Be honest, when you think of Paul W.S. Anderson, the director of movies like "Event Horizon" and the upcoming "Death Race," what's the first thing that comes to mind? By any chance is it "the guy who could bring us the best American gangster movie since 'Scarface'?"
We didn't think so, and neither does Anderson. But, then, give it a few years, the director said.
"I'm writing, for myself to direct, an adaptation of a British gangster movie called 'The Long Good Friday' which starred Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren that came out in the late 70s," Anderson said. "I think [Robert] Rodriguez called it the best gangster movie since 'Scarface.' It's relatively unknown anywhere outside of the UK but it really is one of the best gangster stories ever."
The original film followed a London lowlife and his dirty dealings, notably with the IRA. Anderson's update will follow a very different class of criminal, he revealed, telling MTV News his plans to update and relocate the central story.
"We're doing a remake which is set in Miami present day. The original was a movie that was very much a snapshot of its time in London when the 70s were turning into the 80s," Anderson insisted. "London is a different place now. The movie wouldn't really work in London anymore. I want to bring something new and different to it in the way 'The Departed' did to 'Infernal Affairs.' I mean, they're both excellent movies, but different films."
Have you seen "The Long Good Friday"? Think it's a movie that needs updating, and if so, is Anderson the man to do it? Who would you cast in the two central roles? Sound off on your thoughts below.
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