Why do a Remake?

Movies get remade. Songs too. This is not breaking news. For some reason, when I first started watching movies as a kid - I considered remakes as a "cheap" cash-grab.

"I prefer original movies, like The Wizard of Oz or The Maltese Falcon." Bad news. Those are remakes. And hey, that Swiss Family Robinson Disney film you love.... that's a remake too.

In fact, the list of remakes that I love is so long listing them would be a bore. But why do actors, directors & producers so readily do these? Certainly finances play a role - marketing a "known" entity has advantages. But sometimes a remake is clearly not aimed at mass markets. I would hardly call Miller's Crossing a "The Glass Key cash-grab".

I think some directors love the challenge of improving the story with a remake. Hitchcock remade his own film - The Man Who Knew Too Much. Some, as an homage to a favorite film. Steven Spielberg's Always was very much made due to his love for A Guy Named Joe.

Sometimes remakes are an experiment (Psycho) - sometimes an opportunity to share a timeless story with a new audience (Annie).

I have realized, remakes are part of the fabric. Loving the movies means embracing the new takes. The don't all work, but comparison is the thief of joy.