Colorado.
Reeves has hired casting director Avy Kaufman (The Sixth Sense, Garden State, Lemony Snicket) to find the two 12-year-old leads. Some fans of the original film feared that Reeves might feel pressure to cast older, taking advantage of the Twilight teenage vampire craze, but that is not the case.
The previously announced January 15th 2010 release date has been pushed back to a “Fall 2010″ TBA date. Might Overture Films believe their genre film might have a chance come awards time?

Read the original article on LATimes. Thanks to FirstShowing for finding this article.

Comments

terminals

"The film is now officially titled Let Me In, which is a more accurate english language translation of John Ajvide Lindqvist’s original novel."

How is that possible considering the book was named after the Morrisey song "Let the Right One Slip In"?

Marcus Mattsson

Yeah, it's most definitely not more accurate.

Original title: Låt den rätte komma in

Word for word translation:
Låt = Let
den rätte = the right one
komma = come
in = in

I.e. "Let the right one come in" is the literal translation.

speedracer

no matter what he says it's still despicable. why does there have to be an american adaptation? the swedish version was good enough thank you very much.

whatchagonnado

Because most American's don't even know that Sweden is a country, where it is on a map or makes movies of this high standard. They have to be baby fed cause they can't be bothered to give foreign movies a chance. I don't care who directs it, who writes the screenplay or who stars in it (100 "bucks" says its Jaden Smith) it's not gonna be patch on the original. What on God's Green Earth is this remake gonna achieve? I may go so far to say that once the American's see this, they will think the Swedish version is the re-make. Oh. Dear. Lord.

whatchagonnado

Because most American's don't even know that Sweden is a country, where it is on a map or makes movies of this high standard. They have to be baby fed cause they can't be bothered to give foreign movies a chance. I don't care who directs it, who writes the screenplay or who stars in it (100 "bucks" says its Jaden Smith) it's not gonna be patch on the original. What on God's Green Earth is this remake gonna achieve? I may go so far to say that once the American's see this, they will think the Swedish version is the re-make. Oh. Dear. Lord.

whatchagonnado

Because most American's don't even know that Sweden is a country, where it is on a map or makes movies of this high standard. They have to be baby fed cause they can't be bothered to give foreign movies a chance. I don't care who directs it, who writes the screenplay or who stars in it (100 "bucks" says its Jaden Smith) it's not gonna be patch on the original. What on God's Green Earth is this remake gonna achieve? I may go so far to say that once the American's see this, they will think the Swedish version is the re-make. Oh. Dear. Lord.

sammyjankis

I have a feeling in 20 years, we will be remaking the remakes.

On a side note, I would rather see this remake than most of the other stuff in the pipeline (I am looking at you Jaden Smith)

----

In 20 years? They are already remaking remakes. See "House of Wax".

jason B

remaking remakes...sammy old pal, i wish we all had your memory loss ailment, then we could forget the fact that you are absolutely correct - it will happen.

Jesse

Boooooo.......

Ben

From what I understand the title "Let Me In" was actually what the novel was renamed when it was published in English in 2007, then it was reprinted last year as "Let The Right One In" to coincide with the film. And if I'm not mistaken a direct Swedish translation would be "Let The Right Come In" (Låt den rätte komma in)

In one way I'm happy they'll be keeping them 12 and in the same era, but a part of me can't help but feel it will then have nothing new to offer, unless they are going back to the book and extending upon certain story threads that were not heavily explored in the original film adap.

rapistwerewolves

you are correct, all US printings of the book released before the movie came out were called "Let Me In"

Honestly, there was enough left from the book to allow for a different take IMO. I welcome this film, but i reserve the right to hate it later.

distructo_disqus

I think that multiple adaptations are fine, as long as they remain unique. They could even throw in their own ideas, it worked for Chan-wook Park's "OldBoy" (which was veerrryyy different from the manga). That doesn't mean "Chan-wook's was better", it just means adaptations can be different enough to render comparisons moot and still be compelling and new.
I'm not psychic, so I can at least be open-minded and realize the new movie could potentially be good. If that happens, then there's no reason to hate it.
I haven't read the book, but I hope they utilize unused material to create a version distinct from Let The Right One In.

