You probably wouldn't even have to ask director Jose Padilha to find out it's a pain in the ass to be the director of the Robocop remake. He's facing an uphill battle essentially from the word "go," retelling a story that most people thought was perfectly fine the first time around, and making it for a studio that's seen so many financial troubles in recent years they're probably more eager than most for a hit. But we're now hearing through some secondhand sources that Padilha isn't just facing the usual pre-production headaches, he's actually describing the process as "hell"-- and he hasn't even made it to set yet.
Over at Screen Crush they picked up on a report from Brazilian website Cinema Rapadura, where they spoke with director Fernando Meirelles. Meirelles is a friend of Padilha's, and-- via Google Translate, which might not be that reliable-- spoke to him recently, with Padilha admitting "This is hell here." Here's the full quote:
He is saying that it is the worst experience.For every 10 ideas he has, 9 are cut. Whatever he wants, he has to fight. 'This is hell here, "he told me. 'The film will be good, but I never suffered so much and do not want to do it again.' He is bitter, but it's a fighter. "
Again, this is kind of like a game of telephone, and it's hard to know what Padilha's exact quote was-- I have no doubt Meirelles is telling the truth, but who remembers the exact text of their phone conversations with friends? But with the negative buzz swirling around the film thanks to an early look at the script, it's not surprising to hear that Padilha is in a bad place, and would vent his frustrations to a friend.
If things go according to plan, the new Robocop will be released on August 9 next summer-- an almost identical remake to this summer's splashy sci-fi remake Total Recall, which wasn't especially a box office hit. Signs aren't pointing to Robocop faring much better, but then again, it's early days yet, and complete foolishness to dismiss a film before anyone has stepped on set. Best of luck to the talented Padilha as he makes his way through the frustrations and hopefully turns in a movie worthy of his skills.
