RoboCop Remake: Brazilian Director Jose Padilha Speaks About His Vision For Renewing The Franchise

First Posted: 11/9/11 10:13 AM ET Updated: 11/9/11 10:57 AM ET

Robocop is back, and many are wondering if he'll be speaking in a lilting Brazilian accent, dancing a bit of samba or chasing criminals through the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.
The film's producers have confirmed that acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker, Jose Padilha, will be directing the reboot of this storied late-80's franchise which spawned three movies, various TV series, video games and volumes of merchandise, not to mention being a source for provocative one-liners popular on college campuses and in bars across the country.
Padilha is best known for his Elite Squad series, including Elite Squad: The Enemy Within, the highest grossing Brazilian movie of all time, which was given a high-score of 100 on Rotten Tomatoes, with some reviewers breathlessly comparing it to The Godfather and other classics. The film opens in the U.S. on 11/11/11.
In an interview with ComingSoon.net, Padilha shared his passionate appreciation for Robocop, stating unequivocally, "The concept of RoboCop is brilliant, first because it lends itself to a lot of social criticism, but also because it poses a question, 'To when do you lose you humanity?'"
The director further explained, "I have my take on it. In the first RoboCop, when Alex Murphy is shot, gunned down, then you see some hospitals and stuff and then you cut to him as RoboCop. My movie is between those two cuts."
Fans of the franchise may be in for a treat, as Padilha's previous movies have been recognized for strong cinematography and action sequences, but in Elite Squad: The Enemy Within, the director was able to ground the film in the emotional consequences facing the country and its people as Brazil's rapid economic growth fuels corruption across the military, politics and society at large.
This mix of social commentary, stirring action and high-tech robotics were the cocktail that led to the first film's popularity, among audiences and reviewers alike.
And as to whether his RoboCop will be Brazilian, the director is clear. "Robocop is an American guy, his name is Alex Murphy."

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