Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by user510 (R) on July 09, 2014 at 10:29:55

In Reply to: RE: John Carter posted by kSpace on June 23, 2014 at 16:04:44

Agreed. It feels like there was far too much creative license taken with the "Therns".

And the movie goes to some length to explain the method of "transport" between Jasoom and Barsoom. Burroughs did not go to such trouble.

In the novel Burroughs describes at length the various societies of the differing peoples of Barsoom. We get to know the Tharks in glorious green detail. The movie doesn't have time to do that but does display the essential bits that describe them.

The movie hit plot points from the novel for its scene changes. That part is familiar. But the context leading into these events has been altered. On the whole I can accept that. Movie making has its requirements and is not, it would seem, the same as book writing.

My copy of the Blu-Ray arrived. ($5.00 2nd hand) On the whole it is a well made movie. The main characters are all very compelling. Taylor Kitsch is adequate as a Captain Carter. Lynn Collins is very suitable as Deja Thorus. The villains are adequately villainous. Dominic West, who plays Sab Than, the enemy Jeddak of Zodanga is appropriately barbaric and treacherous.

In a lot of ways Dominic West reminds me of Stephen Boyd. I suspect he'll be playing more 'heavies' in movies to come. (as did Boyd)

In some ways this movie is somewhat reminiscent of Star Wars 1. (the 1st prequel). I think the movie makers wanted to get a similar feel to their movie. To me this somehow feels false.

I can imagine brief-case toting "suits" explaining to the movie makers how the movie needs to appeal to the target age demographic. Corporate psychologists involved too.

I think I agree that perhaps the big screen isn't the best venue. I could envision it on the small screen as an animated series, particularly if one of the Japanese Manga houses were to take it on as a project. The 2nd Ghost in the Shell movie, "Innocence", might serve as an example of the level of visual artistry that might be applied.

If the Korean animator Peter Chung were to take on the project as he did with his Alexander the Great series, (Reign the Conqueror) there could be some promise.

Or, perhaps even better, Hollywood could leave the Barsoom novels completely alone. Those who wish to read them would not have their mental images of Burroughs' richly described stories messed with.


-Steve
Ps: After having read the first and second novels, I am now reading the 3rd novel "Warlord of Mars". Another page turner that further describes the world of Barsoom. A very enjoyable distraction.