Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Bambi b on November 17, 2004 at 15:37:39

In Reply to: "Cult"??!!! Nay, Nay... posted by Harmonia on November 17, 2004 at 12:52:13:

Ahoy Harmonia!

Good points.

I concentrated on the furour surrounding the POB novels as adaptations are always controversial, but at least among the people I know, no controversy has equalled that for "M&C".

"Harry Potter" and "LOTR" are other obvious recent examples of books that caught on in a big way, then someone decides to film it and the arguments begin. I have never read HP but absolutely hated the movies- there's nothing more repulsive than smug, privledged English middle class children with magic powers!

But with POB, the readers are mostly educated adults and everyone is so drawn by the narrative and O'Brian's writinf style, the "cultist"- really serious people, just can not allow themselves to be swayed by the movies. I called this a "cult" as the PB readers I know had a reaction that was more than a bit automatic- I believe they feel obligated to dislike the movie. In music I do the same thing ocassionally- disliking Stotkowski's Bach transcriptions lets me feel superior, a purist, the original fan before it came on MTV.

It's possible becuse of loyalty to the orginal creator =POB to have this kind of reaction- the mechanism seems to be that the movie-makers are just cashing in on something wonderful and subtle that was made popular within a small circle.

As I mentioned, I have very small experience with the books, but as much as I liked the papable battle scenes and historic detail, I thought the A&M parts were both miscast, especially Crowe who just doesn't exude the beautifully wrought intellect of the book Cap't- I kept seeing him as an actor pretending passion and culture.

But yes, comparatively, M&C is a thinking person's adventure. I only wish it was a deeper adventure, but that would mean a much longer movie..

I like very much your comment on Aubrey and Maturin, "That relationship is used to explore themes of leadership, friendship and obligation." Very well said.

Cheers,

Bambi B