Posted by
art on
URL: https://www.shado-forum.com/my-thoughts-about-the-UFO-movie-tp1513318.html
The concept and designs of the original UFO series were brilliant!I loved this show in reruns as a child back in 1972.In retrospect as an adult,I feelthe writing from show to show was not very strong(in my opinion).Of courseI didn't realize this shortcoming as a child being drawn into the overall concept,visual appeal,and production of the series.
Plot development is why I am so excited about the movie remake of UFO.
It has concerned me that the balance might flip from the original series with the movie remake.I'm sure the plot will be developed and expanded.The writing will be better including new answers to old questions about the original series.However,The big question deals with retaining the feel of the original.Casting and set,vehicle,and costume design defined the shows feel.Failure to get it right will alienate old fans of the T.V. show,pure and simple.
I don't quite understand the view that an updated 70s period design (actually more of a late 60s influence) would not be acceptable to audiences.It's a mistake to attach a stigma to the era in which the show was produced.Whatever time in which it was produced,The U.F.o. series "is what it is" and the look of the old show was so "right".There's no reason to reject the environment of the original.It's the writing that will determine if the new movie is acceptable to a new audience.
The one picture I've seen of the new Interceptor is very encouraging!The older vehicle was one of the most beautiful sci-fi ships ever designed in my opinion.While impractical,its single firing missile gave the craft a dynamic and exciting feel.The new design looks to have possibly replaced the missile with some sort of rapid fire gatling gun type pod.Hopefully they will come up with an equally dynamic operation to the new crafts weapons firing system.I loved the rounded contours and futuristic look of the original Interceptor.From seeing the darkly obscured teaser rendering,this looks to havebeen retained in the new design.
In the late '70s with Star Wars,Battlestar,etc.,craft design changed to only utilitarian layouts dispensing with style all together.I was so happy when the product Enterprises interceptor from the old series was released.Evenif I had never seen the show,I would have bought this model.It's curves are so appealing.A new movie without a craft of this appeal would just not have the feel of the original.
Costuming also is of great concern to me.The nehru style collars were very effective to impart a look of importance to those with position within theSHADO organization.Its my hope this will be seen in the movie.Also the useof color for different rankings should be incorporated to a greater extentthan in the original show.It was detail like this that helped the originalStar Trek to attain cult status to the point fans actually began to make their own uniforms.The importance of thought being put into these elements cannot be overstated.
For me,The costumes of moonbases female operatives are probably the most critical things to get right.In my opinion the silver suits used in the old series were absolutely perfect!I feel that these are a MUST for the new movie.Could they be modified and still have the same appeal?Perhaps,if very thoughtfully done.Could a new design work as well?Maybe,but they should reallyagonize over such a change.Also,It has occurred to me that the purple hairin the old series could be explained by the women operatives being not from our earth.
It goes without saying that casting is extremely important.The two movie cast members chosen so far are very good choices in my opinion!However,the selections of a new Straker and Gay Ellis are of even greater importance!I wonder if these will be as good.Recently,I found an image of a female who just seems right to me for the part of Ellis.She is evidently a model(mostly nude from what I can tell)named Ala Passtel.I don't know if she could act.Coincidentally,after a web search I found her to be known as "Gabriella" on some sites.Though not exactly looking like "Gabrielle Drake",I see an essence of her that could fill the part nicely in my opinion.She would also fill a silver suit like no one else on this planet!Heres a picture link:
http://www.onlifezone.com/2019129Whatever casting and designs eventually appear,this is probably the most anticipated remake of a series for me.The other was the Prisoner remake (which was horrible).Everything I've seen and heard of the new UFO movie so far leads me to believe that this remake just might work!