★ 5 / 10
**A completely dispensable remake, for many of the
Filipe Manuel Neto
**A completely dispensable remake, for many of the qualities it may have, and which it does!** Firstly, allow me to say that I am not one of those who think…
**A completely dispensable remake, for many of the qualities it may have, and which it does!**
Firstly, allow me to say that I am not one of those who think that there can or should be untouchable films, which due to their value or relevance should never be subject to revisits or remakes. “Sabrina”, the original film starring Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, is a renowned classic and its place will never be in question. However, after seeing this modern remake, I can't help but feel that it was unnecessary. Despite being a good film, it can't be better than the original, it isn't the slightest bit different, and it wasn't able to update the original story. I really don't know where Sidney Pollack was able to think this was a good idea.
The story of this film, as well as a large amount of the dialogue, are copied from the original onto carbon paper, with almost no essential modifications. In fact, the most striking phrases of the dialogues are all there, the situations are the same. Where the film tries to be better is, essentially, in the high production values and the updating of a series of details without great relevance. For example, young Sabrina no longer goes to Paris to become a chef, but to work as an assistant at “Vogue” magazine. And of course, the sets, the filming locations, the props, everything takes us back to contemporary times and is done with the utmost good taste, from the choice of the mansion to the Larrabee corporate headquarters. And given that Pollack is a renowned and highly prestigious director, it's no surprise that the cinematography and soundtrack are also excellent: he was able to find the best. For example, the soundtrack is written by John Williams and, although it is not a remarkable work by the composer, it still has the quality he has accustomed us to.
As for the cast, Pollack also bet on great actors, with solid credits and a solid career in the seventh art. The three main protagonists are Julia Ormond, Harrison Ford and Greg Kinnear, and the latter is perhaps the director's riskiest bet. Ormond and Ford give us, each in their own way, solid and consistent interpretations. However, if in the original film the huge age difference between Bogart and Hepburn was barely noticeable, this was glaring here, and it is extremely bizarre to see Ormond flirting with a man who appears to be her father. And with an aggravating factor: Ford is not, and has never been, an actor particularly suited to romantic plots, it is not a comfortable terrain for him. As a result, Ford and Ormond's romantic chemistry resembles a wall between them. Greg Kinnear does what he can, but doesn't have the strong charisma that is necessary for playboy David. The film also features contributions from John Wood, Nancy Marchand, Lauren Holly and Paul Giamatti.
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★ 7 / 10
A wonderful retelling of a classic romantic comedy
=G=
"Sabrina" 1995 tells of a young chauffeur's daughter (Ormond) who grows up in the shadow of a wealthy family with two eligible bachelors; one all work (Ford)…
"Sabrina" 1995 tells of a young chauffeur's daughter (Ormond) who grows up in the shadow of a wealthy family with two eligible bachelors; one all work (Ford) and the other all play (Kinnear). Forever in love with the latter as a girl, Sabrina studies in Paris and returns years later to the estate and the dreams of her childhood which she must now address as woman. A wistful contemporary Cinderella story with a solid cast and plenty of dreamy John Williams music, "Sabrina" is a must see for all lovers of romantic comedy. B+
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★ 6 / 10
OK but better the first time around with Audrey
s007davis
Passable but overlong remake of the classic Audrey Hepburn vehicle will play best for those not familiar with the original. The cast(Harrison Ford, Julia…
Passable but overlong remake of the classic Audrey Hepburn vehicle will play best for those not familiar with the original. The cast(Harrison Ford, Julia Ormond, Greg Kinnear) performs well and its production values are high but director Sydney Pollack's pacing tends to flag. By contrast, Billy Wilder's direction of the 1954 version is much tighter and quicker. Interestingly this "Sabrina" is 15 minutes longer than its predecessor but thanks to Pollack those extra 15 minutes feel like 30. Also, Barbara Benedek's and David Rayfiel's script lacks the wittiness that scenarists Billy Wilder, Samuel Taylor("Vertigo") and Ernest Lehman("The Prize," "North by Northwest") provided the first time around.
Bottom line: 6 out 10.
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