Search This Blog









2023 Literary Escapes Challenge





2023 Build Your Library Reading Challenge







Another Disappointing Film Adaptation

Don't you hate it when you love a book, and Hollywood announces it's making a film based on the story? You wonder if the writers/actors/producers will do justice to the words and characters that swept you away when you read the book. You cringe to think of the many, many ways Hollywood could alter - or even destroy - the work you love so dearly.
This is why I watched Stardust (the movie based on Neil Gaiman's novel of the same name) with so much anxiety. I loved the book. It was charming, magical and sweet. I hoped the movie would be the same, and that I would adore it as much as I did the book. But, I just ... didn't. Don't get me wrong - I didn't hate the film, I just didn't like it as much as I wanted to. Somehow, it lacked the magic of the book.
On the Plus Side: I did like Charlie Cox as Tristran. I thought he was loveable, with the right mix of vulnerability and inner strength. I also thought Michelle Pfeiffer was well cast as Lamia, the hag. Also, the movie, on the whole, succeeded in being whimsical and lighthearted, which was one of the reasons I enjoyed the book so much.
On the Other Hand: For some reason, I wasn't impressed with Claire Danes as Yvaine. She just seemed awkward in her role. I also think she and Charlie lacked chemistry. Some of the minor characters irritated me as well, especially the dead princes. However, I loathed what the filmmakers did to the kindly pilot, Captain Alberic. They turned him into Captain Shakespeare, a blubbering, cross-dressing fool (Robert DeNiro's most humiliating role since Jack Byrnes in Meet the Parents/Fockers). Ugh.
In general, the movie was disappointing. I really, really thought I would love it and I think I would have if Hollywood had stuck closer to Gaiman's original words and characters. Taking the Gaiman out of the story just took away the magic for me. What did the rest of you think?
4 comments:
Comments make me feel special, so go crazy! Just keep it clean and civil. Feel free to speak your mind (I always do), but be aware that I will delete any offensive comments.
P.S.: Don't panic if your comment doesn't show up right away. I have to approve each one before it posts to prevent spam. It's annoying, but it works!




Reading
Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig

Listening
Hooked: A Memoir in Crafts by Sutton Foster



Followin' with Bloglovin'



-
-
164. The Librarian of Auschwitz2 hours ago
-
Audiobook: When in Rome9 hours ago
-
-
-
-
-
The White Lady - Jacqueline Winspear13 hours ago
-
On being happy...16 hours ago
-
-
-
-
Top Ten Tuesday-Fall TBR 2.017 hours ago
-
-
-
-
-
The Sands of Time 531 day ago
-
Wellness by Nathan Hill1 day ago
-
-
-
-
-
-
Books Read in August 20234 days ago
-
Bookish Quote of the Day!!4 days ago
-
The Middle Ground by Jeff Ewing4 days ago
-
Westover, Tara "Educated"1 week ago
-
-
-
I have been reading...1 week ago
-
Reading Recap August 20233 weeks ago
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6/25/23 Extra Ezra3 months ago
-
-
Weekly Update - What I'm Reading3 months ago
-
-
Dotty Beanie with Ears4 months ago
-
-
-
-
Are you looking for Pretty Books?11 months ago
-
-
-
-
-

Grab my Button!



Blog Archive
- ► 2021 (159)
- ► 2020 (205)
- ► 2019 (197)
- ► 2018 (223)
- ► 2017 (157)
- ► 2016 (157)
- ► 2015 (188)
I have not read the book yet and I liked the movie pretty well. I concur about the Robert DeNiro role. Eeew! I did sense the lack of chemistry between the leading characters. Guess I'll have to read the book and see what I think.
ReplyDeleteThe only movies I've ever seen that remotely compares to the books are The Autobiography of Malcolm X, The Color Purple and both Charlie/Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I saw the movie first! I loved it . . . as I do most "chick flicks". It was light and fun, and charming. DeNiro played the role he was given by screen writers. But it was a farce, fanciful, and fun! I am now very excited though to read the book! Thanks for the insite!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about Stardust. I enjoyed it but not as great as the book for sure. Everyone I know who saw the flick without reading the book (sinners! the lot of 'em) loved it though. Its not as disappointing as Eragon and GOlden Compass...
ReplyDelete