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Let Me In (film)

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Let Me In
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMatt Reeves
Screenplay byMatt Reeves
Story byJohn Ajvide Lindqvist (Novel/screenplay)
Produced bySimon Oakes
Guy East
Nigel Sinclair
Donna Gigliotti
John Nordling
Carl Molinder
StarringKodi Smit-McPhee
Chloë Moretz
Richard Jenkins
CinematographyGreig Fraser
Edited byStan Salfas
Music byMichael Giacchino[2]
Production
companies
Distributed byOverture Films (US)
Icon Entertainment International (UK)
Release date
  • October 1, 2010 (2010-10-01)
[1]
Running time
115 minutes
CountriesUnited States
United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Budget$20 million[5]
Box office$5,300,000[5]

Let Me In is a 2010 drama/horror film directed by Matt Reeves based on the 2008 Swedish film Let the Right One In, directed by Tomas Alfredson and the novel Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist. It tells the story of a bullied 12-year-old boy who develops a friendship with a vampire child in a New Mexico town in the early 1980s.

Plot

In 1983 in Los Alamos, New Mexico, an ambulance is being escorted by the police to a hospital. An unidentifiable and mute man is in a hospital room being guarded by a police officer. A police detective enters the hospital and visits the suspect, tells him that he will catch whoever else is in league with him, but is then called out to the reception area by a nurse to take a phone call. While he is on the phone, a scream is heard from the suspect's room, and when the detective returns he sees that the suspect has fallen out of the window several stories to his death. It cut to a note reading,"I'm Sorry Abby."

Flashback to two weeks earlier, Owen is a very unhappy 12-year-old child, who is neglected by his parents and continually harassed by bullies at his school. While peering at neighbors from his bedroom window with a telescope, he notices a girl named Abby and a man who appears to be her Father move in next door. Abby reluctantly becomes Owen's friend after telling him that they can't be friends, but won't tell him why. Abby and Owen grow closer and closer, hanging out late at night and developing feelings for one another. Abby claims and appears to be 12 years old, but it gradually becomes clear that she is much older. During school Owen writes down the Morse code alphabet for he and Abby to use to communicate to each other through their walls. He encounters his bullies in the bathroom between classes, and Jimmy scars his face with an antenna rod he carries around with him. Owen meets Abby later that night and gives her and explains the system of Morse code. Abby then notices his band aid covering his cut and tells Owen he needs to hit back, and she will help him if needed. Owen scoffs and says that she's just a girl, but Abby assures him that she is stronger than she looks.

Meanwhile, Abby's Father/Protector periodically goes out at night to kill local residents so that he can bring their blood back to Abby, as blood is the only thing she can survive on. His first attempt is successful in getting a victim at a gas station, and stringing him upside down in the snowy woods, but when he is collecting the blood, his leg falls through thin ice and spills all the blood. In a panic from an oncoming car, he flees the scene, returning home to Abby with nothing. Abby, furious that he returns empty handed, goes outside and tricks a neighbor jogging by pretending to be hurt and kills him for blood. She quickly snaps his neck after biting him. One night he goes out and picks a car at the local high school that he can hide in until the owner returns, although when the owner returns a friend is with him which complicates matters. They stop at a gas station and when the passenger notices The Protector in the backseat, the passenger is attacked and killed, but not before The Protector attempts to drive away and rolls down an embankment on the side of the road. Fearing that his identity will be discovered, The Protector douses his face with acid so that his connection to Abby will not be discovered by the police. The Protector is taken to the hospital with a police officer posted outside his room, and when Abby hears on the news that he is there, she goes to visit him by climbing up the side of the hospital wall outside his window. Abby is stricken with grief over what happened to The Protector and to put him out of his misery, Abby kills him by sucking his blood after The Protector implores her to do so, and he falls out the window to his death.

Abby is traumatized and confused by the loss of her Protector. She goes to Owens bedroom window and while he is asleep, she asks him if she can come in. Owen allows her into his room, and he asks her to go steady and be his girlfriend. She rejects him first, but when Owen tells her that nothing will change between them, she accepts. As the friendship between the Owen and Abby deepens, the police detective gradually learns of The Protector's past and how his connection to Abby. The next day on a field trip at school, Owen stands up to his bully Jimmy and hits him with a pole in the head, splitting his ear badly. When Owen tells Abby about his encounter that night, Abby leans down and kisses him lightly on the cheek. He then takes her down to an abandoned area of the complex as a surprise. Owen is certain the adults have no idea about it. He wants to surprise her and implores that she closes her eyes, he cuts his finger to make a blood pact with her. Abby is taken aback by the blood falling to the ground from his finger and drops to the ground to lick up his blood. She looks up and Owen is able to see her true vampiric face, not wanting to attack Owen. Abby runs from Owen and attacks a woman in the complex park named Virginia. Abby bites Virginia's neck and tries to drink her blood, but shes pushed and chased off by Virginia's boyfriend, Larry.

