The Crow Remake: Is Nothing Sacred?

The Crow holds different sentiments for different people, but at the core of most fans feelings are that Brandon's interpretation of Eric Draven was magnetic, and truly special. Of course, there will always be a level of sacredness reserved for this film, because of the terrible circumstances in which Brandon Lee lost his life on this film. The Crow carries with it significant heartbreak for some, and a lot of emotion for practically all who have seen it. Even the harden film critics back in 1994 were truly moved when they reviewed this film, and Brandon's soul pouring performance impressed all who saw it. Now, what many didn't know and certainly very little was published of it at the time, was the truth about the large amount of creative input Brandon actually contributed to the developed of the character of Eric, as he became the Eric Draven (Draven was a name given to the character for the film) as we know him to be now. Many ideas, concepts and even characterizations Brandon contributed to. He developed that character and made it his own. So many should be able to see why a proposed project, where Brandon's own ideas and developed characterization are going to re-made and copied, has caused many fans to be very concerned.

The news last week that Edward. R. Pressman intended to revive the dying franchise by proposing for failing director Stephen Norringtonn to direct the remake of The Crow, not using the graphic novel, but the actual storyline that was developed for the original film, angered many. The brief statements from Pressman and Norrington were also filled with ambiguous references to the original film, and little if any references to the actual graphic novel, which any re-interpretation should be based on. Even the most devoted comic enthusiasts were crying foul, and called for something to be done to either stop it or clarify what the hell they will be doing.

In response to fans own concerns we decided to set up a petition. The petition is against any proposed plans to copy the original concept of the characters, storylines, and any other developed aspects of this film, NOT the original comic. Some misunderstood what the aim of the petition was. It was not to protest against anyone trying to continue 'The Crow' franchise. While I don't give two hoots for the sequels, I don't have anything against the sequels, as they have nothing to do with Brandon or anything he created. The number of fans and admirers involved in this argument also have agreed with the idea that if a literal translation was done by Hollywood, then t it would be much appreciated by those die hard comic fans. A literal translation would be frame-by-frame replication of what James O'Barr created all those years ago. The original film was a great work and had the essence of the comic, but it was not a literal translation (even Brandon was honest about that and the reasons why he felt his film had to be a difference). The petition is expressing a collective voice to those who have the film rights, to make the best decision for the fans, and not to do it the way it has been proposed. If it goes ahead as it stands now, there will be very little support and it may actually kill the franchise, the one the makers hope the new project will just be the start of. The petition is just a call to those players to consider and address the concerns of the fans - the key audience they hope to sell the film to.

Some fans have voiced opinion that perhaps it won't be as bad, although considering the makers of the franchise's track record of lying to fans, how can anyone really trust in that faith? Some fans even have suggested that a re-make may force more focus and exposure to Brandon's own work, and his legacy. In theory, that sounds nice, almost idealistic that a new film would be so bad that it would show the original for the great film it is. However, the problem with that idea is that even when Brandon died there was little focus directed to his own life, accomplishments or his legacy. In fact, as the years have gone on it has become harder to respond to all the misconceptions about Brandon and his film, because of the negative attention from the mediocre sequels. New fans find Brandon's original translation of Eric without much help, and his film is often at first boxed in with all those horrible sequels, so the concept that this project will attract more to Brandon doesn't seem like it would be effective or productive for his legacy. And as I try and remind people, coping someone's work is not remembering them. If Pressman truly wishes to do something significant for Brandon's memory, he could re-release The Crow in cinemas across the world, and give younger fans the chance to see the film up close, like many of us did, back in 1994. If any project was going to benefit Brandon's memory, don't you think we would be bending over backwards to encourage other fans to get behind it? We are the ones who set up the BLM for just that purpose - to educate and inform the public (with historical accuracy) about Brandon's life, career and legacy. We want more than anything for Brandon to be fully appreciated and recognized for the unique and talented individual that he was, as well as for the human being he was, away from whatever fabricated misconceptions there has been out there about him.

