As “Succession” will be over (tonight!!) I’m thinking of doing a substack on love, sex and murder in the recent series “Love and Death” and “Fatal Attraction.” These two are especially interesting, since they are “remakes” that re-imagine the originals (“Candy” with Jessica Biels and the iconic 1987 film with Glen Close and Michael Douglas) and I’ve always loved examining different versions of the “same” story, especially when separated by decades (as the two FAs are—with the latter specifically addressing what was “left out” of the film. That kind of thing is ripe for cultural deconstructing.) One of my favorite courses, when I was teaching, was on “Lolita”—novel, both films, and cultural archetypes. So I’m drawn to doing that kind of thing again. Too analytical to appeal to readers today? What do you think? NO SPOILERS IN COMMENTS PLEASE!
Yes! FA has been so much a part of our culture as a cautionary tale. I have always felt that the bunny both demonstrated and overshadowed much of the psychological aspects of the character Glen Close played, and the ending was terrible! So Hollywood, so American (if you shoot her, everything will be ok). I am American, so don’t come for me! Lol. But would love to see those things explored is a less manipulative way. Don’t get me wrong. The movie was great, such a ride, and manipulation is part of what makes a thriller work; but the themes are so much deeper than usual thrillers and the women’s movement since then has changed a lot! Would love your thoughts on all those things!
It deliberately tries to go deeper than the original. Does it work? I’ve been mulling that over, and will be eager to see what you think. At this moment, I’m diverted by so many thoughts about the Succession finale—got to write about that first. That’ll also give you have time to catch up with Fatal Attraction before I get to it and spoil it!
Yes, please do it! I have been fascinated by your Succession thoughts.
Yes! FA has been so much a part of our culture as a cautionary tale. I have always felt that the bunny both demonstrated and overshadowed much of the psychological aspects of the character Glen Close played, and the ending was terrible! So Hollywood, so American (if you shoot her, everything will be ok). I am American, so don’t come for me! Lol. But would love to see those things explored is a less manipulative way. Don’t get me wrong. The movie was great, such a ride, and manipulation is part of what makes a thriller work; but the themes are so much deeper than usual thrillers and the women’s movement since then has changed a lot! Would love your thoughts on all those things!
Will definitely be writing about all that juicy stuff. Have you been watching the new series?
No. I just heard of it from you! I will, now that Succession is over and you will be writing about it!
It deliberately tries to go deeper than the original. Does it work? I’ve been mulling that over, and will be eager to see what you think. At this moment, I’m diverted by so many thoughts about the Succession finale—got to write about that first. That’ll also give you have time to catch up with Fatal Attraction before I get to it and spoil it!
Lol. I will get right on it!
Do it!