I just finished watching the Death Note movies, 1 and 2. It was a rather interesting experience, as I’ve read both the manga, and see the whole anime series. Yes, I’m a fan.

However, the movies deviate very strongly from the manga, but, it resulted in a better product, a better story. I’m not going to give any spoilers, but in my honest opinion, the movies give a much better result. A better story. The director, Sh?suke Kaneko, envisioned a better, more fitting end. In this one, the ending feels more appropriate, and the movie overall was well directed.

This leads to a rather interesting question: are remakes better or worse than the original? And, really it all depends. There are people, that if the remake does not follow each and every single nuance of the original, they cry bloody murder. I disagree with that. When someone does a remake, either of a song, comic, or show, they are saying a few things. First, they’re stating that I want to honour the original product, for inspiring me. Else, why would a remake be made? And second, they’re stating that they have a slightly different view, of how to look at the original differently. To me, remakes are a great window on the meaning on the original, and can add a lot of depth.

Take a look at all the different movie versions of Hamlet, or Romeo and Juliet. Each one adds a new perspective, view on the original. And taken as a whole, with different directors and writers espousing their views of the original, it cannot help but add depth. Hamlet is much deeper, watching Mel Gibson perform almost incestuous actions, when the Yorick scene minimizes the thematic meaning. The directors, and Mel Gibson, obviously, had their own view on Hamlet’s meaning, and brought it to life.

Or, the modern day spin version of Romeo and Juliet, with Leonardo DiCaprio, brings new depth to the relationship and tragedy of the doomed couple. By relating it to a modern-day occurrence, gang feuds and gun fights, jealous fathers and teenage love, it shows the modern-day relevance of the tragedy. It isn’t some misfortune to some old guys in some tights with swords. However, they did not play up the… wistfulness of Romeo, of how he falls for every single pretty face, and gets them. But then, when Juliet is denied him, he only wants her more. They didn’t focus on that, instead focusing on the relationship, the yearning, the connection.

Overall, remakes, done well, and honouring the source material, bring previously unnoticed depth to a story or product. When Oddco makes movies, or games, or comics, I will willingly look forward to remakes of our work, in anticipation of new depth, new meaning.

In fact, some of the most powerful pieces of classic literature, can be called “spin-offs” to use the phrase. Take for example, Grendel, by John Gardiner. It is a deep, evocative character portrait of a monster, and by the end, he is no monster, he is understandable, liked, and mourned. Its a new view of the first english epic poem, and a perfect example of a remake. Or the Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. Beautiful, satirical, and enlightening portrait of Odysseus’ wife, the long-suffering Penelope.

Make a remake! Honour the original source, and make the creator proud!