For us, Brandon's own words about those who copy was all we needed to know that what were doing would be supported by him. Brandon himself hated re-makes, he hated any kind of film where people were not being original. He also went on record, saying that "if you copy you do not contribute anything to the world". The Crow stands as a eulogy for Brandon, and for the spirit of how precious life is for all of us human beings.

I have also felt that if this project brings back even HALF of that negative publicity that was followed with the original film, even Brandon's own loved ones are not safe. His death did not focus any real energy or exposure on Brandon, instead it focused on the make believe world of curses and conspiracies. If this crow project was going to honor Brandon in any way we would be behind it 110%.

Let me clarify again, this proposed re-make is not a sequel, and it is not a literal translation of the graphic novel - at least from what has been put forth in the media. Further communication between media and the powers that be have remained silent. When there is silence when communication has been sought - it can only mean that something is up and it most likely is nothing positive. Perhaps it might mean that fans concerns have made someone re-think such a ridiculous idea of copying the original film. If they think fans are just asleep, they certainly may have gotten a big fat slap of the truth with the petition and the Internet uproar. We are drafting an official letter from the fans to Edward. R. Pressman, including with that, will be a copy of the petition, which now has 300 signatures. Please spread the word about this and remain productive in our aims to make sure that Brandon's memory and legacy carries on. Do it for Brandon and for he sacrificed for his art.

Brandon was an individual with a very heightened social conscience and a very loyal sense of what was right and wrong, especially when it came to ethics. He rejected offers for many years of roles where he would be betraying his own values, and which did not contribute new art to the world. He was a human being who had a seeker spirit, and only wanted to leave the world a better person than what he came in as. Betraying someone's own artistic vision and ideas by copying it, is not adding anything new to the world, nor to humanity for that matter. The Crow symbolizes for many the story of an individual, who stood up for people against injustice. It may be a story BUT Brandon's memory deserves some justice too.

Hollywood Walk of Fame Star For Brandon Lee

A number of years ago there was talk of whether or not Brandon Lee could be eligible for his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There was a lot of "talk" in fact, with quite a bit of criticism for those of us who felt that he deserved such an honor, but overall no real productive action was being taken. I was involved in a few petitions over the years, off and on line but no one was really willing to administrate it or organize it. Frustrated at the lack of productivity I decided to do something about it. In 2003, I decided to start the idea of a petition to see what kind of interest was out there, and slowly interest began to grow. Then in 2004, when I debuted the new look of The Brandon Lee Movement's website, I started an online petition that was easily able to be managed. I spread the word and encouraged all fans, admirers, to put down their REAL NAME, as well as their reasons why they felt Brandon deserved this star. Slowly the numbers grew and for the last two years the progress has been very progressively. Contarary to popular belief, the petition was to encourage fans to take a more active stand towards this goal (hence the word movement in The Brandon Lee Movement) and to get behind the BLM and our goals to perserve Brandon's legacy. We have had a section about the star on our website for a number of years. If you are a fan who has signed and doesn't understand the process, this lays it out for you: http://www.brandonleemovement.com/star.htm

Part of the application process is first being able to meet all the criteria (including having worked in Hollywood steadily for at least 5 years, and having been involved in some kind of humanitarian effort), all of which Brandon did and has met. The next step is if the pplicant is deceased to justify such a star, given the honoree would not be able to attend the ceremony, besides the $25,000 fee there needs to be a audience to watch, and the deceased applicants loved ones or industry supporters to be present. At the present time, we are working towards in completing this last section of the application. Further fund raising may be needed, and we do ask fans to keep this in mind. Also, if his application would be accepted, then fans would need to attend to show support for this star. While the star is only a materialistic item, it is what is represents and it's iconic status in Hollywood, that really would mean something to Brandon's memory and his enduring legacy.

I am the sole organizer of this star and the campaign, and have been in this from day one. I have spent time that frankly few were willing to do, and my persistence has no limits. It is somewhat disappointing when people online think because they sign the petition, that they can either take credit for it or decide that it will happen because a few people sign. It takes an awful lot to nominate someone, so I do wish to advise our readers to Contact us, because only we are on top of this and only we will be moving forward.

Let me do say that while I started the petition on my own, I have been helped by a dedicated group of fans who are part of the larger Brandon Lee Movement group and will make sure that this time, this application goes through. I have invested my own money into this project and will do what it takes to make sure this happens for Brandon...with your support.

