Sabrina 1995 -
When director Sydney Pollack announced a remake—the only remake of his distinguished directorial career—the industry was skeptical. How do you replace Audrey Hepburn? The answer came in the form of British actress Julia Ormond, who brought a different, more grounded sensibility to the title role. Rather than mimicking Hepburn’s ethereal gamine elegance, Ormond portrayed Sabrina Fairchild as an introspective, intellectually curious young woman who transitions from an awkward, lovelorn teenager into an independent, successful professional photographer. Plot Mechanics: The Corporate Stakes of Love
One of the most droll exchanges in the script involves Sabrina teasing the work-obsessed Linus Larrabee about his cold reputation:
Sabrina returns two years later as a stunningly beautiful and sophisticated woman. At a lavish party, a transformed Sabrina catches the eye of David, who becomes instantly smitten, all while being engaged to Elizabeth Tyson (Lauren Holly), a pediatrician whose family's business is poised for a lucrative merger with the Larrabee Corporation. Alarmed that his brother's infatuation could jeopardize the billion-dollar merger, the workaholic eldest son and head of the corporation, Linus Larrabee (Harrison Ford), devises a plan to romance Sabrina himself to distract her. However, Linus's calculated scheme backfires. The cold, business-minded "world's only living heart donor" finds himself genuinely falling in love with Sabrina, who, in turn, awakens a side of him he never knew existed. In a moment of honesty, Linus confesses his initial deception to Sabrina on a rain-soaked dock, ending their romance. It is only when Sabrina is about to leave for Paris that her father reveals he has secretly amassed a small fortune by following Mr. Larrabee's financial advice, leading her to realize there is a life for her beyond Linus's world. The film concludes with Linus, having finally followed his heart, racing to Paris on the Concorde to win her back in a grand, romantic finale.
Sabrina is available to stream on digital platforms and for purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray.
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The score hinges on a beautiful, melancholic main theme for solo piano that swells into a lush orchestral arrangement throughout the film. It perfectly captures the story's combination of romantic yearning and elegant tragedy. Williams even contributed two original songs to the film, “Moonlight” and “How Can I Remember?” The song “Moonlight” earned Williams both Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. The score is so integral to the film's identity that its 2023 expanded, remastered soundtrack release was a cause for celebration among film music enthusiasts, reaffirming the score's status as a hidden gem in the composer's vast discography.
The plot of Sabrina follows Sabrina Fairchild (Julia Ormond), the young, awkward, and love-struck daughter of Thomas Fairchild (John Wood), the longtime chauffeur for the immensely wealthy Larrabee family of Long Island. She has spent her entire life harboring a secret, unrequited crush on the family's charming but irresponsible younger son, David Larrabee (Greg Kinnear), a playboy who is completely oblivious to her existence. After a humiliating incident where David fails to recognize her, Sabrina's father, with the financial help of the Larrabees, sends her to Paris for a fashion internship at Vogue magazine, a key update from the original film where she went to study cooking.
Upon its release in December 1995, Sabrina faced a difficult box office landscape and stiff competition from holiday blockbusters. It was not a massive commercial juggernaut, grossing roughly $53 million domestically against a $58 million budget. When director Sydney Pollack announced a remake—the only
When director Sydney Pollack announced he was remaking Billy Wilder’s 1954 romantic comedy classic Sabrina , Hollywood was skeptical. The original film was a cinematic holy text starring Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and William Holden. Attempting to re-create that specific brand of mid-century movie magic seemed like a fool's errand.
The sudden romantic disruption threatens a multi-billion-dollar merger between Larrabee Industries and the Tyson family empire. Enter Linus Larrabee (Harrison Ford), David’s older brother. Linus is a brilliant but fiercely cold, workaholic tycoon who runs the family's global communications infrastructure. He views love as a liability and human emotions as mere variables to manipulate.
Upon its release in December 1995, the film faced a steep uphill battle against nostalgia. Critics were deeply divided; many found it impossible not to compare it unfavorably to Wilder's masterpiece, viewing it as an unnecessary replication.
The complication arises because David is on the verge of an arranged marriage to Elizabeth Tyson (Lauren Holly), a union that will facilitate a multi-billion-dollar corporate merger for Larrabee Industries. Enter Linus Larrabee (Harrison Ford), the brilliant, workaholic older brother who runs the family empire like a ruthless chess grandmaster. To prevent David from ruining the business deal, Linus steps in to court Sabrina himself, intending to charm her, sweep her away, and then callously break her heart by shipping her back to Paris alone. However, the cold-hearted tactician finds himself entirely unprepared for his own capacity to fall in love. Character Dynamics and Key Differences Sabrina (1954) Sabrina (1995) Billy Wilder Sydney Pollack Linus Larrabee Humphrey Bogart (Cynical, classic noir edge) Harrison Ford (Vulnerable, dryly humorous) Sabrina Fairchild Audrey Hepburn (Ethereal, high-fashion icon) Julia Ormond (Modern, artistic, career-driven) David Larrabee William Holden (Charmingly reckless) Greg Kinnear (Comedic, boyish charm) Sabrina's Growth Learned domestic arts (cooking) in Paris Developed a professional photography career at Vogue Literary Nuance Implicit reference to her namesake Explicit reference to John Milton’s Comus Reimagining Linus Larrabee: Ford's Quiet Masterclass Alarmed that his brother's infatuation could jeopardize the
The story follows (played by Julia Ormond ), the shy daughter of the Larrabee family’s chauffeur. Growing up on the sprawling Larrabee estate on Long Island, Sabrina spends her youth hopelessly infatuated with the younger Larrabee son, David ( Greg Kinnear ), a charming but reckless playboy.
The cast is also noteworthy. Greg Kinnear, in his film debut, brings a likable everyman quality to Linus Larrabee, while Harrison Ford, as his father, has a wonderful sense of gravitas and authority. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and their performances are pitch-perfect.
Themes & tone
Seeking to break her out of her melancholic obsession, her father sends her to Paris. In the 1954 version, Sabrina learns how to cook; significantly, the , carving out a tangible, modern career identity. Upon her return, she is transformed into a sophisticated, stunning woman who immediately catches David's fickle eye.
The problem? David is newly engaged to Elizabeth Tyson (Lauren Holly), a wealthy doctor whose family company is about to merge with Larrabee Industries in a multi-billion-dollar deal.