I have to admit that I find the current trend of remaking older movies saddening – surely there are some talented writers out there who can create new movies? The only remake that has even remotely interested me recently is Arthur – the original movie was a sinful delight for me, with the wonderfully inane Dudley Moore producing a surprisingly delightful and innocent performance as the playboy Arthur – however this movie is no longer ‘politically correct’ and therefore is rarely seen on TV.
Any remake of such a movie must try and keep the endearing qualities of the original that included an eclectically brilliant partnership between Moore and Gielgud; there was a tangible chemistry between the two that made the relationship between playboy and butler seem very real.
I must admit to being surprised by the choice as Russell Brand as Arthur; his brash and wild comedy didn’t seem to suit the subtleties required by the role of Arthur, however I must say that Russel Brand did his homework and did justice to this role as a lovable drunken rogue. He hasn’t replicated the role exactly, nor does he find the same twinkle that Dudley Moore has, but he’s toned down his character well enough to make the new Arthur believable and at time engaging.
Brand plays Arthur Bach – he’s a playboy who knows what he wants in life, this being money, and play with no commitment. Instead of a butler, Arthur has a nanny played by Helen Mirren. Her role is similar to the original movie and is a counter-point to the rogue and drunkenness of Arthur. The chemistry isn’t quite right though and the character came off more like a demanding and strict head-mistress rather than a thoughtful and caring friend.
The plot remains essentially the same as the original movie with Arthur being the ultimate playboy who somehow falls in love with Naomi played by the adorable Greta Gerwig. Arthur’s mother wants him to marry a rich young woman called Susan (Jennifer Garner) but it soon becomes obvious that her only interest in Arthur relates to the status a marriage would bestow on her.
The movie thus isn’t overly complex and that does leave some room for humor; it’s not as funny as the original but it does have some decent moments, and manages to show a different more contemplative side to Brand’s humor.
It is a very polished movie though and it seems more of a stage for Brand to prove he can change and adapt to different roles rather than a real attempt at finding the magic of the original. It’s the type of movie you’ll watch when nothing else is available, or buy on discount but there won’t be too many people rushing out to buy the original.
You can still buy the original Arthur