10 Best Film Noir Movie Remakes

As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the golden age of Hollywood, I must say that these remakes have left me quite intrigued. The Deep End, with its gripping narrative and Tilda Swinton’s captivating performance, is a modern-day noir that harks back to the tension-filled moments of The Reckless Moment. On the other hand, Dark Mirror, while not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, offers a refreshing take on the original 1946 film, with Jane Seymour delivering a chilling portrayal of the troubled twins.

Once upon a time, film noir was a powerful and influential genre, but sadly, it’s almost vanished today. As a result, some modern filmmakers have dared to remake movies from this era. Despite the fact that movie enthusiasts often urge Hollywood to “keep their hands off the classics,” reimagined films demonstrate that adding a contemporary touch to timeless stories isn’t always a bad idea.

The label “film noir” was first introduced by film critic Nino Frank. He applied this term to movies that displayed a jaded outlook and stark visuals, often due to their portrayal of cynical attitudes and harsh lighting. This pervasive gloom in the films can be traced back to the challenging economic conditions during the Great Depression and the post-World War II period.

Over time, as circumstances became more favorable, movie genres such as dramas, thrillers, and action movies began to take on a more upbeat feel. This shift in tone led contemporary filmmakers to either adopt the less commonly used neo-noir style or update some classic films.

10 Against All Odds (1984)

Remake of Out of the Past (1947)

In the gripping saga of “Against All Odds“, I found myself drawn into a world where fate, not choice, weaves the threads of crime and affection. After an unexpected twist that saw me kicked off my football team, the charismatic yet cash-strapped Terry Brogan (played by Jeff Bridges) found himself hard-pressed to even afford a simple burger. With his finances in a dire state, Terry was all too eager to accept the questionable offer from the enigmatic nightclub owner, Jake, who tasked him with tracking down his kidnapped girlfriend, Jessie, deep within the heart of Mexico. Upon finding her, Terry and Jessie formed an unlikely bond, one that may or may not have been strictly platonic… or so it seemed.

Jens Greer Dominates Both Films

In a similar fashion to its original 1947 film noir, “Out of the Past,” “Against All Odds” features characters navigating through a perpetually shifting scene of turmoil and confusion.

In Donald E. Thorin’s captivating cinematography, you can almost feel the dusty breeze of Mexico under your nose. Jane Greer delivers a genuine and effortless performance in this groundbreaking film that paved the way for the man-on-the-run genre. What makes it even more intriguing is that she played the main character in the original version, but here, she takes on the role of the girl’s mother. In the film noir, she was the girl herself. As a fan, I appreciate the subtle yet significant change in her character arc across these two stories.

Comparing one movie to another isn’t really fair, given that they’ve each earned their own accolades. The original film is honored by being in the National Film Registry, while the remake has been recognized with nominations for a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Golden Globe.

9 Desperate Hours (1990)

Remake of The Desperate Hours (1955)

Initially, Desperate Hours presents defense attorney Nancy Breyers (Kelly Lynch), who finds herself deeply embroiled in emotions towards her client, the violent and mentally unstable Michael Bosworth (Mickey Rourke). Instead of spending lengthy months battling for him in court, she decides to assist him in a hasty prison break.

Upon leaving, Michael decides to conceal himself in an arbitrary house, oblivious to the fact that it’s inhabited by a troubled Vietnam veteran named Tim (Anthony Hopkins) and Nora Cornell (Mimi Rogers), a contentious couple teetering on the brink of divorce.

As Good as the Original, Except for the Lead Actor’s Performance

The movie contrasts Michael’s intense yearning for liberty with Tim’s desperate longing for safety. Within a compact 1 hour and 6 minutes, viewers are offered a finely crafted narrative that subtly explores the complexities of matrimony and the harsh truth of impending peril.

1. The events you see were first depicted in the 1955 movie noir, “The Desperate Hours,” starring Humphrey Bogart. Both films share almost identical stories, making them both crucial examples of home invasion movies. Yet, it’s clear that the original film has the charm of Bogart; Rourke was even nominated for a Razzie award as Worst Actor in another production.

8 Kiss of Death (1995)

Remake of Kiss of Death (1947)

After serving his sentence, the world-weary character Jimmy Kilmartin (David Caruso), formerly known as Kiss of Death, is trying to keep a low profile by spending quality time with family and taking on honest jobs. However, his troublesome cousin Ronnie (Michael Rapaport) manages to persuade him into joining a car robbery scheme, which lands Jimmy back in prison.

