Julia wrote:
I want to be excited about this, but I keep thinking...
*Please don't rape my childhood*
*Please don't rape my childhood*
*Please don't rape my childhood*
What do y'all think?
I'm of 2 minds - I remember when I was young and read this story, and had it read to me, picturing in my mind what it would be like as a movie. I've done that with all the books that I read, including stuff I've read recently (or more so). Things like "Ender's Game" and the subsequent books by Orson Scott Card, "The Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul" by Douglas Adams (as well as the first one,"Dirk Gently's Wholistic Detective Agency"), and others. I found the magic of reading though are the stories with the elements from my own mind. Seeing it on the big screen is several things:
1) Someone else's vision and interpretation
2) Hollow costumes the characters
3) limited imagination and cheesiness due to budgets
Rarely does a movie shine as brightly as the book - even Harry Potter series (which I have yet to see any theater trailers; it IS being released this summer, right?). Eragon is a prime example; the original "Creature from the Black Lagoon" was better written. "Mortal Kombat" was better written than Eragon. But, with the success of Peter Jackson's phenomenal treatment of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, and the unexplained success of "Twilight", I think more book are going to be adapted for screen.
If you are allowed to look at the body of work as a separate piece, like "Bridge to Terabithia" (my personal favorite book of all time), I think you can immerse yourself in the story and enjoy it. As in Bridge, I didn't think the movie was that great - it played the relationship down too much, and the death of Leslie was not as much of an impact, which the whole book revolved around. More importantly, the reaction of Jesse has to the adults at the reception. However, it was a decent movie, and I didn't feel like I wasted my money.
In answer to your question - the trailer looks like it is going to be good, and keep the spirit of the book alive, not mold it into something else. But, I keep wondering if this trend is a good idea. Reading is important - it activates the mind, keeps it engaged. Movies, as with TV, are a passive medium for the most part. It is where the movie allows you to think of a deeper point or something you may not have thought about before, like in *"The Dark Knight", that a story is truly realized. I'm with you - don't let them rape my childhood. But, also for those (kids and adults) who have not read the book, and see the movie first; I suggest that you read the book first.
* My thoughts are not complete on "The Dark Knight" - I've been thinking about what was presented last summer, and still haven't come to some conclusion other than I liked the movie every time I watched it. I like that fact that I'm still thinking of the ramifications of actions of fictional characters, and relating to real life - a true portrait of no much good vs. evil, but order vs. chaos. I think not only did the writers do a superb job with the script, but Heath Ledger was the perfect choice for the role. When I get all my thoughts together on this I'll post it somewhere, and not take up anymore room from Julia's simple question.
-Chris
AKA Techboy
Edited: fixed the quote tag - Techboy