Author: Sheryl Oh / Source: Film School Rejects
Monetizing nostalgia is fascinating as something that’s simply part and parcel of the film industry today. If a movie doesn’t have a sequel or a prequel or a full-on revival, what does that say about the staying power of an original from years gone by?
Frankly, viewing iconic productions through the lens of remake-ability alone is a dodgy concept when films should logically stand on their own merits. Yet this ploy to market ostensibly “renewed” wares to an existing audience genuinely works when these stories eventually bring something new to the table.
What we can see of Guy Ritchie‘s take on Disney’s Aladdin doesn’t reveal all too much on that front, so far. The first teaser for the film has dropped (a day after its poster reveal) and almost disappointingly, the short spot reveals nothing of its director’s signature punchy flair or crisp humor. Nevertheless, it certainly appears just as magical as its animated counterpart and could perhaps hint at a little more. Take a gander below.
Literally, some shots from the Aladdin teaser look like they could have been lifted right out of Ron Clements and John Musker‘s 1992 movie. The trailer is a perfect example of how easy it is to buy into nostalgia, or at least to witness how the concept encourages the benefit of the doubt.
Still, the clip gets points for already enlarging the scope of the story as we know it, potentially deepening the lore and enriching the tale ahead. There’s something creepy beneath this guise of familiarity. We are being lulled into a false sense of security in our rush to compare an old favorite to what could be a whole new beast (and that’s not an intentional pun).
A somber take on “Arabian Nights” starts off the trailer right. We’re introduced to the unforgiving desert, too. A seemingly unending stretch of smooth golden dunes that entertains only the most daring of travelers…
…But that shadow on the ground is probably Iago’s, right? Jafar’s talking bird? I’m not going to say that the illusion of solemnity is fully shattered already. We’re not privy to details about Iago’s ability to chat. Nonetheless, being reminded of the comic relief of that particular…
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