Remakesploitation's Unauthorized World: Dr. Iain Robert Smith Maps Cinema's Wild Frontier

12/11/24 • 121 min

Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, & Movements

Discover the wild world of remakesploitation, where filmmakers boldly reimagined Hollywood hits with local flair and creative liberties. In this episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson welcomes Dr. Iain Robert Smith, author of The Hollywood Meme, to explore this fascinating film movement that flourished from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Turkish Cinema's Creative Adaptations

The episode focuses on five remarkable Turkish remakes: Fistik Gibi (based on Some Like It Hot), Tourist Omer in Star Trek, Three Giant Men (featuring Spider-Man as a villain fighting Captain America and Santo), Seytan (their version of The Exorcist), and the infamous The Man Who Saves the World (better known as Turkish Star Wars). Each film demonstrates how Turkish filmmakers balanced faithful adaptation with local cultural elements, often on limited budgets but with boundless creativity.

Global Remakesploitation Phenomenon

Members get exclusive access to discussions of five additional films from around the world: James Batman (Philippines), La Mujer Murcielago (Bat-Woman, Mexico), Lady Terminator (Indonesia), Shocking Dark (Italy), and Mahakaal (India's take on A Nightmare on Elm Street). Dr. Smith explains how these unauthorized adaptations reflect each country's unique approach to Hollywood properties.

Though remakesploitation's heyday has passed due to strengthening global copyright laws, these films offer fascinating insights into cultural exchange and creative adaptation. Many survive only through restoration efforts by scholars like Dr. Smith, who continues working to preserve and share these unique pieces of cinema history. Whether you're a film buff or simply curious about this unauthorized corner of movie history, this episode provides an entertaining deep dive into a truly original film movement.

Film Sundries

Find Dr. Iain Robert Smith on his website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and on his university page
Recommended and Discussed Movies
- Fıstık Gibi (Turkish Some Like It Hot) on YouTube
- Turist Ömer Uzay Yolunda (Turkish Star Trek) on YouTube
- 3 Dev Adam (Turkish Captain America and Spider-Man) on YouTube
- Şeytan (Turkish The Exorcist) on Amazon and JustWatch
- Dünyayı Kurtaran Adam (Turkish Star Wars) on Amazon and YouTube
- James Batman (James Bond meets Batman and Robin in the Philippines) on YouTube
- The Bat Woman (Mexican Batwoman) on Amazon and JustWatch and YouTube
- Lady Terminator (Indonesian Terminator) on Amazon
- Shocking Dark (Italian Aliens and Terminator) on Amazon and JustWatch and YouTube
- Mahakaal (Bollywood A Nightmare on Elm Street) on Amazon and YouTube
Check out the Italian Spider-Man remakesploitation spoof
Our Letterboxd List
(00:00) - Welcome to Cinema Scope • Remakesploitation
(04:19) - Meet Dr. Iain Robert Smith
(04:51) - Our Guests’ Background in Remakesploitation
(07:35) - What Is Remakesploitation?
(11:38) - The Term
(12:55) - Origins
(18:26) - Film vs. ...

Turkish Cinema's Creative Adaptations

Global Remakesploitation Phenomenon

Film Sundries

Find Dr. Iain Robert Smith on his website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and on his university page
Recommended and Discussed Movies
- Fıstık Gibi (Turkish Some Like It Hot) on YouTube
- Turist Ömer Uzay Yolunda (Turkish Star Trek) on YouTube
- 3 Dev Adam (Turkish Captain America and Spider-Man) on YouTube
- Şeytan (Turkish The Exorcist) on Amazon and JustWatch
- Dünyayı Kurtaran Adam (Turkish Star Wars) on Amazon and YouTube
- James Batman (James Bond meets Batman and Robin in the Philippines) on YouTube
- The Bat Woman (Mexican Batwoman) on Amazon and JustWatch and YouTube
- Lady Terminator (Indonesian Terminator) on Amazon
- Shocking Dark (Italian Aliens and Terminator) on Amazon and JustWatch and YouTube
- Mahakaal (Bollywood A Nightmare on Elm Street) on Amazon and YouTube
Check out the Italian Spider-Man remakesploitation spoof
Our Letterboxd List
(00:00) - Welcome to Cinema Scope • Remakesploitation
(04:19) - Meet Dr. Iain Robert Smith
(04:51) - Our Guests’ Background in Remakesploitation
(07:35) - What Is Remakesploitation?
(11:38) - The Term
(12:55) - Origins
(18:26) - Film vs. ...

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Nordic Noir's Dark Depths: Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen on These Chilling Crime Stories

Join Cinema Scope as host Andy Nelson and guest Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen dive into the intriguing world of Nordic Noir. This episode uncovers the secrets that make this subgenre a global sensation, from its bleak landscapes to its complex characters.

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Nordic Noir captivates with its atmospheric settings and gripping narratives. Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen, an expert in Scandinavian and comparative literature, explores how these films reflect the political and social undercurrents of the Nordic countries. Blending suspense with meaningful critique, Nordic Noir offers a unique lens on society.

Exploring Iconic Films

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Beyond the Screen: Nordic Noir's Impact

In our member bonus, we delve deeper with The Man on the Roof, The Hunters, Smilla's Sense of Snow, The Pyramid, Department Q: The Keeper of Lost Causes, and The Snowman. These films extend the conversation, highlighting the genre's wide-reaching influence and its role in shaping global crime fiction.

Don't miss this engaging exploration of Nordic Noir and its lasting impact. Tune in to Cinema Scope to uncover the stories that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the genre, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the compelling world of Nordic Noir.

Film Sundries

Find Jakob on LinkedIn or on UCL’s site
Nordic Noir Book Club
Recommended and Discussed Movies
- Man on the Roof on YouTube (no English subtitles) or Scarecrow Video’s Rent by Mail
- The Hunters on Amazon and JustWatch
- Smilla’s Sense of Snow on JustWatch or Scarecrow Video’s Rent by Mail
- Insomnia on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
- Jar City on Apple and JustWatch
- The Pyramid on YouTube
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on Amazon and JustWatch
- Headhunters on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
- Department Q: The Keeper of Lost Causes on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
- The Snowman on

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Want to hear complete conversations like this every month? Join Cinema Scope at trustory.fm/join for just $5/month or $55/year. Members get early, ad-free access to all podcasts in The Next Reel family, plus exclusive bonus content and extended episodes.

Film Sundries