My thoughts on the Hellraiser Remake…
Ever since Clive Barker announced that he’s turned in his second draft of the screenplay for the remake of Hellraiser I can’t get the realization out of my mind that we actually have our creator back into the fold. It has been twenty years since he’s been involved in the Hellraiser film franchise and he couldn’t come back at a better time. After an abysmal series of direct-to-video sequels that left a bad taste in a lot of fan’s mouths, the Hellraiser film series needs its originator back more than ever. So could we actually have a good remake on our hands? I think we just might as long as everything goes smoothly when it comes to decision making.
The remake needs to go back to the original themes of the story about pleasure and pain. I want to see a movie that actually tries to scare the wits out of the audience. Starting the script on Devil’s Island with the toy maker and creator of the box is an excellent choice. I also want to see Pinhead returned to his former glory. Hellbound: Hellraiser II was the last time I feel the character was properly portrayed, though Hellraiser: Bloodline had its moments. But with Clive involved I really have no worries here. The script should be fantastic.
But here lies the problem: Dimension Films. Look I understand that making movies is also about making money but please just hear me out. For this remake to work the producers are going to have to believe in what Clive is doing from the get go. Plain and simple. There can be no behind-the-scenes squabbling’s that have ruined many of their past movies. If this happens I’m positive the remake will be doomed. I don’t want that to happen and I’m sure all of you feel the same way. You have Clive-fucking-Barker back into the mix so don’t blow it! Instead take advantage of it and make a mind blowing horror film! I just hope egos are left at the door and creativity is met with enthusiasm. I’m hoping after the success of the release of the Nightbreed Director’s Cut that Clive’s ideas can be more widely accepted by bigger studios. I feel like he’s been justified that his ideas do work and that they can reach a wider audience.
At the end of the day though we’ll just have to wait and see what comes of all this. It could very well fall apart, which would probably make a lot of fans happy. I don’t think a lot of people want a remake. But if they’re going to do it, I’m glad they’ve gotten the original creator back so that we might actually have a chance to get something special. And I’m going to take a chance here and believe in Dimension Films that they have the project’s best interests at heart. For me that’s really rolling the dice.
