Dreams of book lovers

http://www.dailyfilmdose.com/2010/01/daydreaming-perfect-adaptation.html

Sunday, January 10, 2010
Daydreaming the Perfect Adaptation Or Adventures in Masturbatory Cinematic Fantasy
- By Blair Stewart

By Blair Stewart

Hello everybody, today Alan was kind enough to indulge me with a favourite past-time of mine that doesn't involve staying on the good side of a German hausfrau.

I often fantasize about a filmmaker matching up with a worthy subject and the wondrous results of their meeting as "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" recently showed when great source material (the Kingpin of my early childhood reading, Roald Dahl) met a skilled director (Wes Anderson) in a stop-motion animated world. Predictably, the crowds all went elsewhere for crap like "Old Dogs"($41 million at the U.S. box office *shakes fist at sky*).

Below is a compilation of novels, TV shows and other narrative possibilities matched up with top directors and the reasons behind the union. And feel free to drum up your own dream cinematic concoctions and 'what ifs' in the comments section.

Anyone who puts down 'Coen Brothers' + "True Grit" will receive a punch in the nuts.

Clint Eastwood directs "The Eddie Shore Story"
Starring: Mickey Rourke as Shore and Michael Fassbender as a young Toe Blake

What: The toughest, meanest, orneriest son-of-a-bitch in sports history, period.
Eddie Shore dominated professional hockey with the skill of dancer, the strength of a heavyweight and the will of a cornered animal. In his rookie season he had an ear nearly hacked off by a teammate's stick in a scrum and shrugged it off. That's one of the reasons why the Hanson Brothers in George Roy Hill's "Slapshot" regarded 'Old Blood and Guts' with awe.

Why: The red-blooded Canadian male in me would love to see the same restraint, dignity and storytelling ability brought to the last days of Shore's professional career in the Golden Age of Hockey as Eastwood did with boxing in "Million Dollar Baby". Mickey Rourke is a glutton for punishment and as an ex-pugilist would likely have better insight into the mind of a terrifying athlete than most soft-touch thespians.

Likelihood: Here's hoping Eastwood has a few movies left in him about faded glory yet, the magnificent old bastard that he is.

http://blog.reelloop.com/7930/news/booktofilm-adaptations-hollywood-happen/

Monday, February 15th, 2010 | Posted by Matt Barone

Six Book-To-Film Adaptations That Hollywood Needs to Make Happen
What Should Be Cinema’s Next String of Page-To-Big-Screen Adaptations

There’s no need to explain one’s excitement over Martin Scorcese’s Shutter Island (starring Leonardo DiCaprio), which opens this Friday. It’s Marty f’n Scorcese, after all, dabbling in psychological terror for the first time since 1991’s Cape Fear remake. If the film’s credits weren’t enough, both of its trailers are knockouts. If Shutter Island doesn’t open at number one this weekend, I’ll be stunned.

“Stunned” is also the reaction I’m hoping the film itself triggers. The catch on this end, though, is that Shutter Island is something of a cinematic Holy Grail for me, thanks to my intense adoration for Dennis Lehane’s original novel. The Boston-based author’s book, first published in 2003, kicked my ass into a quick submission two years ago, when I first read the thing in a one ferocious six-hour sitting. Devoured it, actually. Became invested to the point of glancing around my bedroom from time to time, just to ensure that everything was still okay in the real world. Since that day, the paperback has entertained me four subsequent times, with the story’s heavy claustrophobia and airtight turns nailing my senses the same every time.

I’m quite the bookworm, and nothing pains my heart worse than seeing a botched book-to-film adaptation of a beloved page-turner. The polarized response over Michael Winterbottom’s The Killer Inside Me—based on the great Jim Thompson novel (1952)—from last month’s Sundance Film Festival has given me hope about that adaptation’s merits; too bad that’s a rarity. I was ready to raise hell after watching the travesty that was 2008’s Blindness (based on Jose Saramago’s incredible text), and don’t even get me started on the pile of fecal matter that is the movie version of Jack Ketchum’s Offspring. Perhaps the worst offender in my world, though, was 1981’s Ghost Story, a complete bastardization of Peter Straub’s impenetrable entry into supernatural literature. Hopefully, Shutter Island will land at the other end of spectrum; if not, this weekend will be a total beerfest, minus any enjoyment.

With Shutter Island on the brain, I’ve handpicked six other favorite novels that, unlike Lehane’s gem, are still awaiting big screen makeovers. Here’s how I’d adapt each, if I had any actual Hollywood muscle under these Old Navy-made sleeves. You’ll notice a bend toward the dark and twisted—my lifelong preference when it comes to fiction, in general.

1) Here Comes a Candle, by Fredric Brown (1950)

PLOT: 19-year-old do-gooder Joe Bailey, whose parents are both deceased, falls under the mentorship of a gangster named Mitch. As if his law-breaking career path isn’t stressing him out enough, Joe is also torn between two attractions: Ellie, a sweet, marriage-ready waitress, and Francy, Mitch’s fire-hot seductress of a girlfriend. The worst part, though? Joe suffers from both paralyzing nightmares of his father’s murder and a double-edged phobia toward candles and axes, deriving from two lines of an old English nursery rhyme, “Oranges and Lemons,” his uncle told him when he was only six years old (Here comes a candle to light you to bed, Here comes a chopper to chop off your head). Joe’s stack of issues increases in weight as the book progresses, culminating with a grim and ironic finale.