Owen comes to terms that Abby is a vampire, and still likes her the same, as she is able to provide the affection he could not find in the human society. He goes to her apartment and stays the night there. As Owen looks through Abby's belongings, it becomes clear from the ancient photos that the middle-aged man who was protecting her was not her father, but that many years ago, he once was a young man who became her friend. At the hospital the next morning, the police detective learns from Larry that the girl who attacked Virginia in the complex matches the description of Abby. A few seconds later, Virginia, unaware she is a vampire now, begings to feed on the Blood in her arm from her IV. She bursts into flames when a nurse opens the blinds in the morning daylight, immolating them both alive.. The police detective heads to The Protector's and Abby's apartment and busts down the door, unaware that Owen is there. The police detective finds Abby in the bathroom and tries to shine the daylight to see, but Owen stops him and gets his attention. Abby then awakens and kills the police detective in the bathroom, he reaches his hand out to Owen for help but Owen simply closes the door in shock. Abby afterward embraces Owen softly, and he leans into her hold. She lightly kisses him on the lips. Abby tells Owen she needs to leave the town and start over somewhere else. Owen is devastated at the loss of her and cries looking out the window periodically, after watching her enter a cab and pull away.

At school during gym class, Owen's teacher tells Owen he will be swimming that day, and is shown to tutor Owen how to breathe properly while swimming. Jimmy, his friends, and his older brother, start a fire outside to distract the teacher. Once the teacher is gone, the bullies turn out the lights and clear out the swimming pool. Owen realizes what is happening, and runs to his locker. He pulls out a very small knife, which he uses to defend himself against the bullies, but it doesn't work. Jimmy proceeds to threaten Owens' life. The boy tells Owen that if he can survive underwater for three minutes, then all he'll do is to cut Owen's cheek, if he can't, then Owen will have one of his eyes cut out. Owen is held underwater by Jimmy's brother and struggles to hold his breath. A minute goes by and Jimmy believes Owen has learned his lesson, and encourages his brother to stop, but is pushed back by his brother. This time Owen is facing death by drowning, but he notices something happening above the water, when suddenly blood starts to fill the pool, followed by screams and the head of Jimmy's brother. Owen pulls himself to the surface and sees blood and body parts of the bullies thrown around the pool: Abby has returned to save him as she promised.

Sometime later, Owen is on a train, getting his ticket punched. The ticket checker looks down at Owen's feet and notices a large chest and asks if it is his. Owen replies it is and the man moves on. Then from the chest comes k-i-s-s tapped out in Morse Code, which Owen gently taps back.

Cast

Casting

In July 2009, audition tapes were leaked to the Internet, showing Chloë Moretz, Mary Mouser, and Ariel Winter auditioning for the role of the vampire, Abby.[8] Smit-McPhee, in an interview with The Herald Sun, hinted that he may have landed the role as Owen.[9] The casting of Moretz and Smit-McPhee in the leading roles was confirmed on October 1, 2009, along with the addition of Richard Jenkins as Abby's adult companion.[10] In a press release, director Matt Reeves described Smit-McPhee, Moretz and Jenkins as his "absolute dream cast", and added that he "couldn't be more excited to be working with them."[11]

Production

The rights for the English-language film were acquired at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival, where the Swedish film won the "Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature," and Matt Reeves was quickly introduced as the director.[12] Hammer Films producer Simon Oakes has referred to the project as a remake of the film and not an adaptation of the novel.[13] He has also said, "I call it his [Reeves'] version. I don't call it his remake or his re-imagining of it."[14] The decision to make a new film adaptation has been criticized by Tomas Alfredson, the director of the Swedish film. He has stated on numerous occasions that he is not in favor of remaking his film.[15] "If one should remake a film, it's because the original is bad. And I don't think mine is", he said.[16] He also opined that "remakes should be made of movies that aren't very good, that gives you the chance to fix whatever has gone wrong. I'm very proud of my movie and I think it's great, but the Americans might have another opinion. The saddest thing for me would be to see this beautiful story made into something mainstream. I don't like to whine, but of course – if you spent years on painting a picture, you'd hate to hear buzz about a copy even before your vernissage!" [17]

Writer Ajvide Lindqvist, on the other hand, says that Reeves told him that he "will make a new film based on the book, and not remake the Swedish film" and so "it'll be something completely different, but it's going to be really interesting to see."[18]

