Mike Nichols to remake High and Low

[Watashi]

Mike Nichols (Closer, Charlie Wilson’s War) will direct a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low.

Based loosely on Evan Hunter’s King’s Ransom, the original 1963 detective thriller that tells the story of an executive named Kingo Gondo, who learns that his son has been kidnapped. He is prepared to pay the ransom amount until he discovers that the kidnappers mistakenly abducted the child of his chauffeur. Gondo must decide between using the money he has saved up for a critical corporate buyout, or to use the cash to save his drivers son.

If the names involved thus far don’t get you excited, then read on. Originally commissioned by Martin Scorsese in 1999, the screenplay is written by David Mamet. The film has yet to begin casting, but it sounds like the ball is now rolling after years of being stalled due to rights issues. Scott Rudin will produce, and its likely that Scorsese will executive produce.

Nichols? Mamet? Scorsese? Kurosawa?

Yeah, I can dig it.

[Ezee E]

Yeah, I've heard about this for quite some time.

I have no problem with it. I can see them updating it to modern times, and have it work just as well, similar to The Manchurian Candidate.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Yep, I'm okay with this. It's a story that could work well told several different ways. Plus Nichols and Mamet are okay in my book.

[Amnesiac]

The original is such a fantastic film. I'd definitely check out the remake. Somehow, this one seems suitable to being remade... I actually was just thinking about that a few months ago. And, lo and behold, it's actually happening now.

[NickGlass]

My prediction for Nichols' remake? The domestic drama first half will be fantastic while the detective-story second half will be tiresome, just like the original. Also, I predict that he will not come close to making the night club and heroin alley scenes as cool as Kurosawa.

[DavidSeven]

he will not come close to making the night club and heroin alley scenes as cool as Kurosawa.

Truth.

[Amnesiac]

Will he use the same meticulously well-choreographed and dramatic staging that Kurosawa used in the first half of the film? I guess that is unlikely, too.

[DavidSeven]

Yeah, the blocking in the first half of the film is insane. Some of the best I've seen.

[Sven]

My prediction for Nichols' remake? The domestic drama first half will be fantastic while the detective-story second half will be tiresome, just like the original. Also, I predict that he will not come close to making the night club and heroin alley scenes as cool as Kurosawa.

I predict that everything you say will be "fantastic" about the first half will be directly lifted from Kurosawa.

My doubts are with Nichols. Younger, more interesting Nichols may've been okay, but Nichols as he is today is the definition of "over the hill mediocrity".

[Qrazy]

The shot with all the addicts in the frame in heroin alley is still one of my favorite shots ever.

[Qrazy]

I predict that everything you say will be "fantastic" about the first half will be directly lifted from Kurosawa.

My doubts are with Nichols. Younger, more interesting Nichols may've been okay, but Nichols as he is today is the definition of "over the hill mediocrity".

I agree. Aside from a few exceptions (Angels in America) it's been all downhill for Nichols post Carnal Knowledge and even Carnal Knowledge was a mild step down from the first three imo.

[Sven]

I agree. Aside from a few exceptions (Angels in America) it's been all downhill for Nichols post Carnal Knowledge and even Carnal Knowledge was a mild step down from the first three imo.

I thought the first half of Angels was strong, the second half being a pretty big letdown. That may have more to do with the script, though. I wish Kushner didn't think that he knows everything about Mormonism. His depiction is laughable.

[Qrazy]

I thought the first half of Angels was strong, the second half being a pretty big letdown. That may have more to do with the script, though. I wish Kushner didn't think that he knows everything about Mormonism. His depiction is laughable.

Yeah it wasn't perfect but I just remember thinking this is a hell of a lot better than The Birdcage.