Good Films Ruined Then Saved!

I must have had visions of apocalypse dancing in my head on Monday, as I watched "Blade Runner" and "I Am Legend" in high-def.

Studio changes to "Blade Runner" practically ruined the film. When first released, studio execs insisted on voice over narration (they were afraid that the film was too confusing for the common folk, i.e., everyone but them) and a happier ending. The studio also insisted on editing scenes out of the film meant to prompt audience debate over whether the lead character was a robot but unaware of it--again, the studio folks thought the viewer would be too confused by the inference.

Happily, Ridley Scott's intended version of the film is now what shows on television--and, as Roger Ebert says, it's a movie that's influenced every sci-fi film that's come after it.

A film's ending can completely make or break a movie. I believe the greatness of the movie "The Wrestler" was affirmed by how it ended; similarly, the "badness" of "I Am Legend" was confirmed by the generic Hollywood happy ending. I was already predisposed to not like "I Am Legend" because I love the original film, "The Omega Man", so much. I solidified my poor feelings for "Legend" when reading about the alternate ending that was jettisoned.

I believe I actually would have liked "I Am Legend" had they kept the more profound final scene. Watch it here.