Top American Remakes of Foreign Films: Classic Adaptations You Shouldn't Miss

Over the years, Hollywood has produced many successful remakes of foreign films, often enhancing and reinventing the original stories for a new audience. From musicalized masterpieces to suspenseful thrillers, here are some of the best American remakes of foreign films that you should definitely check out.

Musicalized Masterpieces

Films have often been the inspiration for stage productions, and some have seen their stories translated into the Broadway stage before making their way to the silver screen. One such example is The Nights of Cabiria, directed by Federico Fellini, which saw its story musically adapted as the hit Broadway show Sweet Charity, followed by a film adaptation directed by Bob Fosse starring Shirley MacLaine.

Timeless Struggles and Reverse Influences

Many films have gained international recognition, and some gained a fresh perspective through American remakes. The Seven Samurai, directed by Akira Kurosawa, became the well-known The Magnificent Seven. Similarly, the French musical drama La Cage Aux Folles inspired the remake The Birdcage, starring Nathan Lane and Robin Williams, which brought the story to an international audience.

Pardon Mon Affaire became the American film The Woman in Red directed by and starring Gene Wilder, merging classic storytelling with fascinating cultural perspectives.

Suspense and Ethereal Quality

William Friedkin's film Sorcerer, released in 1977, is a scintillating remake of a classic French film, The Wages of Fear. This cautionary tale of a team of daredevils who must transport dangerous cargo down treacherous roads is incredibly suspenseful and nerve-wracking. The haunting soundtrack by Tangerine Dream adds an ethereal quality that lingers long after the film ends, making it a standout among Friedkin's films. You can watch it on Blu-ray or rental through Prime Video.

Quirks and Continuity

Hollywood has sometimes preserved the quirkiness of the original foreign film while adapting it to cater to the American audience. For instance, although Douglas Quaid's adaptation of The Jetty by Chris Marker, Twelve Monkeys, abandoned the original film's unique approach, it remained a solid and entertaining adaptation. Sommersby, based on the French film The Return of Martin Guerre, was well-received for its authenticity and storytelling.

Another noteworthy example is George Cukor's Gaslight, a remake that, while once highly successful, now suffers from a dated ambiance. However, it still holds its charm for those who appreciate classic Hollywood filmmaking.

Distinctive Remakes

The American remake of Let Me In, a Norwegian film, brought a fresh perspective to the story of a young vampire and her human friend in the US. On the other hand, Star Wars borrowed significantly from Akira Kurosawa's Hidden Fortress, blending elements from a variety of Eastern and Western cinematic traditions.

Norwegian films have also made waves with remakes like Insomnia, starring Robin Williams and Al Pacino, which drew from the original Danish film and delivered a thrilling take on the story.

Conclusion

These remakes showcase the enduring power of classic foreign films and their ability to captivate new audiences. From captivating music to suspenseful plots and memorable performances, these American interpretations of foreign films offer a unique blend of cinematic storytelling.

Remember: Whether you're a fan of musicals, suspense, or just a lover of great storytelling, these remakes are worth your time. Watch them to discover the new life foreign films can take on and enjoy the rich cultural heritage they bring to the big screen.