In art, there have been many instances of remaking originals. Pre-manuscript paintings, carvings, and drawings are a good example. One of the most famous examples is the Last Supper painted by Leonardo da Vinci. This painting has been restructured to include aliens, IPods, Sesame Street characters, and Simpson characters. The masterpiece has even been crafted into tattoos. Another example of art remaking includes those who take a style of art invented by one person and play into it. There are many different styles of art, the most famous including pointillism, expressionism, and pop art. Does the original author have claims to that specific type? Is there a way to regulate this? Andy Warhol is the most famous modern example of pop art. His pictures of Marilyn Monroe, Campbell Soup cans, and electric chairs are famous in art museums and modern culture alike. His work has assimilated into all aspects of modern culture, including sneakers made by Nike (1). Should these be considered a quality remake of the original or should Warhol be given all rights and the art not redistributed in such a way?
In literature, the argument gets more severe. One example begins with the Bible. In ancient Catholic Church history, the Bible was translated in Latin only. In this way, the Church could interpret the Bible as it saw fit. Martin Luther believed the Bible should be in a person’s native tongue as to help them better understand their religion. The Church disagreed and excommunicated him. The beginning of remixing an original to better it or to leave the original piece had begun. When the Bible finally was translated, words became rearranged and new meanings took place. In more modern literature, the question is raised when unauthorized sequels are made. A sequel has been made for most popular novels, everything ranging from Gone with the Wind to The Wizard of Oz. These sequels are often unauthorized by the original author. However, if one critically analyzes these sequels, there is a distinct attempt by the secondary author to further the masterpiece of the original. Each author wants to see their favorite novel continue and will see it happen in the way they see fit. These sequels are often enjoyable and a refreshing change to modern literature studied in school situations. One famous example of reworking and integrating an original is The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer wrote this based on other important texts of his time, including the Decameron by Boccaccio (2). However, many literary pieces have since been written on The Canterbury Tales. The most famous adaptation comes from a novel most modern readers have read – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. J.K. Rowling used The Pardoner’s Tale as a basis for her Three Brother’s Tale (3). The Canterbury Tales has also been made into numerous theater adaptations, each one taking on its own interpretation of the literary masterpiece. Each work adds a little something different to Chaucer’s original and makes the audience reconsider how they read and interpreted the work.
Yet another example of remixing an original to a better new piece is music. Bards were the original “songsters.” They told tales of history and poems of love. Commoners took these tales and changed them ever so slightly, until they came to the point where they barely were recognizable. In the same way, modern songsters have taken popular songs and remixed them. Cover bands and covers of popular songs are all over the radio airwaves and the internet site Youtube. Cover bands take an original song and sing it their way. Many try to emulate the original song. However, some can take a country song and transform it into a dance song. Some take hard rock and make it into a heart-wrenching love song. Are these a copyright violation or simply a means of giving a song more popularity and a wider range of audiences? Talent shows are forever popular for this. American Idol is one of the greatest examples. Contestants take an original work and sing it their way, on their terms. It is seen as a way to get music out in the public and get more recognition, not as a way of ripping off the original. One form, however, has come under much scrutiny. This would be the famous DJ Girl Talk. He takes popular songs, those of the current generation and mixes them with the songs of past generations. This may violate copyright laws, but it provides the artist a greater range of listeners and better publicity than normal radio airtime. The music is popular and consistently played. However, Girl Talk has faced threats of lawsuits. If someone actually listens to Girl Talk’s music, he has remixed an original so completely, it is almost unrecognizable. He can argue free use and would most likely win. He brings a refreshing change to modern music and generates a lot of publicity (4).
In short, remixing an original can produce a new and refreshing work. New ideas and thoughts are added into an artsy, literary, or musical masterpiece and the piece becomes better. It is more applicable to a modern audience. A modern audience would almost certainly enjoy a stage adaptation of a play as opposed to reading the play itself. There is something to be said for reading a great work of art and appreciating it. However, it must be recognized that adaptations are not all bad.
“Pop Art Sneakers.” Image. Trendhunter Magazine. October 16, 2009. March 17, 2010. < http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-andy-warhol-and-marilyn-monroe.>
Smith, Nicole. “Comparison of ‘The Decameron’ and ‘The Canterbury Tales’: Common Themes in Boccaccio and Chaucer.” Article Myriad. 2010. March 17, 2010. http://www.articlemyriad.com/decameron_canterbury.htm.
Brian, Greg. “’The Pardoner’s Tale’ in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales: Its Influence on J.K. Rowling and as a Complex Guide to Navigating Modern Times.” Associated Content. August 03, 2007. March 17, 2010. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/336038/the_pardoners_tale_in_chaucers_canterbury.html?cat=38
Masnick, Mike. “Why Hasn’t the Music Industry Sued Girl Talk?” TechDirt. July 08, 2009. March 17, 2010.
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