Reeves has expressed his intent to retain the book's early 1980s setting and his admiration for the book and Alfredson's adaptation. "It's a terrific movie and a fantastic book. I think it could be a really touching, haunting and terrifying film. I'm really excited about what it could be", he said.[19] In response to the criticism he said, "I can understand because of people's love of the [original] film that there's this cynicism that I'll come in and trash it, when in fact I have nothing but respect for the film. I'm so drawn to it for personal and not mercenary reasons ... I hope people give us a chance."[20]

When Reeves was initially approached, he at first was against the idea but after reading the novel gained a better appreciation for the story. "I said... that we shouldn't remake it. I read the book too and was completely taken with it and I was really intrigued how personal the story felt. I thought John Lindqvist had written this terrific story, and he also adapted it for the film... I wrote Lindqvist and told him that it wasn't just that I was drawn to the story because it was a brilliant genre story – which it is – but also because of the personal aspect of it. It really reminds me of my childhood."[21]

Reeves was also asked to change the ages of the main characters, but he refused, saying that "would ruin the essence of the story and change everything completely...we need that childlike innocence." He also told his actors to not watch the original film beforehand so "we could make our own version but stay very true to the essence of the story."[21] The filmmakers have noted that "they intend to forge a unique identity for Let Me In, placing it firmly in an American context", while at the same time paying respect to the original.[22] Producer Donna Gigliotti said, "We're incredibly admiring of the original, but to be honest with you, that picture grossed $2 million. It's not like we're remaking Lawrence of Arabia."[23]

In adapting the film, a few adjustments were made, such as changing the names of the protagonists to Owen and Abby,[24] and moving the setting from the Stockholm suburb of Blackeberg to "a small New Mexico town."[22] Los Alamos County has granted a special request from the film's director and producer to name the town in the movie "Los Alamos, New Mexico."[25]

Producer Simon Oakes has made it clear that the plot of Let Me In will closely resemble that of the original film, except that it will be made "very accessible to a wider audience"[13]

Principal photography began in Albuquerque, New Mexico on November 2, 2009.[22][26] Filming is scheduled to take place in several different New Mexico locations, before concluding in Albuquerque in January 2010.[22][27] A large section of the film is being filmed at Los Alamos High School in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Release

It was announced on August 17, 2010 that the film will have its world premiere at The Toronto International Film Festival on September 13, 2010, [28] and its U.S. premiere on the opening night of Fantastic Fest on September 23, 2010.[29]

The film was released on October 1, 2010 in the United States.[30] Overture Films released the promo version with some specials in small plastic evidence bags.[31]

Critical reception

Let Me In has received generally positive reviews. Review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes reports that 87% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 126 reviews (with an average score of 7.7/10) and that 80% of the top critics have given the film a positive review based on 30 reviews (with an average score of 7.8/10). The consensus is "Similar to the original in all the right ways -- but with enough changes to stand on its own -- Let Me In is the rare Hollywood remake that doesn't add insult to inspiration."[32] Metacritic has reported an average score of 80 out of 100 based on 31 reviews. It currently indictates "generally favorable reviews". Generally, critics praised the faithfulness in Reeves' adaptation of the original Swedish film and the novel, but also noted that enough changes were made to make the interpretation of the story stand on its own merits. Praise was also given to the film's two leads, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Chloe Moretz, in regard to their chemistry and maturity on-screen. [33]

Some critics disputed Reeves' claims that he was not remaking the film but readapting the book. Josh Tyler wrote, "The movie he’s made is absolutely a direct remake of the 2008 film, the two are so similar that it’s almost impossible to differentiate between them. Reeves’ take is masterfully well done, but it’s not because he’s put his own stamp on it. Let Me In is good because Let the Right One In is good, and Reeves simply made the same film, only slightly better. They’re nearly identical, right down to their bones."[34] Jamie S. Rich wrote, "Rumors had previously suggested that Let Me In would start over with Lindqvist's lengthy novel and tease an entirely different story out of it. I've read the book, and there was certainly plenty left behind when Lindqvist wrote his screenplay. Unfortunately, Reeves hasn't really ferreted out anything new; on the contrary, there is actually less plot in Let Me In than in the Alfredson version."[35]

Box office

The film opened at #8 on its debut weekend in the United States, with an estimated $5,300,000 in 2,020 theaters.[36]

Comic book

In April 2010, it was announced that Hammer Film Productions and Dark Horse Comics are producing a graphic novel based on the film. Marc Andreyko will write the comic.[37] Original author John Ajvide Lindqvist said "Nobody has asked me about [doing a comic] and I think that the project stinks. I am looking into this matter and hope that they have no right to do this."[38]