Despite feeling completely defeated, there’s a glimmer of optimism when a district attorney steps in, assuring him that his liberty could be restored if he consents to act as an undercover agent, helping to take down the notorious criminal, Little Junior Brown, portrayed by Nicolas Cage.

Nicholas Cage at His Usual Best

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve had the chance to compare Henry Hathaway’s 1947 film noir with its more recent adaptation. The original was nominated for two Oscars and received recognition at the Golden Globes, while the new version hasn’t garnered any awards yet. However, it holds its own through gritty, authentic production design that beautifully portrays New York City’s urban deterioration, and a stunning, pitch-perfect performance by Nicolas Cage.

In his most memorable big-screen role yet, the actor gives an outstanding performance as the relentless, wheezing character Brown. Even when he delivers a corny line like “I have a term for myself. Can you guess it? BAD. BAD… Balls, Attitude, Direction,” even the grumpiest of reviewers would find themselves swayed. The film’s impressive cast, featuring Ving Rhames and Phillip Baker Hall, adds an extra layer of richness, making this a delightful treasure worth revisiting multiple times.

7 Night and the City (1992)

Remake of Night and the City (1950)

Character Harry Fabian, played by Robert De Niro in “Night and the City,” bears striking similarities to Saul Goodman from “Better Call Saul.” Unhappy with meager earnings from honest work, he resorts to hustling schemes throughout New York. His luck holds until a dodgy boxing venture falls apart, leaving him no choice but to seek financial aid from the merciless lender, Mr. Peck (Eli Wallach).

In a tough financial situation, he turns to Helen – a married server with whom he’s involved – for aid. Matters become increasingly complex, and the boundaries between allegiance and deceit, morality and immorality, grow hazy.

Peeping at the Underworld Through Different Sports

Due to its harsh portrayal of the corrupt world of professional wrestling in the 1950s, which was controlled by the mafia, the movie “Night and the City” from 1950 stands out as exceptional compared to others. This was the first film directed by Jules Dassin after being blacklisted from Hollywood due to accusations of communist ties. Over time, it has become one of the most revered film noirs. Despite this, viewers may still find enjoyment in the Irwin Winkler remake.

Moving from wrestling to boxing in this movie helps distinguish it from others, and at the same time, it pays tribute to Robert DeNiro’s iconic role in Raging Bull. Ultimately, this remake is a visually striking and emotionally intense mystery that unfolds with unexpected twists, causing tiny hairs on the back of the neck to stand up.

6 D.O.A. (1988)

Remake of D.O.A. (1950)

In the opening sequence of D.O.A., there’s an intriguing scene where a puzzling character stumbles towards a police station to declare a murder. When inquired about the victim, he shockingly reveals, “I am.” The man is identified as Dexter Cornell (portrayed by Dennis Quaid), a university professor who, following a night of revelry, has discovered that he was poisoned and now has just 36 hours left to live.

The Better Among the Five Remakes

The original “D.O.A” was recognized in two lists by the American Film Institute: “100 Years…100 Thrills” and “10 Top 10 mystery”, demonstrating its exceptional quality. Filmmaker Rudolph Maté skillfully explores complex professional relationships and the intricate dance between despair and destiny within this film. Notably, the protagonist’s conclusion involves him collapsing and passing away after recounting his tale. This doesn’t imply that any subsequent remakes of the story are subpar in comparison.

So far, there have been five remixes, but Rocky Morton, famous for directing the 1993 Hollywood Pictures film “Super Mario Bros”, has created the standout version. His signature quick-witted dialogue and portrayal of a disillusioned protagonist create an intriguing tribute to the intricacies and peculiarities of crime. Moreover, Dennis Quaid delivers a stellar performance as the bewildered, apprehensive professor in this timeless exploration of seeking truth.

5 The Underneath (1995)

Remake of Criss Cross (1949)

Beneathneath depicts the story of Michael Chambers (Peter Gallagher), a former gambling addict, who, after many years, returns to Texas for his mother’s wedding. Upon arrival, he finds himself drawn back into a relationship with his ex-wife, Rachel (Alison Elliott), who is now involved with the menacing Tommy Dundee (William Fichtner). When Dundee discovers their rekindled romance, he becomes enraged, leading to a series of escalating events.

A Decent Soderbergh Effort

As a cinephile, I found it intriguing when Steven Soderbergh chose to remake “Criss Cross,” a movie renowned for its film noir excellence. Unlike the original, which stands among the greatest films of the ’50s, this modern reinterpretation didn’t make a significant impact in the ’90s. However, it manages to infuse a delightful contemporary flavor into an engrossing story, and provides some of the most intelligent dialogue ever recorded in Hollywood cinema.

