Last entry today, I promise

[dampscribbler]

Several of you may be interested to know that New Line Cinema (maker of the Lord of the Rings trilogy) has an adaptation of Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" series in the works. You can read more about it at the New York Times, at least for the next few hours. I'm hoping they keep this one available for free for another week or so. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/25/arts/theater/25LYAL.html
If they do make the article unavailable soon, I'll try to post some more excerpts here.

I don't expect to go see this. As the article states: "With a skittish eye, perhaps, on the power of religious groups in the United States, New Line's executives say they will probably insist that the books' repudiation of religion be softened into more of a meditation on the corruption of power in general." One of the things that is so appealing about this series of books is its unapologetic presentation of its world(s). They are complicated, treacherous worlds. Adapting this series to the stage (as has been done in London) or screen is a daunting task, and one not to be undertaken lightly. They are being adapted by Tom Stoppard, who co-wrote "Shakespeare in Love," and script-doctored "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade", "Sleepy Hollow", "K-19: The Widowmaker," and others. Um, I'm underwhelmed.


Personally, the only filmmaker I've yet encountered who I would consider up to the task is director and writer Hayao Miyazaki, winner of last year's Oscar for Best Animated Feature for Spirited Away. He has more respect for his audience than most writers and directors these days. But, as far as I know, he doesn't do adaptations. And why would New Line hire a Japanese guy, anyway?

Okay, enough for now.

Comments

adaptation

[mousey1013.livejournal.com]

i'd definitely trust tom stoppard over most people, though just because i love "rosencrantz and guildenstern are dead" doesn't mean i love his "k-19: the widowmaker" script. (i've never even HEARD of that film.)

in any case, it's interesting that they're turning these books into a film, but how can they possibly soften the religious aspects? the whole damn premise is religion! gah.

but speaking of hayao miyazaki, he does indeed do adaptations. ("does indeed do"? whatever, it's late.) he's currently working on a film based on "howl's moving castle" by diana wynne jones, which is one of my favorite favorite books from when i was little. check it out: http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/howl/

but if they're planning on turning pullman's great novels into "spy kids: alternate dimensions!" then i doubt there's anything we can do to stop them. bastards.

speaking of which, did you read the little sequel to "dark materials" that came out recently?

Re: adaptation

[dampscribbler.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the miyazaki info, I wasn't aware of that. Cool!

I bought "Lyra's Oxford" for Eric for Christmas, but I haven't gotten around to reading it myself, yet. Have you read it?

I didn't see "Rosencrantz," I'll have to check it out. (I also didn't see K-19, but who did?)

Re: adaptation

[mousey1013.livejournal.com]

i read "lyra's oxford", yeah. it was good, very short, and much lighter in tone than the trilogy. but i'm not sure what it means in the greater scheme -- is pullman working on a sequel?

"rosencrantz & guildenstern" is a fantastic play, and the movie's great, too: gary oldman (sirius in the next harry potter) and tim roth.

Re: adaptation

[dampscribbler.livejournal.com]

I read that Pullman is working on a "prequel," I can't remember the title now but it's something about Dust. I hope it's good. I hope he's not just taking advantage of the marketing opportunities.