Soundtrack

The score was composed by Academy Award winner Michael Giacchino.[39]

References

  1. ^ October 1st Release Date Set for Let Me In
  2. ^ Michael Giacchino to Score LET ME IN, UNDERCOVERS; THE OTHER GUYS Groove to the Sounds of Jon Brion
  3. ^ http://www.hammerfilms.com/productions/film/let-the-right-one-in
  4. ^ "Company Information". movies.nytimes.com. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  5. ^ a b "Let Me In (2010)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  6. ^ "Let the Right One In (Remake) (2010)". The New York Times. Retrieved September 22, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ First Look at the Vampire Abby in 'Let Me In'!!
  8. ^ "Uncle Creepy" (July 14, 2009). "UPDATED: Let Me In Audition Tapes". Dread Central. Retrieved November 8, 2009.
  9. ^ Morris, Clint (July 11, 2009). "Kodi hopes they Let the Right One In". Moviehole. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  10. ^ Kroll, Justin (October 1, 2009). "'Right One' gets cast". Variety. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  11. ^ ""Reeves Casts the Right Ones"". Hammer Films. October 1, 2009. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  12. ^ Fleming, Michael (September 24, 2008). "Matt Reeves bites into 'Right One'". Variety. Retrieved May 19, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ a b McCabe, Joseph (July 3, 2009). "Exclusive: We Chat with Hammer Chief Simon Oakes about Christopher Lee's Return to Horror and the 'Let the Right One In' Remake!". FEARnet. Retrieved July 7, 2009.
  14. ^ "Hammer Films CEO Simon Oakes Interview". collider.com. 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
  15. ^ Ain't It Cool News. Moriarty Sits Down With Tomas Alfredson, Director Of LET THE RIGHT ONE IN!, October 26, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
  16. ^ Triches, Robert (March 9, 2009). "Tråkigt med nyinspelning" (in Swedish). Aftonbladet. Retrieved April 20, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/09/30/original-let-the-right-one-in-director-talks-remake
  18. ^ Ain't It Cool News. The Northlander Sits Down With The Writer Of LET THE RIGHT ONE IN!, October 23, 2008. Retrieved November 18, 2008.
  19. ^ Horowitz, Josh (November 14, 2008). "EXCLUSIVE: 'Cloverfield' Director Matt Reeves Reveals 'Let The Right One In' Remake Details". MTV Movies Blog. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
  20. ^ Olsen, Mark (June 21, 2009). "Matt Reeves: From 'Cloverfield' to 'Let The Right One In'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 22, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  21. ^ a b Harley, David (March 17, 2010). "Let Me In: Director Matt Reeves". http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/. Retrieved March 18, 2010. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ a b c d "Uncle Creepy" (November 2, 2009). "Let Me In Starts Shooting / Casting Update". dreadcentral.com. Retrieved November 4, 2009.
  23. ^ Zeitchik, Steven (9 July 2010). "'Let Me In' vamps till ready - latimes.com". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
  24. ^ Lewis, Hilary (May 13, 2009). "Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Chace Crawford For Sale At Cannes". The Business Insider. Retrieved May 19, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ "Hollywood comes to Los Alamos High School". Los Alamos Monitor News. December 20, 2009. Retrieved December 20, 2009.
  26. ^ Josh Rottenberg (November 2, 2009). "'Let the Right One In' remake begins shooting". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 2, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ http://www.losalamosnm.us/news/Pages/LetMeInFilmingWrapsUpThisWeek.aspx
  28. ^ http://tiff.net/press/pressreleases/2010/toronto-international-film-festival-adds-new-galas-and-special-presentations-to-its-high-calibre-line-up
  29. ^ http://www.fantasticfest.com/blog/2010/08/let-me-in-announced-as-opening-night-film/
  30. ^ Overture Films Locks October 1 Release for 'Let Me In'
  31. ^ 'Let Me In' Crime Scene Evidence Received!
  32. ^ "Let Me In Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2010-10-05.
  33. ^ "Let Me In". Metacritic. Retrieved 2010-10-01.
  34. ^ "Let Me In - Review".
  35. ^ "Let Me In: DVD Talk Review".
  36. ^ "'Social Network' No Wallflower in Its Debut". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  37. ^ Hammer Films and Dark Horse Comics Forming a Partnership
  38. ^ http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/thegeekfiles/2010/04/let-the-right-one-in-author-fu.html
  39. ^ Let Me In Score to Be Composed by Michael Giacchino
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