The movie’s transition from travelogue to crime thriller is seamless, and the third act offers generous portions of both melodrama and action.

4 Narrow Margin (1990)

Remake of The Narrow Margin (1952)

Carol Hunnicut, played by Anne Archer in the movie “Narrow Margin”, realizes that she’ll be marked for danger once she witnesses a gangland execution. In a hurry, she heads to the isolated wilderness of Canada and takes refuge in a secluded cabin.

With knowledge of her whereabouts, Los Angeles District Attorney Robert Caulfield (played by Gene Hackman) journeys to that spot to convince Carol to appear before a grand jury, offering a witness protection plan in return. She consents, but before she can depart, a ruthless mob assassination team appears. The ensuing sequence is filled with nerve-wracking pursuit through the rugged wilderness.

Wild Chases and Narrow Escapes

Among the two adaptations, this one is not necessarily superior to the 1952 film noir that inspired it (a nominee for the Academy Award for Best Writing – Motion Picture Story). However, it surpasses any subsequent versions.

In the chilling heart of British Columbia, I found myself immersed in the gritty, raw setting that director Peter Hyams masterfully captured on screen. This neo-noir tale is not just a visual treat, but a sensory experience, as it showcases its rugged landscapes and leaves you breathless with its pulse-pounding action sequences.

3 No Way Out (1987)

Remake of The Big Clock (1948)

No Way Out is a largely underrated gem that continues to hold up over time. The story revolves around Navy Lt. Tom Farrell (played by Kevin Costner), who finds himself in a romantic entanglement with a woman he met at the Presidential inaugural ball, unaware that she was the Secretary of Defense’s mistress. Tragically, the woman winds up dead, and when Farrell is assigned to lead the investigation, he unearths a multitude of startling revelations.

Colorful and Nerve-Shredding

“Revamped from ‘The Big Clock’ and ‘No Way Out’, this film is a rare, intelligent political thriller with unexpected twists that are hard to find nowadays. Director Roger Donaldson infuses energy into the narrative while giving it a colorful, lively touch by using vibrant, engaging shots of mid-1980s America. The period-specific KGB storylines also make it worth watching this overlooked, quirky, pulse-pounding masterpiece.”

Although “The Big Clock” has received critical praise, it’s important to note that it doesn’t feature any cameos by Kevin Costner, Gene Hackman, or Brad Pitt. If you’re seeking an enjoyable movie-watching experience, I’d suggest giving Donaldson’s film a try instead – it’s highly recommended!

2 The Deep End (2001)

Remake of The Reckless Moment (1949)

Everything is going smoothly for Margaret (Tilda Swinton) in the film “The Deep End“, but trouble arises when her son’s lover’s corpse appears on their Lake Tahoe shoreline. Concerned about her son’s safety, she makes a maternal decision to conceal the body. However, her actions don’t resolve the issue as she had hoped. Not long after, a mysterious man named Alek confronts her with damning video footage and threatens to give it to the authorities unless she pays him $50,000.

A Well-Acted Thriller with Outstanding Characters

“The Deep End” is a nerve-wracking depiction of a woman on the brink of losing all she has. Nothing is straightforward or secure, with her son and the person extorting her causing nothing but trouble. Essentially, it’s as suspenseful as the 1949 film noir “The Reckless Moment”.

While there may be small differences between the two movies, it’s worth watching both for a comprehensive experience. The remake has been recognized with over 20 nominations from various awarding bodies, whereas the original has made it onto the list of must-see films in “1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die,” a book endorsed by 70 well-respected critics.

1 Dark Mirror (1984)

Remake of The Dark Mirror (1946)

Dark Mirror represents a contemporary adaptation of the 1946 film noir, where Olivia de Havilland delivered another outstanding performance. In its current form, the movie features Jane Seymour as the grown-up twins Leigh and Tracy. One twin has a chilling tendency to surprise people by stabbing them from behind with knives. The other is a morally upright individual. However, determining who is who remains a mystery.

Following the tragic killing of a skilled pianist, they both emerge as possible suspects. Into this scenario steps Detective Al Church (played by Vincent Gardenia), a determined investigator with unwavering resolve to delve into the case and seek justice.

A Refreshing ABC TV Movie

Straying from its more family-friendly productions, ABC decided to delve into the grittier era of classic Hollywood for something more ominous to adapt. This led to a chilling TV movie that provided a disquieting perspective on psychoanalysis and abnormal psychology. The original production didn’t garner as much acclaim as other film noirs, making it an attractive candidate for a revamp. Given its success in the 1980s and the intriguing plotline involving confused law enforcement, it was a smart choice to update it.

2024-08-18 02:32