HOW TO ADAPT: The story itself is great, sure, but the best part of Here Comes a Candle is its unconventional presentation, jumping from traditional narrative to screenplay format for a chapter, to a chapter written as sports broadcast and another as television program. The most effective diversion comes early on, a flashback sequence set in a psychologist’s office presented as an old-time radio show (think Orson Welles’s “War of the Worlds”); this chapter, in particular, brought to mind the psychiatric tapes that anchor lo-fi director Brad Anderson’s underrated Session 9 (2001). Thus, Mr. Anderson is my call to helm a Here Comes a Candle adaptation. Cut Mark Ruffalo a check to play “Mitch,” and award the career-defining “Joe Bailey” assignment to Kyle Gallner (The Haunting in Connecticut, Jennifer’s Body). On the estrogen side, Emma Stone as “Ellie” and Amber Heard as the temptress “Francy.”

2) The Grin of the Dark, by Ramsey Campbell (2007)

PLOT: Film critic Simon sees his career heading nowhere fast, and decides to write a book about Tubby Thackeray, an enigmatic old Vaudeville comedian who wore clown makeup and, reportedly, made people literally die from laughter. As Simon digs deeper into the funnyman’s past, he discovers that Thackeray’s silent films are difficult to locate, and the little bits of footage available are rather eerie, showing Tubby to be more demonic than comedic. What follows is Simon’s descent into madness, written in prose that disorients itself more and more and mining thick macabre from present-day phenomena (Campbell manages to give the IMDB message boards a sinister veneer).

HOW TO ADAPT: Liverpool native Ramsey Campbell has written some of the darkest horror out there, but for reasons unknown—to me, at least—none of his work has made it to the big screen. The Grin of the Dark is a strange and complex look at mental imbalance, bringing to thought Roman Polanski’s early genre fare—Repulsion and The Tenant, specifically. Campbell’s novel could be a great way for the controversial filmmaker to revisit his disturbing side. Cast wise, I’d love to see Michael Fassbender (Hunger, Inglourious Basterds) play “Simon”; for the smaller yet crucial role of Tubby, let’s venture into left field and have John Goodman audition. Goodman and Polanski, together at last.

3) The Fog, by James Herbert (1975)

PLOT: Predating John Carpenter’s 1980 film of the same title, Herbert’s novel is hardcore terror material. On an otherwise quiet day in Wiltshire, the ground opens up and out comes a thick fog that, once it engulfs a person, turns people into homicidal maniacs. It’s a familiar premise (traces of which can be seen in the upcoming remake The Crazies), yet the English author transcends the plot by delivering a series of insane setpieces. In one, a boarding school’s gymnasium becomes the location of a blood-soaked orgy, while an earlier moment features killer cows. Yet, at the heart of novel lies a believable love story. Quite the loaded gun, this story is.

HOW TO ADAPT: The only way I can see all of this novel’s extremities surviving the book-to-film transition is by going independent; no major studio would have the balls to leave Herbert’s sick mind uncensored. That being said, I’d also push for non-American director, preferably one from horror’s current Mecca; France. Either Pascal Laugier (Martyrs) or the duo of Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo (Inside), guys who’ve proven skillful in the art of balancing carnage with high-caliber filmmaking. If Herbert enthusiasts would prefer keeping things in the United Kingdom, though, then give The Children director Tom Shankland a buzz; the aforementioned private school sequence would be nothing for him. Just rent The Children and see how well he can handle preteen killers.

4) Four Women, written and drawn by Sam Kieth (2001)

PLOT: A quartet of lady friends, ranging in age, embarks on what they expected to be a pleasant, fun-filled road trip. Unfortunately, two slimy guys interrupt the drive and sexually assault two of the women. The traumatic episode is recounted in flashback form, through the memory of the graphic novel’s central figure, Donna. “Survivor guilt” is the name of the game here.

HOW TO ADAPT: Four Women is perhaps the most cinematic graphic novel I’ve ever read. Kieth has a Quentin Tarantino-like knack for writing strong female characters, and his work in this—originally published by Homage Comics as a five-part series—is chockfull of meaty roles. I’d jump at the chance to see a Frank Darabont-directed take, with his usual tight pacing and emotional heft (The Mist comes to mind), starring Emily Blunt as “Donna,” alongside Rachel McAdams, Paula Patton and Monica Bellucci (the Italian beauty is random, sure, but, for my money, her presence in anything never needs justification).

5) The Face That Must Die, by Ramsey Campbell (1979)

PLOT: Clearly, I’m a big Ramsey Campbell fan, and The Face That Must Die is one of his best. You could call it his Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, just with a lower bodycount. Instead of Henry, we’ve got Horridge, a homophobic serial killer who becomes preoccupied with a couple of twentysomething lovers (guy and girl). He’s paranoid, antisocial and 100-percent deranged, and we’re shown ’70s-era Liverpool through his eyes.

HOW TO ADAPT: The obvious, and, still, top, choice for director would be David Fincher, back in his Seven mentality. Put Michael Shannon, as “Horridge,” in front of Fincher’s camera and watch the magic happen. The Face That Must Die is as intimate as it is grotesque; Horridge should always interest the audience but never earn their sympathy. Shannon has that natural tetched look in his eye that’d be just right. And, simply because I’d love to see her get more work, let’s have Olivia Thirlby tackle the twentysomething gal.

6) The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (2001)

PLOT: This one is almost impossible to describe in a couple of sentences, packed with backstory after backstory for each of its characters. The novel’s spine, though, belongs to one Daniel Sempere, a motherless, teenage bookworm who lives in Barcelona with his father, a bookstore owner. When he was little, Daniel’s pops brought him to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a haven of obscure literature protected by a gate and a guard. There, Daniel selected a novel written by Julien Carax, a mysterious writer whose works have been burned and who led a suspicious life before being murdered. Daniel, intrigued, launches his own investigation into Carax’s life, uncovering a tragic romance as he starts a love of his own with Bea, the sister of his disapproving best friend.

