How ‘A Perfect Murder’ Updated Hitchcock’s ‘Dial M for Murder’

The big picture

• Remakes of classic films often face comparisons to the originals; but when done well, it can update and offer new perspectives.
• A perfect murder
  modernizes that of Alfred Hitchcock
  Mark M for murder
  through its motifs, settings and characters for a 90s thriller atmosphere.
• The thriller stars Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow and Viggo Mortenson.

Remakes of classic films tend to be at the mercy of a particular form of criticism; inevitably drawing comparisons, most of the time, unfavourable, with the original. Shot-for-shot adaptations pose a particular set of pitfalls for critics and audiences, but arguably the biggest risk comes from “updating” a classic. Some alterations make sense: refusing to drown Ariel The Little Mermaid comes to mind as a good call for Disney. Carrying the story of The taming of the shrew in an American high school in the 1990s 10 things i hate about you gave a new perspective to a centuries-old story. Hans Christian Andersen i William Shakespeare have been ripe for the picking long before copyright became an issue, and some leniency is given to a film adaptation of another medium, although the line “I preferred the book” is preferred by to those who have not even seen. the movie But adapting an existing film, and a classic one at that another movie? This is sometimes not so easy. This brings us to Andrew Davis'Thriller from 1998, A perfect murderan updated remake of Alfred Hitchcock's Mark M for murder.

How does “A Perfect Murder” update the Hitchcock classic?

starring Michael Douglas,Gwyneth Paltrowand then a future Vigo MortensonDavis gives the classic all the contemporary gung-ho that befits a thriller from the late 90s. Stylistically, there are obvious changes to cater to a new audience: long monologues explaining who, what, where, how and why (a very good indication of the theatrical source material of Frederick Knott), are replaced by multiple locations, quick edits, and dialogue much more suited to modern sensibilities. London's only living room is now spread across New York: a lavish Manhattan mansion, Soho, Penn Station, Washington Square Park, the Meatpacking District and countless other guernsey-worthy venues.

Adding to the thriller aspect is the sense that there's always something inherently sane about a New York setting: an undercurrent of corruption and subterfuge that permeates every scene. This quality is not something Davis shies away from, who also replaces the ex-tennis pro of Hitchcock's antagonist Tony (Ray Milland), with Steven (Douglas), a dodgy hedge fund manager. Michael Douglas is no stranger to playing puzzling characters, with a filmography that includes Wall Street, basic instincti fatal attraction​. His slow cadence and gentle smile can keep the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the running time. And that's exactly what it does A perfect murdertaking the tension and discomfort to another level.

There is also a modernization of the motif at play. Mark M for murder makes it all about money. A former tennis player who didn't have an endorsement with Nike is by no means set for life. Tony admits that all the money they have belongs to his wife, Margot (Grace Kelly), which is precisely why they got married, and that his death would result in his financial freedom. While, in A perfect murder, Steven has some additional issues to discuss with his therapist: there's the money, of course, but also the pride. His wife, Emily (Paltrow), comes across as somewhat of a trophy wife, but she reveals a good deal of autonomy, education, and (apparently) worldliness, making her more than just a symbol of the Steven's success, but a source of his pride and self-esteem.

In other words, this attractive, rich, educated, productive, turtleneck-wearing woman makes him look like she is too. The knowledge that he is cheating hits his heart and ego as well as the pocket. His preoccupation with his affair has clouded his judgment when it comes to his usual practice of swindling people, and he sees his own wealth dwindle every day. So how does a crooked, cuckolded hedge fund New Yorker regain his manhood? Murder, of course! It's certainly a '90s thriller solution to problems that could be solved with a divorce, but it makes more sense if it's coming from a character played by Michael Douglas rather than an ex-tennis player.

'A Perfect Murder' gets stronger with its updated characters

This brings us to Emily, another modernized character with little more than independent wealth (adjusted for inflation) and maintained frosty qualities, is unleashed and unapologetic. It is not inconceivable that she had numerous affairs before David (Mortenson), and it must be said that when he is killed, the grieving process is short. At some level, she seems to be aware of the role she plays in her husband's fragile ego, but never sentimentalizes their relationship and conducts their affair with all the decorum of a woman who would wear pearls in Brooklyn. Even in the moments of solidarity between husband and wife, there is a freshness between the two that suggests that this is not so much a marriage as an arrangement.

Then we have David. A perfect murderMark's answer (Robert Cummings), David is a struggling painter rather than a novelist, though neither is likely to offer much disposable income. They both have hair. That's pretty much where the similarity ends. Mortenson possesses an earthly masculinity; seductive and a little (okay, a lot) dangerous, while Mark is lusty, talkative, and a bit of a gossip. In addition to being a painter, David is also a true con artist, with seducing rich women as his MO. In many ways, the relationships in Davis' film are cynical but more realistic. The idea of ​​Grace Kelly in love with a man who would lose his mind when someone turns up the thermostat is a hard sell.

The changes to the original ending make “A Perfect Murder” a riveting 90s thriller

The biggest change is undoubtedly the twist, a necessity within the cinema of the 1990s. where Mark M for murder sees Tony blackmail an old school friend into carrying out his wife's murder, Steven enlists his lover's help, offering him $500,000 and a promise not to tell anyone about his penchant for babies with trust funds. Although he accepts the offer, it turns out that David really does he loves Emily and can't continue, instead hiring a third party to do the deed. The denouement is perhaps the most interesting aspect of the film. Emily confronts Steven, presenting him with all her intelligence and there could easily be a version of this particular relationship that sees the characters agree to disagree, however perversely; the loveless marriage could continue in their stark Manhattan mansion, with Steven still doing trades and Emily picking up a new member of the proletariat. But it doesn't have to be, and we have the necessary violence to punctuate the film, Emily emerges victorious. The perfect ending to a sexy 90s thriller. It's a far cry from Hitchcock's version which saw all the characters gathered in the living room, with a quiet confession from Tony as he congratulates the inspector and has a last resort before being arrested.

A perfect murder is available to buy or rent on Apple TV+ in the US

WATCH ON APPLE TV+