Whar I done bin (as Cleetus might say)

I'm not counting New York, because I never left the property of JFK airport. Everyplace red on here I've hit the ground at some point, maybe even lived there.



create your own visited states map

Trying a new pixie

My other one (see Jan. 9th entry) couldn't seem to figure out that it's pouring rain right now.

Last entry today, I promise

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.