Not having quite plundered all of the 80s for every possible remake,Hollywoodis now starting to eviscerate the 90s. The latest quasi-classic to get the reboot treatment isFlatliners, which came out just on the cusp of the 1990’s emerging into their own as a viable landscape for cinema. The original film contains elements from both eras, making it unique in the sci-fi horrorgenre. At this time, it’s not known how the storyline will be skewered or altered, if at all.
Ellen Pageis in talks to headline this version ofFlatliners. It isn’t known if she will play the role of Dr. Rachel Mannus, originated byJulia Roberts. It’s possible that this version could introduce a whole new set of characters. The rest of the ensemble cast from the original included some heavy hitters from that time period, includingKiefer Sutherland,Kevin Bacon,William BaldwinandOliver Platt. None of the original cast is confirmed to appear in the new movie. But a cameo or two is not out of the question this early in development.
Seeking answers about the afterlife, Chicago medical student Nelson (Kiefer Sutherland) persuades his fellow pupils to help him end his life, and then resuscitate him in the nick of time. Atheist David (Kevin Bacon), playboy Joe (William Baldwin) and the troubled Dr. Rachel (Julia Roberts) also journey into the unknown, looking for meaning in their own lives. As the experiments become more perilous, each is forced to contend with the paranormal consequences of trespassing on the other side.
The original Flatliners wasdirectedbyJoel Schumacher, and the film marked the second collaboration between him and hisThe Lost BoysstarKiefer Sutherland. The film was the first that really pushedJoel Schumacher’s love ofneon lightingto the next level, and it gave the horror thriller a unique and distinct look that is certainly of it’s time period. It’s doubtful thatNiels Arden Oplevwill bring the same aesthetic.
That said,Niels Arden Oplevis a unique and talented filmmaker in his own right, and should be able to craft something new and exciting from this material. He is best known for directing the original Swedish version ofThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. He last directedDead Man Down, a thriller starringColin Farrell,Noomi RapaceandTerrence Howard. OnFlatliners,Niels Arden Oplevwill be working from a screenplay penned byBen Ripley. He is best known for his work on the sci-fi thrillerSource CodestarringJake Gyllenhaal. David Blackman and Laurence Mark will serve as producers.
Flatliners, which opened in 1990, was nominated for a sound effects editing Oscar.Ellen Pagecan next be seen inFreeheld, where she plays the life partner of a police officer who is dying from cancer. She co-stars alongsideJulianne Moore. It opens in limited release on October 2. The actress also has Into the Forest coming form A24, but it doesn’t have a release date yet. So, how do you feel about a Flatliners remake? Sound perfect? Or sound blasphemous? Let us know in the comments below.