Get active - don't sit on the sidelines. Support the Brandon Lee Movement TODAY!!!

Brandon Lee: The Web and The Truth

How Far Have We Come?

This is often something I have had to ask myself. In the ten years since I first set out to create a website on Brandon Lee, there has been many changes and much to reflect on. Many have emailed me over the years to ask what exactly the "movement" in The Brandon Lee Movement is all about.

Initially, the site was do two things. One was to encourage more proactive productivity among fans. The second was to start to educate some rather misguided people about the truthful aspects of Brandon's life and his death. As the years have passed, especially when other sites have gone offline and lost interest, there has been the movement to educate and provide vital truth in regards to Brandon as an actor, human being, partner, son, brother and friend. In the last few years, there has been more rather 'questionable' misinformation that have been completely fabricated, most probably to fulfill some people's rather deluded fantasies about Brandon. The reasons why such idiotic elements exist online who knows, but since no one else is bothering to set things straight, then I guess it's a good thing The Brandon Lee Movement is in existence.

Too often when people are talking about Brandon, it doesn't take long to figure out that they are actually creating a persona of Brandon Lee based around his last role as Eric Draven. The Internet is full of the 'fantasy' element, whereby people confuse Brandon for the last character he played. People can get crazy notions about Brandon's ghost being with them, soulful connections in the afterlife and other fantasies, and there has been lately some people (whose fantasies have gone so out of the bounds of reality that they claim ownership over Brandon Lee) making very specific threats to not only people online, but have extended it to some of Brandon's own loved ones. This kind of behavior is disturbing and needs to stop. The majority of people/fans who visit our site are great; logical, compassionate and mature. However, there are some people that are a bit 'off' to say the least, and need a firm grounding in reality. There have been stories of stalking, which are rather disappointing since energy wasted on negativity never serves much purpose.

As we are here to educate, here are some truthful facts for you on Brandon Lee:

- Brandon has been deceased for 15 years (so, he isn't alive and hiding in the mountains, not shadowing random strangers, and certainly not talking or writing people special messages about how connected he is to them). The man died and it only disrespects his memory, his family and his legacy when anyone wants to claim their fantasies are anything but absurd. Whatever emotional connections Brandon had, he had them during his own lifetime. And if was was to visit anyone, it wouldn't be some nut breaking into Lakeview after hours, to camp out at his gravesite. Get REAL!

- Brandon for all intends and purposes was not his characters. Yes, Brandon certainly played a variety of different types of characters and there is something to be said that there always is a little of any actor in his/her roles. However, as far as reality goes, he was not Eric Draven (for instance) coming back from the dead seeking revenge or being unrested because of an injustice.

