Russell Brand’s ‘Arthur’ remake: Just how much has changed in 30 years?
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This weekend, Russell Brand stars as Arthur Bach, the character Dudley Moore played in the 1981 comedy “Arthur.” In the 30 years since Moore made the wealthy boozehound playboy famous, attitudes have changed about a whole range of subjects — conspicuous consumption, alcoholism, Liza Minnelli. How have the movie’s key moments been interpreted through a modern lens for the remake? Here’s a handy crib sheet. (Warning: Spoilers below.)
Meet the man
“Arthur” circa 1981
When we’re first introduced to Arthur, he’s cavorting around New York City in the back of a Rolls Royce. Drinking and laughing maniacally, he picks up a prostitute, then takes her to dinner at the Plaza, where he proceeds to make a joke about childhood molestation.
“Arthur” circa 2011
When we’re first introduced to Arthur, he’s worshiping at the altar of a different god. He and his attaché dress up as Batman and Robin, then proceed to lead the cops on a high-speed chase around Manhattan in a Batmobile. Arthur is taken to jail, where he proceeds to bail out his cellmates and give them money.
The love interest
“Arthur” circa 1981
Arthur meets the love of his life, Linda (Minnelli), when, on a trip to Bergdorf’s, he spots the blue-collar waitress shoplifting. The two then pretend to know each other to outwit the schlubby security guard who nabs her.
“Arthur” circa 2011
Shoplifting? That’s for early ’80s miscreants. Greta Gerwig’s Naomi, playing the Minnelli character, has a noble job — giving tours that show the wonders of New York City architecture. She’s just misunderstood by the cops, who don’t like her unlicensed ways. Naomi and Arthur pretend to be acquainted. Naomi returns to a life of whimsy.
The other woman
“Arthur” circa 1981
When Arthur tips to Linda that he’s become engaged to another woman for financial reasons, she expresses few outward signs of hurt and continues to interact with him. She’s only somewhat miffed when he suggests keeping her as his mistress. When he finally calls off the wedding, she happily jumps into his car.
“Arthur” circa 2011
When Arthur tips Naomi that he’s engaged to someone else, she is shocked, then cuts off contact with him. She’s equally appalled when Arthur brings up the mistress option. Calling off the wedding proves insufficient too; Arthur must make a grand showing at Naomi’s book reading before she grudgingly takes him back.
The family bonds
“Arthur” circa 1981
Arthur has a father who has emotionally neglected him and a manservant named Hobson (John Gielgud) who cuts him down with one-liners. When Hobson falls sick, Arthur shows his affection by bringing him a basketball.
“Arthur” circa 2011
Arthur has a mother who has neglected him emotionally and a nanny named Hobson (Helen Mirren) who cuts him down with one-liners. When Hobson falls sick, Arthur shows his affection by bringing her a large stuffed bear.
Arthur grows up
“Arthur” circa 1981
Arthur drinks through most of the movie, stops drinking during Hobson’s illness, then jumps right back to it. He ends the movie smitten and soused.
“Arthur” circa 2011
Arthur drinks through most of the movie, stops drinking for a while when Hobson dies, then jumps back for a moment — before heading to AA. He ends the movie smitten and sober.
--Steven Zeitchik
twitter.com/ZeitchikLAT
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