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I Love YouTube: Swede Me, baby

When legions of goofs take to the internet to show off their cheap-o remakes of beloved films, everybody wins

Submitted by Rajorajorajo, 05/26/10 9:10 AM

If there's one big $$$ filmmaker working today who most embodies a rolled-up-sleeves/arts-n-crafts/sky's-the-limit/DIY creative spirit it's got to be uber-genius/eye-confectioner/kid-at-heart Michel Gondry. This frail man with a funny accent comes from France, Europe and over the last 15 years he's made some of the most inventive music videos ever produced EVER. All of which seem to have some kind of wacky, practical SFX-ey hook that's usually accomplished with papier mache and/or a bag of marbles as opposed to million-dollar CGI motion-capture whatsits. His incredibly successful career as a director of both cool-ass music videos for Bjork and deeply touching romantic comedies starring Jim Carrey continues to demonstrate that great ideas and heart will always trump any better/faster/stronger technological progress. Just have a look at these awesome Michel Gondry clips... They are impossible not to love!

Gondry's Be Kind, Rewind was opus-like in it's giddy celebration of the goofy/low-budget/using-whatever-happens-to-be-lying-around/DIY filmmaking style he has become known for - a style that can't help but bring people together and empower those whose own artistic expression previously seemed just out of reach. Rewind may not have made a ton of cash, but it did ok; it has inspired countless movie fans to grab a camera and 'Swede' their favourite movies with a group of friends, remaking them on the uber-cheap by doing some creative problem-solving - just like Jack Black and Mos Def do in the film. These videos have been proudly posted online for everybody to enjoy, and before you could say "why the hell is it called 'Sweding'?" an official online video sub-genre that never officially existed before was born. I don't know about you, but a cultural revolution seems like a pretty good consolation prize to high box-office earning. Way to go, you funny little french man!

 

 

DIE HARD


The guy who plays Al is certainly no Reginal VelJohnson, but I'll take this Alan Rickman substitute over the real thing any day of the week (unless of course the REAL Alan Rcikman was available. What am I, crazy?). Good job guys, this one's really funny.

 

NEVERENDING STORY


Great casting and the liberal use of action figures might make this one stand out, but really it's the on-the-verge-of-cracking-up delivery of every single line that I kinda like. Making silly movies with your friends is supposed to be fun, right?  

 

WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY


Somehow these wacky Brits manage to out-creepify both Gene Wilder AND Johnny Depp. Also, you'll never be able to shake the image of Augustus Gloop splashing around in a bathtub filled with 'chocolate' water - it's nightmarish in a VICE magazine kind of way.

 

FORREST GUMP


My personal favourite, for obvious reasons, but none more than the line, 'Are you are OK?' Just watch it.  

 

TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY


This is easily the best of the bunch. Some great SFX work-arounds, like the tin-foil bullet holes and the guys hand sticking out of the milk carton. But, blonde wig and tights + hairy shoulders instantly makes this Sarah Conner the most special effect of all. Nicely done!   

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