HOW TO ADAPT: Zafon’s elegant and dense novel has a large scope, and would require a solid two-and-a-half hour runtime. Meaning, it’d need a prestigious director that has the clout to engage in such a big ordeal; I’m going with writer-director Christopher Nolan, an A-lister operating with undeniable intelligence. The Shadow of the Wind sneaks in a few stretches of dark tension that Nolan could no doubt execute, just as effortlessly as he’d translate the book’s emphasis on character and dialogue. For the role of “Daniel,” I’d look for an unknown young actor, not a Zac Efron-type name. In fact, Nolan would benefit from hiring an inconspicuous majority, a la Tarantino and Inglourious Basterds. Land one Brad Pitt-ish ringer (there’s a showy character named Fermin, a bum turned bookshop employee, that’d be an interesting fit for Javier Bardem) and keep the rest of the ensemble fresh-faced.

Now, the floor is open. Hit me with your own book-to-film wishlist.

http://ramblingsperdiem.blogspot.com/2010/10/greenlight.html

28.10.10
green light
I am a devoted reader of F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Great Gatsby is one of my most treasured novels (cliche? Idgaf). Well, several weeks ago, I was made aware of the news that The Great Gatsby is, once again, being adapted for the big screen. However, I question the potential of this film. I know Baz Luhrmann is capable of lavish film making- made evident with Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge - my concern is whether the story is in the appropriate hands, if Baz Luhrmann is the right storyteller for this dark, American drama. I have no doubts about his talent and I expect he will realize the glamour of the jazz age successfully but his former projects have all been beautiful in the most superficial way. This is a complex tale that has yet to be properly conceived and I'm merely apprehensive of it's outcome.

Also, I'm at odds with the actors considered for the roles. Leonardo Dicaprio as Jay Gatsby? He's not nearly as enigmatic and dashing as I imagine the character to be, especially when compared to the present chubby Leo (still very handsome). Tobey Mcguire as Nick Carraway? No. No. No. I would rather have Leo play the part....the Leo, 10 years ago.
Haha. Also, Amanda Seyfried as Daisy? No comment.

Instead, I'd like to see Michael Fassbender or Lee Pace as Gatsby..they both retain a debonair, mysterious demeanor.

http://cloverhillbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/interview-with-jenna-burtenshaw-author.html

Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Interview with Jenna Burtenshaw, author of Wintercraft
I'm really pleased to welcome Jenna Burtenshaw here, it's an understatement to say Jenna's UK debut of Wintercraft in 2010 put her on my permanent top author list, so I was over the moon when Jenna agreed to be interviewed. Welcome Jenna :-)

Hello, Michelle. Thank you for inviting me to your blog!

Could you tell us more about yourself?

I live in the North East of England and I have been a bookworm for as long as I could read. I’m at my happiest sitting with my nose in a book, and I can lose myself for hours in a bookshop. I’ve always loved things that are a bit gothic or mysterious, and when I’m not writing you’ll find me wandering around my local graveyard, playing the flute or being bossed around by my three dogs.

When you're not writing, what genre and authors do you like reading?

My bookshelves are a bit of a mixed bag. At the moment I’m reading lots of mysteries and crime novels, but normally I enjoy fantasy adventure stories, classic novels, and anything that takes my fancy really. My favourite authors change quite often. I always enjoy books by Jonathan Stroud, Frances Hardinge and Marcus Sedgwick and I am a big fan of the Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage. I also have a stack of non-fiction books that I’m reading as research for a new story that I’m going to start working on very soon, so I have plenty to keep me going.

How long did Wintercraft take to write?

It took around two years from having the first idea to having a finished story ready to send away to agents. The characters, setting and main storyline went through many changes during that time, but that was part of the fun. Writing Wintercraft was like discovering a new world, rather than creating one. I really enjoyed exploring Fume and the rest of Albion, uncovering new aspects of it and seeing how they impact Kate and Silas’s lives.

The characters are so vivid, where did you get your inspiration from for the main characters?

The very first image I had of the story was a girl standing in the middle of a burning bookshop holding an old book. Kate Winters developed directly from that image. I knew she had lived a very protected life and she was about to be thrown into a completely alien situation, but as terrible as her life had to become, I felt she had an inner strength within her, waiting to come out.
Silas Dane is very different. He is a tortured man with a complicated history and I wanted him to really straddle the line between the traditional ideas of ‘good’ and ‘evil’. He is a very interesting character to write because he is unpredictable. He walked into the story fully formed and really took charge.
The councilwoman, Da’ru Marr, is based on what I thought would happen if a member of the Skilled managed to gain power. Would she use it to help the people who shared her ability, or would she turn against them? I see her as a very lonely and controlling person who reacts to events in her life out of fear, rather than true evil or malice. She is desperate to maintain control and that is what makes her dangerous.

Which character(s) is your favourite and why?

That is a very difficult question. I like all of the characters for very different reasons. If I had to choose just one, it would be Silas Dane. I know a lot more about him, his history and his motivations than I included in Wintercraft, so I’m excited to see where his path takes him in the future, though I think he would be a very intimidating and terrifying man to meet face-to-face.

If Wintercraft was made into a movie, who would you like to see cast in the roles of Kate, Silas, Artemis, and Kalen?

Kate is a hard one to call, because I don’t know many actresses who are around her age. Sarah Bolger from the Spiderwick Chronicles movie is quite close to how I saw Kate in the very beginning. The others are much easier. When I picture Silas I always see Michael Fassbender. I think he would make a perfect Silas. At a book signing just before Christmas, a reader told me that he pictured him as Silas too, which was quite spooky. I would also love to see Jason Isaacs portray Artemis, and as for Kalen... anyone who wasn’t afraid to act vile and terrifying at the same time!

