Pellington Checking Into THE ORPHANAGE

Mark Pellington has had ups and downs in his career as a feature film director, moving from the TV and music video world to helm such films as ARLINGTON ROAD, THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, U2 3D, and HENRY POOLE IS HERE.  Now, Variety is reporting that Pellington is in negotiations with New Line, Guillermo Del Toro and ContraFilm to take on the remake of the 2007 horror hit EL ORFANATO (THE ORPHANAGE).

The screenplay for the remake was written by Larry Fessenden, who was previously attached to direct the film until disagreements about the casting arose, and Del Toro, who served as creative advisor on the Juan Antonio Bayona-directed original.  The story follows a woman who takes over an orphanage and her young son who appears to have the same, imaginary friend she had when she was a child.  Spookiness ensues.

While a fan of much of what Del Toro touches, I found myself disinterested in the original THE ORPHANAGE.  It provided a few, decent scares, but, overall, the story was predictable and, ultimately, cheap.  While some may find a remake to be unnecessary, I feel there is some untapped thrills to be had here, and I hope Pellington working from Fessenden and Del Toro’s screenplay can find them.