That Touch of MinkI feel like Warner Bros. and Clooney's agent spend every day hoping/wishing/praying that George would decide to remake this film. Is it possible for a 1962 feature to be based on a movie star who was only a year old when the film was released?
In the film Cary Grant plays a billionaire very happy with his bachelor lifestyle. He meets Doris Day and romance is in the air, but he has no intention of ever getting married. He's very upfront about it, which gives her pause. She doesn't enter into a relationship lightly. She doesn't entertain the notion that she can change his mind. He's just this wonderful combination of honest and nice. He's
Cary Grant. She can't easily walk away from him.
The key here, what modern rom-coms are completely lacking, is there's no doubt that Grant's intentions are honorable. He's not a slick hustler trying to smooth talk a woman into his bed, but a sincere fellow who's definitely attracted to Day. He just doesn't see himself getting married. It's a natural lifestyle difference between two people who are fond of each other. The sexual politics are very interesting.
Yes, this is a dated film - which is why it deserves the remake - but the sexual politics are played very real and not just used as rom-com plot contrivance. This is so perfect for Clooney, he could write the screenplay. You could even go meta with it, have Clooney play himself and hire Charlie Kaufman to write it. It would further cement Clooney's status as a hollywood icon, and make a fortune at the box office.
But we all know Clooney would never, ever consider furthering the Cary Grant comparisons by making a film like this. Which is a shame for his fans, his company... and his agent.
Grade:
B-Remake Potential:
A