How did you research for this book? (I felt undertones of the Holocaust/WW evacuee trains when the Night Train was waiting, (with the level of terror/horror and myth around the Train -I'm wondering if it was just me?! Or if that's the time frame you used as a reference?)

Those similarities were not a conscious decision, but you’re not the first to pick up on them. I did read a lot about war when I was younger and the idea that those in power could abuse their people and cause so much suffering really stuck with me. There was no specific time period I used as a reference point. I wanted Albion to have its own timeline, where a society had been given the chance to go down a technological route and then abandoned it before technology really got started, which is why the Night Train, for example, is so old and has never been replaced.
Most of my major research for the story centred on the nature of death and the soul. I read a lot about out-of-body experiences, death, and forms of divination, then added my own elements to develop the history of the Skilled and the world in which they exist.

Is this the end of the story for Silas...or do we get to see him in Wintercraft: Blackwatch also?

Silas will be back. He plays a major role in Blackwatch. His story is certainly not over yet.

Are you able to share an overview for Wintercraft: Blackwatch - and when will the book trailer be available to view?

Here is the book’s official synopsis from the publisher’s website.

Kate has escaped the clutches of the High Council and Silas has left Albion for the continent. But their lives are forever linked and as the veil weakens, causing Albion's Skilled to fear for everyone's safety, Silas and Kate find themselves drawn together by the mysterious and corrupt Dalliah Grey.

I really enjoyed writing the second book and I hope readers like it too. Dalliah Grey is definitely a force for Silas and Kate to reckon with.
I’m not sure if there is going be a book trailer for Blackwatch, but the trailer for Wintercraft would be a hard act to follow. I loved every second of it. If there is a new trailer it should be available a month or two before the publication day. If I hear anything more, I will certainly let you and your readers know.

Do you have any other plans for future books in the series, or any other books in the works?

The second book will be published in the UK in April this year and there is at least one more book to come after that, with the possibility of taking the series further if readers want to see more of Kate’s world. I have started plans for what could be books four and five in the series, and I am working on another story set in a completely different world, which I am very excited about. If all goes well, 2011 is going to be a very interesting year.

Note from Michelle - Wintercraft: Blackwatch is due out April 2011, Wintercraft is titled Shadowcry (The Secrets of Wintercraft) in the US, and debuts June 2011 (as showning on Amazon).


Posted by Michelle at Clover Hill Book Reviews at 06:30

http://ngewosworld.blogspot.com/2011/02/heroes.html


20 February 2011
The Heroes

I finished the newest Joe Abercrombie novel in three days (interesting is that the majority of the book takes place over a three day period). It was absolutely fantastic. Abercrombie definitely keeps getting better as a writer. Instead of everything being dark and depressing at the end, there were at least a few bright spots at the end of the day. The story takes place up north as the Union fight against Black Dow and the rest of the North.

The book focuses on characters from both sides and mainly how they are not really heroes. During the main battle, Abercrombie does something I really enjoyed. He takes the POV of a character from one side of the battle, and then as he is killed, he switches to the POV of the person doing the killing, and then when that person gets killed, he switches to that killer. He did this before (at least I think so), but he did it for a much longer section this time. Anyways, like the last two movies, I will be doing a casting call for my own movie version. There will probably be spoilers from here on out.

Curnden Craw
He is a Named Man on Black Dow's side. He is considered a straight-edge, a guy who always does the right thing. The funny thing is, once he retires, his second (Wonderful) decides that doing the right thing generally means not getting paid. It is funny how they all fight for him, yet they were sick and tired of doing things his way. Unfortunately, retirement does not stick and when Hardbread asks him to join Scale's side, he gives up carpentry and picks his sword back up.

I picture him as Robert Duvall. He is older, constantly bitching about wanting to retire, but also he keeps saying things about how you have to do the right thing and stand by your chief. Duvall just looks like he could pick up a sword and be a bad-ass, but always would keep his warped sense of honor.


Prince Calder
The youngest son of Bethod, the former King of the North. He believes that peace is the North's best shot. He is a known coward and everyone makes fun of him. After his brother (Scale) is apparently killed, he must lead his men in the battle. He does so and earns their respect, but not before mentioning to Craw that they need to kill Black Dow. Because of Craw believing in doing the right thing, he tells Dow everything. Black Dow wants to kill Calder. Calder cleverly challenges Black Dow to fight in the circle.

I actually saw this going one of three ways: Calder somehow finds a berserker rage (much like the Bloody-Nine) and kills Dow. Black Dow savagely kills Calder and we learn the lesson that the little guy never rises up to beat the bad guy. Or my third option was that Logen would show up and offer to fight in the circle for Calder. I still do not believe Logen is dead, I am guessing he will show up in the next series. Anyways, Shivers steps up and helps Calder out, which was pretty much a shock. It also reaffirmed my choice for Shivers from the last time.

By the end of the book, Calder is the new King of the North, but then Bayaz tells him that he was the reason Calder is where he is. Bayaz also tells him that Scale is alive, which leaves Calder with a tough decision: kill his brother or let him be king. He chooses the second option, which was pretty cool. So who has the stones to play the smirking, smug bastard? How about Michael Fassbender? Just look at that smirk...plus he is a good actor. Do you remember how smug and cocky he was in 300?

Bremer dan Gorst
He is probably one of the greatest swordsmen in the world. No joking on that one. He pretty much takes on many of the Northmen on his own. Unfortunately after the last book, he disgraced himself and got sent to the North as an observer. He went back to his former training (running for miles in full armor, fencing for hours each morning...) and is now back at peak performance.

