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BRITISH funny man Russell Brand has promised film fans that the remake of the 1981 comedy Arthur will be more socially responsible than the original.
When the remake hits the big screen on Friday, audiences can expect a different hero who recognises his alcoholism and seeks treatment.
Brand, who struggled with alcohol and drug abuse in his own life, said: "It was very important that we establish a context where the alcoholism was humorous and good fun but was not irresponsibly portrayed."
The basic plot from the original remains intact for the updated version. After continuing to be an utter embarrassment to his family, the perpetually inebriated Arthur (Brand) is given an ultimatum to get his affairs in order by marrying a rich young woman he can barely stand or lose every cent of the money which keeps him luxuriously accommodated.
Director Jason Winer said he was skeptical about remaking the 1981 movie but he supported making some changes to shore up the movie's sense of social responsibility.
"At the end of the original, Arthur was pretty much as drunk as he was at the beginning, and his love interest is put in the position of being his caretaker," said Winer, who believes that scenario would be rejected by modern audiences.