Henning-Norway

The book is waaaaaay much darker than the movie. I doub't Hollywood have the guts to add more of the source material... zombie pedophiles just isn't their cup of tea ;)

jason B

-they will never allow the brutality and sexuality of the original to be included in an american remake - especially not with young kids. not that those things made the film, but they were properly utilized and helped expose the true horror of the film: being bullied as a kid. it's a horrific experience, and i was cheering outloud during the climax.

-recent 'overture films' releases: mad money & righteous kill (nuff said).
also sunshine cleaning and henry poole is here (neither are miraculous, but they're cool)

-matt reeves pre-cloverfield work: felicity/writer-director, the yards/writer, under siege 2/writer. also the pallbearer/writer-director (not bad)

@ peter
are you worried about this film, or am i jumping the gun?

Peter Sciretta

I actually loved Reeves' work on Felicity (don't knock it unless you've seen it), he's good at writing very realistic relationship stories. I did like Cloverfield, but this is a very different movie. I'm on a wait and see stance right now.

sammyjankis

I agree, Reeves is actually a pretty good filmmaker, including Felicity. Sadly many people don't see foreign films, so a remake of one (see shitty Japanese horror remake list) is pretty much inevitable. I at least have faith that Reeves can make a good film.

MarquisdeRad

Don't you think it's ridiculous for stuff to have awards buzz before it's even made? Oh Hollywood...I don't understand you anymore.

Doug

Remaking films that have been outdated, be it technologically or whatever i get. I even understand making ridiculous sequels to films that need sequels.

What i dont get is why there needs to an american version, even if its really good. If you dont speak the language there are subtitles or even dubbs. Not only that but this movie isnt even old so there is no way to best at all. At best it can be only as good as the original.

What do audiences get out of seeing an american version that they wouldnt get from seeing the original?

Doug

*that DONT need sequels*

jason B

i think the obvious answer is that different cultures interpret things differently. so here the 'book' would be the 'thing' being interpreted differently. 1st by a swede director, 2nd the yankee.

though this provides an answer, it still doesn't. you know? like, ok, they see it differently - but so what?

now, the even more obvious (but not so noble) answer is $$$. people who loved this film might be overwhelmed with curiosity to see what reeves come up with. and then people who haven't seen it - people who steer clear of subtitles - might be exposed to the swedish film, via the american.

for all my rambling, i'll say that i'm with peter on the 'wait and see' list. but without a doubt you brought up an excellent question.

Peter Sciretta

You do bring up a great point. American remakes are good because it gives the original film a lot more exposure. I can't imagine that as many Americans would have seen Ringu if The Ring was never released. The same could be said about The Departed / Infernal Affairs and many other films.

Nate

Magnificent Seven and Seven Samurai.

It's easy for those of us that frequent such sights as /film and chud, to cast aspersions on remakes of foreign films, because we will actually watch the foreign versions. A lot of people won't.

Sketch

Just out of curiosity, but is the rerelease of the original film with the correct subtitles finally in circulation?

Adam

God dammit why the fuck does everything have to be Americanized? Guarantee this movie will fucking suck.

Tercotta

I am worried that this film will suck and tarnish the original in the eyes of people that haven't seen it. Though all these little tidbits are steps in the right direction. Let the Right One In is straight up my favorite film of the decade and I'm really looking forward to defending it in the decade wrap up lists. Hey Peter, you are doing some sort of best of decade retrospective either on site or on the /filmcast aren't you?

elliot

is there anything you guys at slash film can do to stop this production? there is absolutely no need whatsoever to remake this film. let the right one in is a perfect film. in my opinion the best vampire film ever, yes, even better than the original dracula (even if you disagree, we've come a long way in filmmaking since todd browning) anyway, you can't be happy about this remake, right? all the fat twilight girls are gonna think it's such a great movie without even knowing it's a remake.
thanks. love the site, by the way.

super_aj

I'm just glad its in semi-capable hands. you can bitch about remakes or Americanized versions of stuff all you want, but the fact is that hollywood is a business, and if execs think it'll make money, it'll get made. so lets quit whining and just hope it turns out okay yeah?