He battles Scale on the bridge and cuts him down. He beats the crap out of Glama Golden. He also kills Whirrun of Bligh. He scares half the Northmen just by strolling through the battlefield. He is just an absolute bad-ass. His letters to the king are quite funny. At the end, during negotiations, he almost attacks Shivers because he thinks he recognizes him (events from Best Served Cold). Again, this is why my previous choice for Shivers was perfect. As Gorst grabs him and asks if he was ever at Cardotti's, Shivers leans close and says "never heard of it."

The biggest problem with Gorst is that his voice is very high and that is why everyone makes fun of him. I figure Manu Bennett from Spartacus: Blood and Sand would be perfect. He pretty much has no neck and looks like he would scare the s$#! out of everyone. Just need to work on the voice.

Beck
Beck is one of the few happy stories in this book. He is just a young kid, he joins the Northmen trying to earn his name. He used to daydream about being a fearless warrior just like his father. During his first battle, he pisses his pants, hides in a cupboard, and then stabs one of his fellow soldiers. No one knows this though and he earns the name Red Beck because everyone thinks he killed four Union soldiers.

He later joins up with Craw's men and during one of the major battles he heeds Craw's advice: stand by your chief. When Gorst kills Whirrun and is about to kill Craw, Beck hits him in the back of the head with the flat end of his sword, knocking Gorst out.

After the battle, Beck refuses his payment from Wonderful because he does not feel it is right that they did not help Black Dow even though they stood for him. He leaves the group and goes back home to his mom and brothers. He is happy to finally be back on the farm and decides he never wants to be like his father. Who else could play this kid other than Aaron Johnson from Kick-Ass? He is a bigger kid, but he still looks young and naive enough.

Black Dow
This is the guy who used to fight alongside Logen and is considered an even more savage killer than him. He supposedly killed Logen, but I honestly do not believe it (as I already said). He ends up dead from Shivers, who tells him that he is no one's dog. I loved it. Again, this is why Alexander Skarsgard is perfect as shivers. But, who could play Black Dow?

There has only been one choice this entire time. From about page 44 on, I kept picturing Ian McShane and his awesomeness as Al Swearengen from Deadwood. It was the exchange with Stranger-Come-Knocking that did it for me. As Stranger goes on about the different men he killed, Black Down just keeps tossing out funny little comments. "I crushed a man's skull in my hand." Dow: "Messy." "I was pierced with many arrows during a battle." Dow: "You should get a shield."

And then at the end when he says he has given Calder every chance, he just reminded me so much of Swearengen. It is an absolutely perfect fit. He just might have to hit the gym before the filming.



Corporal Tunny
A Union soldier who has served for many years. He pretty much seems like the Union's version of Calder. He jokes about not actually doing any fighting and all he really wants is to make money in numerous ways. He seems to be a jerk to the new recruits.

When his one moment comes though and they attack a wall (which Calder set up as a decoy), he is the first over the wall and ready to fight. He also writes letters to the families of the men who died under his command, yet does not want anyone to see it. I am sure he will pop up again in the next series when the army heads to Styria (maybe he will end up joining sides with Cosca, they would be like best friends...or did Cosca die at the end of Best Served Cold, I cannot remember.)

I keep thinking of Dean Winters for the role. He was awesome as O'Reily on Oz and he is great in those Allstate commercials.


Whirrun of Bligh
He is pretty much crazy. He believes some witch who told him when he would die and apparently he does not think it will be the day that he actually dies. He carries a sword called The Father of Swords, and when he unsheathes it, the rule is that it must be blooded.

During the last battle, he shows up wearing no shirt because he does not believe he will die that day. Everyone is scared of him because he is such a nut-job (his nickname is Cracknut). He reminds me of Tig from Sons of Anarchy. Tig is a little nuts and pretty funny. Kim Coates would be perfect (especially if you ever saw Waterworld and his crazy character in that movie).

I loved how as he was dying, he gives his sword to Craw and tells him to bury it with him, that way it's curse can end with him. I also enjoyed how he says that he has never actually been to Bligh, but he must have received the name since most Northmen only know one place up in neck of the woods (I think he was from the Crinna, like Stranger).

Stranger-Come-Knocking
He is described as a giant, but with a somewhat soft voice. He is also obsessed with making the people of his land more civilized. He did not have a large role in the book, but when he shows up, he is great. I am guessing that he will have to be mostly CGI or something. Plus, whoever plays him will have to be able to have a great exchange with Black Dow and then become all soft when talking to Calder or Finree. How about Jared Padalecki? He is already a big dude, and in Supernatural, he goes from a nice, soft-voiced guy, to an all out bad-ass pretty quickly. Plus, he usually has some funny exchanges with Jensen Ackles.

Finree dan Brock
The wife of Colonel Brock, whose father was considered a traitor against King Jezal. She is also the daughter of Lord Marshall Kroy. She is ambitious and very knowledgeable about the military. She is captured by Stranger, but later turned over to Black Dow in order to discuss a peace agreement.

Gorst is in love with her and at the end of the book he makes a fool of himself by telling her how great of a warrior he is, which she pretty much tears him apart. She will pretty much do anything to get ahead in life. By the end, Bayaz has made her husband the Lord Governor of Angland (it borders the North), which is basically what she wanted. She has dark hair and is very hot. Hmm, so many women to choose from.

I like Sienna Miller. She is hot (she even looks hot with dark hair, which she will need for the role) and if you remember her in Stardust, she was a perfect manipulative bitch.

Aliz dan Brint
She is the wife of Brint (a character from the first series) and the only friend of Finree. She is very naive and a bit of a twit. I am guessing she is pretty hot though, since Jezel and Brint are friends, and she probably has been in the company of the queen. She is the blond one and her story does not end well. Whereas Finree gets to leave Stranger's company, she does not. I am guessing she got banged by a giant. Why even bother mentioning her? I wanted to post another picture of a girl, I ain't gay (not that there is anything wrong with that.) How about Hilary Duff? She is hot and young...

