It never fails to bring a smile to my face whenever I stumble across little tidbits about the works of Neil Gaiman’s getting the film treatment. The latest uncovering is the adaptation is his fantasy tale that was published in 1997 titled, “StarDust” which still remains as one of my all time favourite books. It tells of a boy who leaves his village and ventures into the magical wilderness to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved. As with any true fantasy story, his quest leads him through many adventures of the fantastical nature, encountering witches, gnomes and really bad weather. The film will be helmed by fellow Brit, Matthew Vaughn who just released “Layer Cake” and it will be produced by Dimension films.
With all the fanfare for the latest Harry Potter film and the upcoming “The Chronicles of Narnia“, it is no wonder that Hollywood is turning to one of our greatest, and my definite favourite, modern day fantasy writer for original material to adapt. And I only have one thing to say to that…
“IT IS ABOUT BLOODY TIME!!”.
With all the latest movie adaptations on fantasy novels, you have forgotten to mention Christopher Paolini’s “Eragon.” I haven’t read it actually but this author was featured shortly after the 1st Lord of the Rings series came out. He’s quite an interesting character… he was taught at home and supposedly quite a smart kid. Wrote the first book when he was pretty young. Wouldn’t be surprised if movie reviewers start to make comparison between all the string of fantasy movies that we’ll be seeing this year-`06.
Comment by jia — November 22, 2005 @ 6:55 am
Funny you should mention that because my next movie news bit is on the “Eragon” film coming out in 2006. I dug a bit of info and some behind-the-scenes stuff and it looks quite promising. More on that later!
Comment by cineaste — November 22, 2005 @ 8:29 am
What can I say? Great minds think alike! =p
Comment by jia — November 22, 2005 @ 8:17 pm
Smiling along with you…glad your Neil Gaiman is given recognition. Though not a keen fantasy reader, believe he was one of the earliest writers of such works. Right ?
Comment by nocturne — November 26, 2005 @ 5:35 pm
I beg to differ. I think that Neil’s stuff should be left exactly where it is. In the pages and in our imagination to flourish.
Comment by shepherdofsuns — November 30, 2005 @ 6:15 am
Interesting comment Shepherd. Yes, I do agree that some stories are better savoured on the page but having a solid story (ie. Neil’s tales) as a movie’s foundation might result in a worthwhile film. Just out of curiosity, what is your take on the Lord of the Rings adaptation or perhaps C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Naria?
Comment by cineaste — November 30, 2005 @ 6:42 am