"The iconic film 'The Crow' returns to cinemas."
Today, the 30-year-old movie "The Crow" is celebrated as a cult classic, largely due to the unfortunate demise of its lead actor, Brandon Lee. Film director Rupert Sanders is currently reinterpreting this story, which has sparked controversy among dedicated fans. Justifiably so?
The tragic accident that took place on the set of the Western "Rust" nearly three years ago, where Alec Baldwin accidentally shot a cinematographer, also brought to mind the similar circumstances surrounding Brandon Lee's death in 1993. Like Lee, he passed away during filming due to the mishandling of ammunition. The movie was eventually released in theaters the following year, with stand-ins and editing being used to complete unfilmed scenes after Lee's death.
The enigmatic atmosphere surrounding the film, fueled by the untimely death of the then 28-year-old actor and its Gothic allure, is likely a significant factor in why the film, directed by Australian Alex Proyas, continues to enjoy cult status today. And who could forget the awesome soundtrack, featuring hits by bands like Rage Against The Machine, Stone Temple Pilots, and Nine Inch Nails, along with a cover by Joy Division?
However, the story itself may not be the primary reason for the film's enduring appeal. Upon revisiting it today, it's apparent that the film hasn't aged well in this regard. It's rife with emotion and overacting. Although Brandon Lee was once lauded as a promising young talent, his acting abilities now appear somewhat restricted in hindsight.
No Sequel in Sight
Given this, it wasn't a bad idea to revive "The Crow" with a fresh, contemporary, and modern take. Discussions about this revival began in 2007, but it wasn't until 2024, under the direction of Rupert Sanders and starring Bill Skarsgård as the resurrected Eric Draven, that it finally came to light.
Unlike the original, where director Proyas mostly followed the source material, Sanders largely diverged from it. It's more of a reboot than a remake, if anything. The British director focused a great deal on the romantic relationship between Draven and his soulmate, Shelly Webster, played by pop star FKA Twigs, before finally unleashing the avenging angel. After the couple's brutal murder, Draven returns from the afterlife to seek revenge on their tormentors and find peace with his beloved...
The primary antagonist in the comic and '90s film, Top Dollar, did not reappear in Sanders' version. Instead, he was replaced by Vincent Roeg (played by Danny Huston). The henchmen were also distinctly different from those that Brandon Lee had encountered. Although some may argue that Sanders' deviation from the source material was forgivable, it's perplexing that even key elements of "The Crow" were downplayed to mere side notes. Visually, Skarsgård bore little resemblance to the comic book hero, only adopting the revenge makeup towards the end. Even the crow was not given much significance.
Mixed Reviews
Fans of the original "The Crow" were already up in arms before even seeing the first scene of the new film. Protests didn't just occur online; even director Alex Proyas voiced his concerns over tampering with Brandon Lee's legacy. Sanders could have silenced these detractors; unfortunately, he fell short.
Sanders' interpretation of "The Crow" failed to resonate – despite its soundtrack featuring songs from Foals, Gary Numan, and Joy Division. Skarsgård, known for his portrayals of villains and tough guys, seemed miscast in the role. His chemistry with FKA Twigs was weak, with their dialogues lacking depth. Apart from their romantic storyline, "The Crow" mostly became an ordinary splatter film with excessive amounts of blood but none of the original's charm. Attempts to infuse the film with Draven's journey to the afterlife and encounters with the guru Kronos (Sami Bouajila) failed to make an impact.
Is "The Crow", as some joke, the worst film of the year? Let's just say it's not one of the best films ever made. But - some may argue - the original film isn't either. Spending over 100 minutes on either film may not be worth it.
"The Crow" is now playing in German cinemas
The reimagining of "The Crow" by director Rupert Sanders has been met with controversy among dedicated fans, as the film significantly deviates from the original. Despite the inclusion of contemporary musicians in the soundtrack, Skarsgård's portrayal of Eric Draven was not well-received, leading to mixed reviews for the film.