Wonderful
She is Craw's second and a pretty tough lady. I am guessing she must not be all that hot or she would have probably gotten raped awhile ago. I am guessing that since she has been with Craw for awhile now, she must be a littler older. I figured Linda Hamilton would be good. I could believe her holding up a sword and fighting against Northmen.

Although, I have seen some pictures of her where she looks older than Robert Duvall. Whatever, she was ripped in T2.

Obviously this is not all the characters. If you want my choices for other characters from previous books, go here and here. I also had another prediction during the book: the character Red-Hat, the second to the Dogman, was going to actually be either Logen or Major West (he must have been promoted to Lord Marshall at some point, since he got a passing mention). It appears that I was wrong though. Anyways, let me know what you think.

Churned Out By Ngewo at 9:30 AM

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/print-to-projector-brave-new-world.php

Print to Projector: Brave New World
Features By Cole Abaius on February 19, 2011

As the only literate Reject, it’s my duty to find the latest, the greatest and the untouched classics that would make great source material for film adaptations. I read so you don’t have to.

“Orwell feared we would become a captive culture. Huxley feared we would become a trivial culture, preoccupied with some equivalent of the feelies, the orgy porgy, and the centrifugal bumblepuppy.”

I have no idea what a bumblepuppy is, but Neil Postman was right to point out that while Orwell (and especially his “1984″) cautioned against tyrannical thought-police shoving rats in our faces to get us to comply, Aldous Huxley was more concerned with a governmental structure that shoved pleasure and an overload of information and distraction in our faces to get us to comply. Orwell is what happens post-apocalyptically. Huxley is what happens when society prospers beyond our wildest dreams.

It’s unclear why a feature film has never been made of “Brave New World.” It’s baffling actually because the material there is so rich. With the completely average trailer for Atlas Shrugged out this week, it got me thinking about the classic philosophical novel that I identify with the most, what shaped my thinking most when I was younger, and the prospect of that novel becoming a movie.

Here’s how I’d want to see it done, and in the effort to make it as viable as possible, my dreamcasting is all also economically viable for any studio who would take the chance on this brand. In short, for the first time in this column’s history, this movie could actually get made as I present it.
Brave New World

By Aldous Huxley

“A squat grey building of only thirty-four stories.”
Print

“Brave New World” begins with the description of a human factory. It’s not a character that gets the first spotlight or a moment of action. It’s a building. In a way, that building and its neighbors are the most important entities in the entire novel. People have been reduced to zombies in the happiest way possible. You know that monkey that would starve to death if it had an Orgasm Button? That’s humanity now. They’re genetically engineered to fit easily into a caste system without complaint; they’re drugged with a downer called Soma that keeps them blissful; and they have sex just about every night with a rotating cast of partners (less they look queer for focusing too much on one person).

The world is prosperous – to a degree. They are never want for food or shelter or entertainment. The Alphas run society on down to the Epsilons who grunt work and heavily medicate through life. None of them had a choice where they’d end up in life – they were chemically altered (or chemically left alone) to become who they will be forever. They never think about their station in life because everything else is so excellent. It’s tyranny with a clown nose.

Bernard Marx had something go wrong when he was in his test tube, so he’s an Alpha, but he’s kind of malformed. His failure to fit in makes him frustrated and listless. He’s infatuated with Lenina Crowne – a highly sought after Alpha who is the Utopian version of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. She dated the same man for a few months? Gasp! She’s a being of pure sex that communicates by fornication.

After this world is delivered on a platter, it gets shoved to the ground with the introduction of a Savage named John who was raised outside of the society on a reservation. He causes a stir, like a zoo animal, and disrupts paradise.

Potential Problems

There are copious amounts of information here. It would require the steady hand of a production team that can deliver a science fiction world complete with its rules (and one that looks almost nothing like our culture (even if it feels like it)) without too much exposition or bogging down. It’s the delicate challenge of having the characters simply exist in their own universe while peeling back the curtain for an audience that doesn’t live there.
The Pitch

Directing: For one movie alone, this choice seems obvious. Alfonso Cuaron‘s Children of Men is a 1) a novel adaptation 2) a science fiction story revolving around a lack of childbirth and 3) a movie with a lovable anti-hero. It’s also damned good. Cuaron would be the top choice for a project this nuanced, action-based, and representational. In a way, it might act as a spiritual sequel to Children of Men in that it portrays the exact opposite world. Instead of poverty and fear, the populace is submissive because of gluttony and apathy.

Writing: With his first two scripts being for a cold, calculated future for Gattaca and a warm world based on a lie with The Truman Show, Andrew Niccol is uniquely qualified to take on this adaptation. There’s no doubt that Cuaron will add his influence as well, but Niccol could provide an incredible, character-driven base as well as the rich details of the world.

Starring:

Joaquin Phoenix as Bernard Marx: But he’s crazy now, right? As if that matters. Phoenix is a hell of an actor, immensely dedicated, and he’s got something that no other actor has: attractive imperfection. Bernard is not pristine. He’s slightly shorter and not quite as handsome. Imagine that cleft lip and inferiority complex Phoenix delivered in Gladiator magnified into a challenging role that would demand emotional devastation.

Olivia Wilde as Lenina Crowne: Everyone else is casting her, so why can’t we? She’s stunning, just a bit exotic, and could definitely handle the role which requires her to be just idiosyncratic enough to stand out in a crowd of clones. It would also give her a chance to deepen that acting well with some more serious work.

Michael Fassbender as Helmholtz Watson: In a way, Watson is the most likable of the characters. He’s a better example of Bernard than Bernard is. Where Bernard is bitter and irritating, Watson is listless because he feels his work has no true meaning. Where Bernard whines about petty crap, Watson has greater problems with the fundamental, ethical structure of the world he lives in. He’s an Alpha through and through, but the cracks of the facade have started to wear through for him.

