'Sabrina' was originally, a charming film made by Billy Wilder & crew and starred Hollywood legends Humphrey Bogart, William Holden and Audrey Hepburn. This 'Sabrina' is an updated version directed by Sydney Pollack that stars Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear and Julia Ormond. Considering that this was a movie based on another movie, one cannot comment about this without the shadow of the original. I understand that many viewers have different opinions about both movies and I respect that. My opinion about it, is that both films have their pluses and minuses (for the lack of a better term) and those facts should be realized before attempting to insult either film. This is why I will try to be unbiased when writing about these films (I can only try).
I only heard that 'Sabrina' (1995) was a remake after viewing it. I have personal ideas that have had negative effects on my watching/enjoying remakes yet I am reluctant to hate this one so I went out and saw the original. After seeing the 1954 original, my perception of remakes changed. Not to say that this new version surpassed the original nor vice versa but I have a more positive view of remakes now that I have seen both. Since 'Sabrina' is a title role, I must say that both actresses fit into their roles rather nicely and in my attempt to justify both of everyone, will say that favorites depend on a certain individual's perceptions. Both are definitely enjoyable films.
My reasons for enjoying the original is first of all the direction of Billy Wilder. He is a great director that is definitely going to be (if not already) known as one of the best of all times. His work on the original is superb. Another reason is that this was made with well known actors and each at a high point in their careers. Even though I liked this version, I must say that the story wasn't that well developed (I understand that the script was being written as it was being shot) and there is where the newer version excels. The 1995 version featured much more developed sequences and additional dialogue that contributes to the solidity of the film and although I don't believe in computer coloring (horrible!), I think that 'Sabrina' looks better in color.
These are my personal opinions which I can only hope that others share so that they can enjoy these films as much as I did.
I only heard that 'Sabrina' (1995) was a remake after viewing it. I have personal ideas that have had negative effects on my watching/enjoying remakes yet I am reluctant to hate this one so I went out and saw the original. After seeing the 1954 original, my perception of remakes changed. Not to say that this new version surpassed the original nor vice versa but I have a more positive view of remakes now that I have seen both. Since 'Sabrina' is a title role, I must say that both actresses fit into their roles rather nicely and in my attempt to justify both of everyone, will say that favorites depend on a certain individual's perceptions. Both are definitely enjoyable films.
My reasons for enjoying the original is first of all the direction of Billy Wilder. He is a great director that is definitely going to be (if not already) known as one of the best of all times. His work on the original is superb. Another reason is that this was made with well known actors and each at a high point in their careers. Even though I liked this version, I must say that the story wasn't that well developed (I understand that the script was being written as it was being shot) and there is where the newer version excels. The 1995 version featured much more developed sequences and additional dialogue that contributes to the solidity of the film and although I don't believe in computer coloring (horrible!), I think that 'Sabrina' looks better in color.
These are my personal opinions which I can only hope that others share so that they can enjoy these films as much as I did.