Well folks, it's official: John Carter of Mars is coming to the big screen next year! It appears they have finally settled on the title "John Carter" (ugh). Burroughs' epic classic SF series has been turned into a "blockbuster," as I've seen it described. According to Fandango, it cost $250 million to make! Seeing the trailer, I can understand where the money went.
Here's the trailer:
First off, it looks beautifully filmed. For a major SF film to come out looking this great is a serious accomplishment. To contrast, I saw the remake of Clash of the Titans when it came out in theatres last year, and was not thrilled with the special effects and even the acting. The storyline was so warped it barely resembled the original from 1981 (which was fantastic by the way). To make matters worse, they are now making a sequel. *sadface*
Anyway, this movie looks incredible! Not to mention the music that was chosen for the trailer, Peter Gabriel's cover of Arcade Fire's "My Body is a Cage," one of the most haunting songs ever written. It was perfect for the tone of the trailer. You can compare both versions here. I really enjoy Peter Gabriel, and I love his version of the song (although I always have special places in my heart for originals). I didn't think it was possible, but his version is even more haunting than AF's, although not quite as mind-blowing.
Now, this is a book blog, not a movie blog, so I will say that I loved seeing things in the trailer I recognized from the books, like the fact that John Carter can jump extremely high. They also had a quick shot of his calot, a dog-creature, Woola. He's cuter than I imagined!
My one disappointment so far is Dejah Thoris - I don't buy that she's the most beautiful woman on the planet, because she's far from the most beautiful woman on this planet. Granted, that's a personal opinion.
After seeing the trailer, I'm really excited to see this movie. It's going to be a tough few months' wait until it comes out!
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I'm worried it'll turn into another Clash of the Titans of Prince of Persia too but I've got much more faith in it because of the outstanding cast and Andrew Stanton's been nothing but promising.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I couldn't agree more on the Peter Gabriel cover. Just perfect for the tone! Hopefully they won't make the next trailer's score too epic-sounding because this teaser feels like it's headed in the right direction. I know action sells, but they've got to find a way to differentiate this from Prince and Clash (I didn't mean for the shorthand for those two films to turn into bands, it just worked out that way, and, thus, commenting on the shorthand has now defeated its purpose) aaanyway to market this in a more unique way, they should boast the "based on the novel" aspect to tell prospective film goers that this excels at storytelling (hopefully) which differs from the mindless Clash of the Titans. S
Sorry for the long post but i'm just hoping for the best!
Just out of curiosity, who are you? I've never met anyone else who has read the books, to my knowledge!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see how my imagination jells with the producers'.
ReplyDeleteRead the whole series when I was a freshman in HS back in the late 50's. Some times a complete book in one evening - that's how engrossing I found them.
Even have (or had) a first edition that someone gave me as a gift along the way.
Ooh so jealous! I bought the books in a collection from B&N last year, but I would LOVE to get my hands on a first edition or two!
ReplyDeleteThis would make a great read, if available in print form. I've listened to quiet a few of the Jack Flanders adventures on Book Radio on XM Satellite radio. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fourth_Tower_of_Inverness
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link. I'll have to bookmark that for later, looks like I can get a download of it for $35.
ReplyDeleteI did go see John Carter a couple of weeks ago, in 3D, and enjoyed it. Visual effects - not bad. Do think the story line has been altered abit; but then again, it's been a long tome since I read the books.
ReplyDeleteI saw it as well, opening weekend. I left the theatre angry and wanting my money back (although not liking a movie is not really grounds for getting your money back). A few days later I did a re-read of the book. Disney changed just about every aspect of the story, which really bothered me. They made a completely different movie, but just kept the same characters.
DeleteAs a movie, it was mediocre. But if they're touting it as a visual adaptation of one of the earliest (and greatest) SF series, then they failed on a grand scale. I think the fact the movie was a bust says it all.
Thank you for confirming that after 54 years my mind recognized that the story line was altered. :)
DeleteFreddie, you should go back and re-read the books :) They are available for free as ebooks from Project Gutenberg and will make you appreciate the literature a lot more. The movie really didn't do the story justice. I will admit they did a great job on the Tharks and the planet, but I really wish the story had been closer!
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