Ross McElwee’s films have always been personal. His own life has remained central even in works that tackled big subjects such as the tobacco industry (Bright Leaves) or nuclear weapons (Sherman’s March). But could he perhaps have overlooked something over all those years? The death of his son compels him to reflect.
Remake is composed largely of old footage of his son Adrian: a bright and imaginative boy who turns into a typically sullen teenager, and later struggles with mental health issues and drug addiction. Footage that had no special purpose when McElwee shot it now seems like the pieces of a puzzle—not only to understand Adrian better, but also himself.
Feelings of guilt and anger—always conveyed in McElwee’s calm, eloquent voice-over—are interwoven with thought-provoking ideas about the role of film in our lives, how images help us hold on to memories, and how they can also make the past seem like fiction. Remake has much to say, but keeps its essence simple: ultimately, this is a film about a father’s unconditional love for his child.
