The 1990s were a captivating time for sci-fi horror that featured films brimming with bold ideas that would benefit from receiving a modern remake like Death Machine. While cult classics such as Total Recall and 12 Monkeys have already received modern remakes, many other hidden gems from the decade remain overlooked. Through its blend of genre influences and clever homages to 1980s action cinema, Death Machine is a beacon of untapped potential, and an updated remake could resonate strongly with today’s viewers.
Death Machine was written and directed by Stephen Norrington in his feature film debut and was clearly influenced by his time working as a special effects artist on films such as Lifeforce, Aliens, Hardware, and Split Second. With Brad Dourif as the deranged weapons designer Jack Dante, Death Machine saw this mad genius unleashing his ultimate robotic killing machine against his company’s new female CEO, Hayden Cale (Ely Pouget), after she tries to fire him. Through nonstop action and a thrillingly chaotic style, the clever premise at the center of Death Machine could carry an incredible modern remake.
Death Machine Wasn’t Appreciated Enough At The Time, But Is Now A Cult Classic
The Referential Nature Of Death Machine Has Aged Well
Death Machine received mixed reviews back when it was released in 1994, with many critics dismissing it as a blatant sci-fi rip-off that owed a lot to the Alien, RoboCop, and Terminator franchises. While this was a major point of criticism, looking back, this was exactly why Death Machine became a cult classic, as it did not merely steal the template of older sci-fi films but was actually a compelling homage to the genre itself.
With characters named John Carpenter, Scott Ridley, and Weyland, Death Machine wore its influences on its sleeve and was a touching tribute to the films that inspired it. As a loud and over-the-top B-movie triumph, Death Machine was so excessively violent that it was even banned in several countries (via Game Rant.) Although these aspects may have made the film controversial back in the 1990s, all of them help it stand out today as an enjoyable pastiche filled with nods and references to other iconic sci-fi horror properties.
Why Death Machine Deserves A Modern Remake
A New Version Of Death Machine Has The Potential To Be Incredibly Relevant Today
While Death Machine hasn’t endured in the public consciousness in the same way other cult classic 1990s sci-fi movies like Event Horizon have, its story about a maniacal weapons manufacturer unleashing a monstrous AI-driven killing machine feels more relevant than ever. It’s true that the original film suffered from a low budget, uneven tone, and some inconsistent pacing, and all of these issues could be rectified through an updated remake and a studio that gives this story the financial backing it deserves.
Dourif’s unhinged villainous performance would be the most difficult to recast in a Death Machine remake, although actors like Willem Dafoe, Bill Skarsgård, or Paul Dano would be well up to the challenge. A modern remake could also maintain the original’s referential tone and utilize aspects of modern sci-fi horrors like Black Mirror and Ex Machina to produce a film that delves into themes of the ethics of AI, the dark underbelly of modern technology, and corporate dissatisfaction. As a film packed with great ideas just waiting to be expanded upon, a new version of Death Machine has serious potential.
Source: Game Rant
