The movie adaptation of the classic Western TV series, Wild Wild West, was a colossal misstep, according to film critics and fans alike. The film, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and starring Will Smith, failed to capture the essence of the original series, which was a beloved staple of Baby Boomer television. The show, created by Michael Garrison, was a unique blend of Western adventure and James Bond-style espionage, featuring Secret Service agents James West and Artemis Gordon. The original series, which ran from 1965 to 1969, was a hit, thanks to its clever writing, memorable characters, and engaging storylines. However, the movie adaptation fell flat on its face, and it's hard to understand why it was made in the first place.
The main issue with the film is its casting choices. Will Smith, a talented actor known for his comedic roles, was simply not suited for the role of James West. The character required a more rugged and serious portrayal, and Smith's light-hearted approach didn't fit the tone of the series. Similarly, Kevin Kline as Artemis Gordon was a disaster, with his portrayal of the character as a clownish figure lacking the intelligence and ingenuity that made the original Gordon so endearing. The film's attempt to spoof the series backfired, as it failed to embrace the outlandish premise and instead played it for laughs, diluting the serious tone of the original show.
The movie's creative decisions were a mess, and it's no wonder that the original series star, Robert Conrad, was upset. Conrad believed that the role of James West should have been played by a combination of Wesley Snipes and Denzel Washington, and he was particularly disappointed with the casting of Kenneth Branagh as the villainous Dr. Loveless. In the original series, the character was brilliantly portrayed by Kevin Dunn, a little person actor, and Branagh's double-amputee portrayal was a grievous violation of the character's integrity. The film's failure was acknowledged by Smith himself, who later admitted that the movie was one of his worst, and Sonnenfeld, who argued in his memoir that the film could have worked if George Clooney had not dropped out of the role of Gordon.
In conclusion, the movie Wild Wild West was a missed opportunity to bring a beloved TV series to the big screen. The film's creative decisions, casting choices, and tone were all wrong, and it failed to capture the essence of the original series. It's a reminder that sometimes, it's better to leave classic TV shows in the past and not try to recreate them on the big screen.