Michael_C

Dammit, I still haven't seen it. Does anyone know if the Netflix watch instantly version has the good subtitles?

mparis13

I'll let you in on something. I lent a friend the screening version of the movie and he told me the difference between the two subtitles isn't that big. There are a few discrepancies (some major, some not) but the overall gist and magic of the film is not lost in translation.

Hiking in Appalachia

Yes, the Netflix watch instantly version has the correct subtitles. Though the DVD is not unwatchable, either. Just disappointing.

Nate

That's good to know about the Netflix subtitles. I was put off from watching it on DVD because of the subtitle issue

mparis13

This is just the king of unnecessary sequels.

Nate

Not a sequel.

mparis13

Freudian slip.

Palmer

While I'm not that big of a fan of the recent booms in remakes. I might be open to this one. Though I like the sound of Let the Right One In better, probably because I'm used to it. But it may be good as long as it's not changed to be more like Twilight and not dumb down the whole thing.

morecomp

I hope they do it well, The German title is allready the title from the novel. From the swedish book and we will see what the title from the Hollywood version in Germany sounds. But ok, I can live with that.

september11th

What they really need to do is stop spending money remaking foreign films, and put it towards marketing the originals. America is not too stupid to embrace independent or foreign movies, the studios just do not give it a chance. The rest of the non-english speaking world watches our films.. There is no reason people in America cant get used to subtitles.
Instead of spending 40 million on a new one, they could spend 5 million marketing the original Let The Right One In; tv commercials, posters all over, web advertisements, give it a wide release. The movie is already made for christs sake.. all they need to do is advertise it. There is no doubt in my mind they would make back the 5 million and people would enjoy it. But they are all afraid to try anything differnt. It's just such a bullshit mentality to 'Americanize' everything.. I honestly don't understand it.

AngryBroomstick

seriously, I feel you. COME THE FUCK ON! Who remembers the 2001 French megahit film AMELIE??? Soooo many Americans loved AMELIE and Audrey Tautou became an overnight sensation, even though she was already famous in Europe.

Fost

"all they need to do is advertise it"

You're so right I want to hug you. lol

Youknowme

I read the script. Remake is rather the same, but there are a lot of Christian hints... plus one cop character (silly), and the scene where "the Father" of the girl poured himself with acid had been changed

/ambient

yikes!

Tercotta

BOth that and the hospital scene are crucial to see how much he loves her.

I like to view Let the Right One In as one story but out of order. That later relationship is the only precedent we have for her relationships with older men and therefore is the only logical direction in which her relationship with Oskar will go.

It was Goddard (i think) who said a story needed a beginning, middle and end just not necessarily in that order. Let the Right One In is the entire story of Eli and Osker up to his death just not in order chronologically. This is why I think this movie is the best of a decade.

dagreenman18

I'll wait for a trailer before i truly hate on this. I absolutly love the novel, and the film is in my Top 5 of last year. I just hope they don't try to neuter the american version to try to sell to the retarded teens of today.

/ambient

"Let Me In"

Boo!!!!

Colossi

Jeez, why screw up this already perfect movie?
Does everything have to be dumbed down to suit the US public?

Lazer

If it means a chance at a quick buck, then absolutely.

angel

amerifags, firts oldboy, now this XD im so pissed

Lazer

You sound pretty uneducated.

Chris

The film has no real pull unless it does something vastly different than the original.

This remake will be very dumb mediocre vampire flick, with the studios trying to cash in on the Twilight craze.

it will have more action, more cliche driven romance, more terrible dialouge and the best bit -- will be PG-13!

I understand the purpose of the remake but I have no interest in it.

LET ME OUT!

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