The word remake usually invites scorn, eye-rolling, disdain, late night arguments in pubs and in the case of Bad Lieutenant verbal insults between filmmakers. Abel Ferrara, upon learning that his original film was going to be remade, was quoted as saying: "As far as remakes go... I wish these people would go to hell." Werner Herzog (director of the Bad Lieutenant(2009)) responded in kind by insisting, "I've never seen a film by him [Ferrara], I have no idea who he is." Regardless of all the hyperbole Herzog's latest film will unspool as part of the Special Presentation programme at the festival. Colin Geddes who programmed this film has said, "It's an improbable pairing of Leaving Las Vegas and Grand Theft Auto."

As far as remakes go, the filmmakers say this Bad Lieutenant (2009) is more of a re-imagining than an outright remake. The first change of note is the setting. While Ferrara's film was set in the grimy streets of his native New York City, Herzog's version is set in the battered remains of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. However you want to label this film, the names Herzog and Cage on the same poster are sure to net an explosive cinematic experience that should not be missed. The film has already been shown in Venice and early reports are coming over the mojo wire. The early reports sound good. Here are some of the articles.

Screen Daily Sept 4th 2009

The Hollywood Reporter September 4th 2009

The Guardian September 7th 2009



Mr. Herzog has recently remarked that Mr. Ferrara and himself should "meet up over a bottle of whisky" to hash out their differences. Regardless if that happens, this film by Herzog is sure to be one that is not to be missed. I am sure that Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans will be debated for a long time afterwards. The debate will begin in the ticket holders lineup in Toronto.

Robert Mitchell

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This film screens: Tuesday, September 15th at 6:00pm at the Ryerson Theatre; Thursday, September 17th at 2:30pm at the Elgin; Saturday, September 19 at 7:30pm at the AMC, theatre 6.