Synopsis:

This is a shorter version of Independence Day with less silly humor and cliche dialogue. This has been altered to a more sombre affair.

Intentions:

Taking the 90?s popcorn classic Independence Day and attempting to strip out Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin’s silly humour, mainly found in the character of Russell Chase(Randy Quaid). This has been achieved by some complete scene removals and trimming dialogue. I was always particularly bothered by Russell’s sacrifice being made silly, with cliche dialogue. This has been altered to a more sombre affair. Various overcamp one-liners have been toned down – Julius Levinson, Marty Gilbert, Dr Brackish Okun and Jimmy Wilder taking the brunt of this. Independence Day is still a fun film, but without (most of) the silly distractions now.

Change List:

- The SETI guy banging his head. - First introduction to Russell and drunken flying is gone. - Marty saying “there’s no shame in hiding” and “Mutha”. - Trite lines by President and General Gray “What if they do become hostile….” - Stupid cop stopping in the middle of the street causing massive car pile up. - Marty dramatically overreacting and wanting to call everyone. - Trimmed banter between Julius and David over speed of car. - “You don’t want to die a virgin, do you?” - Mention of Miguel’s brother needing medicine and his little rant. - Jimmy discovering the ring. - Jasmin dancing and her subsequent conversation with the friend. - Julius babbling on about wishing he’d worn a tie at the White House. - What I assume is a deleted scene. Julius talking about all the famous people in the White House and now him. - Jasmine’s friend : Captain Obvious moment when the ship opens up. - Marty’s demise. - Boomer the dog’s unconvincing escape from the fire. - Russell “Been saying it for years”. - Jimmy “Hold Me” and “Whoop ET’s ass”. - “Now that’s what I call a close encounter.” - Religious whack-job from extended scene – cliche. - Russell comforting sick son extended scene. - The kid who offers penicillin to Russell’s daughter extended scene. - Dr Okun : Various trims to make him less goofy. - An extended scene with Okun telling David not to touch anything. - Nuke – Mr Nimzicki’s cringeworthy little dance for ‘hitting the target’. - No premature celebration of failed nuke. - Montage of world forces preparing counter strike. - ‘Crash course in modern aviation’ and Russell wanting payback. - Russell accidentally activated weapons control. - Hiller accidentally going backwards in the alien craft. - Hiller ‘look no hands’. - David ‘Oops’. - Russell OTT ‘Payback’. - Extended scene “I don’t want to die a virgin”. - All Russell’s jabbering “Up yours!” and “I’m Baaaaack”. (See clip in later thread). - President saying “Good Luck Buddy.” - We see Russell one last time before he dies.

Additional Notes:

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Other Sources:

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