Andrew Garfield as John Savage: It’s a role that demands complete naivete and almost instantaneous worldliness. Mostly, I love the imagery of Garfield playing against Phoenix as John Savage slowly becomes the toast of the town and Bernard starts to feel that his celebrity is being stolen from him by his discovery. Bernard is just as guilty of treating Savage as a thing instead of a person, and watching Garfield charm his way through the role (seasoned by some moments of pure emotional collapse) would be fantastic.

Helena Bonham Carter as Linda: Carter might get a bad rap (at least in my mind) for being in so much of Tim Burton’s uninspired recent work, but she’s a powerful presence and always has been. Plus, she’s nominated for an Oscar this go ’round, and I’d love to see her strung out and a few yards from the goal line of insanity.

John Hurt as Mustpha Mond: John Hurt as the Resident World Controller of Western Europe? Typecasting? Yes. But I can live with it.

…with Jude Law as Henry Foster: It’s a small role, but it needs a handsome face drooling with smarm to talk about his sexual escapades with Lenina and get Bernard all riled up.

Who Owns It:

It’s unclear, but with the announcement that Ridley Scott would be developing a version with Leonardo DiCaprio starring, it seems likely that Scott Free has the option on it right now. Scott has a lot of other projects on the vine, as does DiCaprio, so there’s little chance that it will actually get made. Which is good. Scott is a fine director and would probably make the hell out of Brave New World, but DiCaprio is a terrible casting choice. He’s a talent of course, but what role would he play? Not Bernard. Maybe Helmholtz? Who knows. He’s just not right for the main roles.

It’s a version that I hope falls apart. Or one where Scott finds another actor to secure his financing.
The Projection:

Most entries in this column are simply books, articles, plays and comic books that I think would make fun, challenging movies. Brave New World is a passion project though, even while I have no power to execute that passion. I can still dream. In the current manifestation of actors and directors and filmmaking talent, these are the people that I would have take on the difficult source material that is Huxley’s iconic novel.

However, I’d rather not see the movie made than to see it go down the path of Atlas Shrugged. With the movie not out yet, it’s impossible to judge it, but the property has fallen so far down the rabbit hole of development Hell that it’s in the hands of amateurs. It deserves better, and so does Brave New World. Making it for the sake of making it is not the point. The point is to make it with all the beauty, heartache, questioning, and triumph that the novel presents. If the right pieces fall into place, it will be a miracle, and the result should be miraculous.

Feign literary expertise by reading more Print to Projector

http://fandangogroovers.wordpress.com/2011/03/11/ten-recent-novels-that-could-make-great-movies/

Ten Recent Novels That Could Make Great Movies

March 11, 2011 by fandangogroovers
Exit A (2007) – Anthony Sworford

Following the success of his Gulf War memoir Jarhead, Anthony Sworford turned his attention to fiction. Drawing from his time experiences of growing up on a military base Exit A tells the story of teenager Severin Boxx. Set on an American military base in Tokyo in the late 80’s against a backdrop of the uneasy coexistence of American and Japanese cultures. Severin has a relatively ordinary life until his infatuation for Virginia the base commandant (and Severin’s football coach)‘s half-Japanese daughter puts them both on a path that will change both their lives for ever. Fast forward fifteen years, Severin is married and living a comfortable if unsatisfied life In San Francisco until his old coach asks him to find Virginia. A cast of unknown teenagers and A-list older actors would make a great combination, and who better to direct than Sam Mendes who did a great job with Jarhead.
Ash Wednesday (2002) – Ethan Hawke

Yes the movie-star Ethan Hawke is also a talented author. US Army Staff Sergeant Jimmy Heartsock is a 30 year old teenager, his favourite pastimes include “drinking and talking about ass, bowling, driving fast and basketball”. His lack of emotional maturity comes to the fore when he dumps Christy Ann Walker, his pregnant girlfriend and goes on a crystal-meth bender. A disastrous meeting informing a woman of the death of her son gives Jimmy a new life focus. Realising he must get Christy back whatever the cost he sets off on a road trip across country going AWOL in the process. Having already adapted and directed the movie of his first novel The Hottest State (novel 1996, movie 2006) Hawke would be the perfect director, sadly he is too old to play the lead role.
Agent ZigZag (2007) – Ben Macintyre

The true story of criminal turned wartime spy Eddie Chapman has already been made into a movie, Triple Cross (1966) starring Christopher Plummer. Unfortunately, the movie was both an inaccurate version of events and a poor movie to boot. Ben Macintyre’s book should provide a good basis for a movie. Michael Fassbender would be perfect as Chapman and Steven Spielberg would bring the right blend of fun and gravity to the story.
Already Dead (2005) – Charlie Huston

Had enough of vampire movies? I know many peoples answer to that question is yes! Personally I can’t get enough of them. Written in the style of a pulp detective novel Already Dead is the first of the Joe Pitt Casebook series of novels. The Manhattan underworld is run vampire clans, independent of the clans Joe Pitt is a Vampire and a detective, he must find a missing rich girl and get to the bottom of a zombie epidemic that is sweeping through the city whilst facing the age old vampire problem, the need for blood. At a risk of turning him into a specialist vampire movie director I would go for David Slade in the directors chair and James McAvoy to star as Pitt.
Tokyo Station aka December 6 (2002) – Martin Cruz Smith