- Brandon was very happy and in love with his fiancee, Eliza. It is beyond ridiculous when people fantasies extend to trying to vilify Eliza Hutton (when they know little if anything about her, nor have they met her), or make other claims that Brandon or Eliza were un-committed to their union. The truth (as was Brandon on this subject) is very clear on this front and anyone can view the variety of quotes from Brandon (not to mention the footage and pictures that show how adoring he was towards her), as well of those who knew him - who all support Brandon's own feelings that this was the love of his life. Brandon loved Eliza, and she him. It will only ever be a tragedy that Brandon was killed just days away from marrying someone he described as his life, and his soul mate. Life goes on though - so quit the romantic notions some people got from The Crow (no coming back in this life) and start dealing in reality. Attacks on Eliza or Eliza and Brandon as a couple are weak attempts because of envy or jealousy. Stick to the reality and the reality of Brandon's life was that Eliza was the love of his life (and to Brandon - his true love and soul mate). The loss of Brandon was beyond devastating for Eliza, and she spent many many years coming to terms with the loss. Fortunately, all these years later has been able find a new happiness again (which isn't a crime!). People making threats against her and those of stalking, are not only of an illegal nature, but also a diseased and a inhumane one too. It is time for some immature "fans" (most of whom were children when Brandon died) to stop spreading malicious falsehoods about Brandon and his life with Eliza. You didn't know him, nor can anyone claim to know his inner most deepest thoughts, when simply you are not him. We can go on what statements Brandon constantly made, and the many observations, comments and accounts offered by many who did - all who say that the pair deeply loved each other and there was no doubt for them that it was a true and perfect match. Brandon loved her so much that he would only want her to be happy, and no doubt he is in peace (whenever he is) that it has now occurred. As it says on his gravesite, 'Brandon and Eliza: Ever Joined in True Love's Beauty'. There will always be a bond/connection between them (which death cannot break), but Brandon is gone and Eliza had to move on with her life (as DID every single one of his loved ones). Past and future are different lifetimes (most of us who are 'old' do already know this. Its time for the young and ignorant to understand too.) You only disrespect Brandon Lee and all that he stood for when anyone gets carried away with very disturbing fantasies. If anyone finds that they are operating outside the bounds of reality - then its time to consult a psychologist. I am not sure if some people are so desperate for a physical connection to Brandon that they want to try and re-write his history. All fans have some kind of connection to him, but it only ever will be a one way (meaning Brandon isn't aware of it), but if he was here he certainly would be appalled and disturbed that there are people who say such false and rather malicious lies about someone he truly loves. Brandon was a decent human being, as is Eliza, so I do hope that some people start to see the truth before their fantasies take over. People calling themselves "Mrs Brandon Lee" and other idiotic things, need to stop. Brandon chose Eliza to be his life partner - end of story. I would also like to remind people that Brandon had his own life connections, people need to seek their own too (maybe then some people may stop being envious and jealous of Brandon's). The man is gone, but that is no excuse for people to take out tabs on him and to claim ownership over him. He was a human being and even in death deserves the same respect he was paid in life. As the great Voltaire once wrote, " To the living we owe respect, but to the dead we owe only the truth." So, the truth is Brandon and Eliza were soul mates who loved each other. In summary, GET OVER IT ALREADY!

Be fans not FANATICS.

- Brandon Was a Human Being. I find it rather concerning when I see comments from people glorifying Brandon's death, and promoting him to the status of 'God' or 'Demi-God'. Brandon was just an ordinary human being, who had extraordinary gifts and valued the humanitarian within him. He accomplished his dreams, was a decent human being to others, and always tried his best to make a difference to society. However, like all of us, he wasn't perfect and he even had failures in his life too. Adversity after trauma or failure can provide the emphasis many of us need to have the courage to soldier on - no matter what. And certainly that was the case for Brandon. Brandon in his lifetime only wanted to be remembered who he truly was. He spent many years being overshadowed by a comma attached to his name (Brandon, son of Bruce Lee) and certainly strove to change people's minds to see him not only as a human being in his own right, but as an actor.

- Brandon acted in more than The Crow. How many fans know that Brandon preformed in a variety of stage plays? As much as The Crow was a groundbreaking role where Brandon's acting talents were finally recognized, it is not his ONLY acting work. I recommend that people who claim to be either Brandon Lee fans, admirers or enthusiasts seek out his other film and TV roles. A good many of the rare stuff is listed on youtube to download for FREE. It is disappointing that there has yet been leaked footage of his stage work, but you never know what the future holds.

- Brandon has his own legacy. As much as Brandon was proud of being Bruce Lee's son, he was his own man. He loved and was proud of his family name, but he did wish to leave his own mark behind and people should understand that. The Brandon Lee legacy is reflective of his OWN accomplishments.

- Brandon Lee was NOT murdered. As difficult as it is to accept the reality of someone as young, vibrant, happy and healthy as Brandon dying by accident, the world is full of unforseen accidents that take the life of innocent victims. While his death certainly could have been avoided had basic on-set fire arm regulation been abided by, Brandon's accident was completely random and was in no way intentional. The evidence and facts are very clear. There were several official investigations that took place when he died, and all suported the evidence which gave the verdict of non-felony negligence.

Remember him for who he was, not for who he wasn't.

Thanks for stopping by to read this new blog. I will make a point of updating this soon with new posts, reflection and news on what The Brandon Lee Movement (BLM) is doing to help spread the word, and preserve Brandon's legacy for the future generations.