Movies

‘La Bamba’ is getting a remake. Luis Valdez isn’t sure why

BBG News

As a movie buff with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the news of a remake for the classic biopic “La Bamba” has left me feeling a bit like Ritchie Valens himself – a little confused and somewhat skeptical.

Approximately four decades following its initial debut, the cherished biographical film “La Bamba,” based on the life of musician Ritchie Valens, is set for a reboot. However, it’s important to note that the original director and writer, Luis Valdez, did not make this decision himself: “This was not a choice I made.”

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I recently learned about an exciting development in the world of cinema. On Monday, it was announced that Sony Pictures and Mucho Mas Media are collaborating on a new biographical film focusing on the life story of the first U.S. Latino rock star. The script for this captivating project will be penned by none other than Oscar-nominated writer José Rivera, who has previously brought us masterpieces like “The Motorcycle Diaries” and “On the Road.” In addition to his writing talents, Rivera will also serve as an executive producer. I can hardly wait for more details about this promising production!

This summer, as per Valdez’s statement, Javier Chapa from Mucho Mas Media approached Valdez with a proposal and requested his cooperation on the project.

In simple terms, Valdez, at 84 years old, expressed his question, which is a common one among fans worldwide, to The Times on Monday night. Essentially, he’s asking why another film is being made when the original was successful and has a dedicated fanbase with varied reactions.

As the author behind “Zoot Suit,” I found myself confronted with an intriguing predicament: either contributing to the remake in some capacity or choosing to remain detached from the project entirely.

“Valdez has consistently thought that turning negatives into positives is possible,” he said. “So, when given the opportunity, he decided to lend a hand, joining the project to offer insights about Richie Valens’ life story. Known as a singer, Valens was born in the San Fernando Valley and passed away in 1959.”

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I’ve got to say it straight: the movie and the script are Sony’s baby, plain and simple. My agreement didn’t include any remake clauses, we were simply ecstatic just to see it come to life back then. But here’s the thing, even if your vision is as intimate as they come, the end result ultimately belongs to the studio.

He says “La Bamba,” released in 1987, was a labor of love. At the time, there wasn’t much documentation about Valens’ life and career.

Born as Richard Valenzuela in Pacoima, California, Valens, also known as Ritchie Valens, gained popularity in the late 1950s with his hit “Come On, Let’s Go.” A self-taught musician, he abandoned high school to pursue music. Throughout his career, he was particularly recognized for his rock ‘n’ roll rendition of the Mexican folk song “La Bamba.” Tragically, eight months after his rise to fame, the 17-year-old singer perished in a plane crash, which came to be known as “the day the music died,” as he traveled alongside other singers Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper.

To satisfy his own curiosity, Valdez explains that he and his brother, Daniel Valdez, invested five years in locating individuals who were significant in Valens’ life. They managed to connect with his mother, Connie Valenzuela; his sibling, Bob Morales; his manager, Bob Keane; and his first romantic interest, Donna Ludwig Fox. With their personal experiences, Valdez was subsequently able to craft the screenplay for “La Bamba”.

Valdez expressed that he’s unsure if José Rivera will follow the same narrative. He added that replicating old stories isn’t effective, as they lack excitement. Instead, he hopes that this remake will introduce something novel, something innovative, offering a fresh perspective on Ritchie Valens’ life.

In his brief music career, as Valdez points out, there aren’t many areas of Valdez’s life that were left unexplored.

As of today, the film “La Bamba” has earned over $54 million at the box office, with a production cost of just $6.5 million. This movie was recognized in several prestigious award ceremonies: it was nominated for the best drama category at the Golden Globes and for song of the year at the 1988 Grammy Awards by the Recording Academy. The success of “La Bamba” significantly boosted the careers of actor Lou Diamond Phillips, who portrayed Valens, as well as East L.A. rock band Los Lobos, who provided both the music for the film and produced its soundtrack. In 2017, this film was inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress, thanks to the initiative of Representative Joaquin Castro from Texas.

Valdez views the latest movie as an opportunity to launch a fresh Latin celebrity. However, he remains uncertain as to why the film studios opted for “La Bamba” instead of another choice.

Valdez stated, “In truth, there are numerous tales, many centered around Chicano lives in Los Angeles, which could be made into films. However, Sony decided to remake this one, likely due to its past successes. I realize that Hollywood is about business and entertainment. But I want to make it clear that this decision wasn’t mine – I was asked to be part of the process.”

1. Sony Pictures Entertainment and Mucho Mas Media chose not to provide comments, as the project is still in its initial stages. Valdez expresses optimism that the project will accurately portray Valens’ life. (Paraphrased)

“Valdez wants to reassure fans that the remake won’t damage the original; instead, it could serve as a fresh addition enriching Ritchie Valens’ story. Perhaps it might reveal an aspect of Ritchie we haven’t seen before. To those who feel upset or disappointed by this remake, he suggests embracing change, as the original movie will remain intact.”

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2024-08-27 23:01

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