You thought Rick Blaine had problems in Casablanca? Spare a thought for Harry Niles. Tokyo, December 1941, Harry, an American, runs the “Happy Paris”, a club frequented by American and European expatriates. As America and Japan are about to enter World War II, Harry’s only concern should be leaving Japan while he still can but things aren’t that simple as problems stack up against him. The only thing that can save him are his instincts, and an knowledge of the city and language like no other westerner. What could be a good old-fashioned movie needs an old-fashioned movie-star and the only actor working in Hollywood today with those credentials is George Clooney. Add to that director Martin Scorsese and we could have a great movie.
The Magicians’ Guild (2001) – Trudi Canavan

The Magicians’ Guild is the first of Trudi Canavan The Black Magician Trilogy set in an imaginary land where magic and magicians are prevalent. Imardin, the capital city of Kyralia is home to The Magicians’ Guild of the title, magic can only be performed by magicians who are members of the Guild. The Guild is the preserve of the rich and privileged classes, Sonea is a “dwell”, one of the city’s poor under-class but she is a natural magician, when her powers manifest she comes to the attention of The Guild who have a decision to make about her future and her life, if they can find her. With two direct sequels, and a prequel already published as well as a second trilogy on the way there is plenty of material for a movie franchise. The movie really needs a teenage lead but a slightly older actress may get away with it, I would suggest Evan Rachel Wood. The film would need a director with an eye for fantasy, possibly Alfonso Cuarón or Timur Bekmambetov.
The Rhythm Section (1999) – Mark Burnell

It was suggested in 2005 that New Line Cinema would be adapting The Rhythm Section (1999) but it never appeared. Along with it sequels Chameleon (2001), Gemini (2003) and The Third Woman (2005) The Rhythm Section is crying out for a movie. Stephanie Patrick’s life was destroyed by a plane crash that killed her family, the downward spiral that passes for her life is halted by as she investigates the cause of the crash setting in motion a sequence of events that she could never have imagined. As she takes on different identities (Petra Reuter, a German anarchist turned mercenary terrorist; Lisa, a prostitute; Susan Branch, an American student; Marina Gaudenzi, a Swiss businesswoman; Elizabeth Shepherd, an English management consultant) the story ceases to be about terrorism and revenge and turns into an intimate portrait of a search for identity disguised as an exciting thriller. For a director I would like to see first lady of action at the helm Kathryn Bigelow. Two very different German actresses spring to mind for the lead: Franka Potente and Diane Kruger, depending on their ability to pull off a convincing English accent a slight rewrite may be needed.
The Cutting Room (2003) – Louise Welsh

I have read two of the Glaswegian authors books and had trouble choosing between this one and The Bullet Trick (2007). I actually prefer The Bullet Trick as a novel but think the more conventional narative of The Cutting Room would work better as a movie. Whilst clearing a house Glaswegian auctioneer Rilke comes across a series of disturbing photographs from the ‘50s. He soon becomes obsessed with ascertaining the authenticity of the images. His quest to discover if a young woman was murdered or if the photographs were staged takes him to places he really shouldn’t go. As for the director return to Scotland for Danny Boyle could be perfect or David Fincher if the story was moved to America. Dougray Scott or Jude Law for the lead role.
A Long Way Down (2005) – Nick Hornby

London, New Years Eve – Four strangers have the same plan for the night, suicide. Unfortunately they all find themselves at the same place, the roof of a tall building known as “Topper’s House”. Not wanting an audience, their meeting puts pay to their immediate plans. The characters are: Martin Sharp – A middle aged former TV show host whose perfect life was ruined after spending three months in prison in prison for haxing sex with an underage (by115 days) girl. Maureen – A 51-year-old single mother whose entire adult life has been devoted to caring for her disabled son Matty. JJ – An American musician who came to London with Lizzy. After being dumped by Lizzie and the break-up of his band he took a job delivering pizzas. Jess Crichton – An impulsive eighteen year old daughter of a politician who seems to have little reason to be on the roof with the others. It transpires that her sister is missing and believed to have committed suicide a few years earlier. The remainder of the story combines the back story of the quartet and their future plans for life, and death. I can’t make my mind up on the casting, Martin will be by far the hardest character to cast. I am led to believe Johnny Depp owns the film rights, is he thinking of playing Martin?
Tokyo aka The Devil of Nanking (2004) – Mo Hayder

A young woman known as “Grey” is obsessed with the 1937 Japanese invasion of Nanking, She travels to Japan to find an elderly professor who survived the massacre and who she believes has footage of the massacre. The professor agrees to show her the footage in exchange for a mysterious Chinese medicine ingredient held the Yakuza. She finds her way into the Japanese underworld via a job in a Tokyo host club. As the story unfolds we discover the secrets of Grey’s past as well as the events of the massacre of Nanking. Catherine Hardwicke would be a perfect director Gemma Arterton could be great as Grey.

http://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/2011/03/11/director-cary-fukunaga-brings-out-supernatural-elements-in-jane-eyre/

11Mar2011 Filed under: AUDIO FILES/CONTENT, GENERAL, MOVIE NEWS, NEWS OF THE DAY

Cary Fukunaga, who received his share of praise with his feature directing debut with the Spanish language picture Sin Nombre, directs the period drama Jane Eyre, a picture headlined by Alice in Wonderland actress Mia Wasikowska. Fans of the 1943 version (starring Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles) are in for a surprise with this latest effort, claims the filmmaker.

“I wasn’t trying to be different for different’s sake,” said Fukunaga. “For me, from knowing the ‘43 version as a child and reading the novel and then the script, what I really wanted to do was achieve the tone that Charlotte Bronte had naturally written into the story. Quite often in other adaptations, the more suspense, gloomy elements of the story are not necessarily included in the film. The other adaptations are treated the story more as a period romance or a straight love story as she described it. But there are sort of supernatural scenes that are in the book or scenes that are iconic…I wanted to do a movie that had a consistent tone all the way through.”

Click on the media bar and listen to Fukunaga explain why he wanted audience members to “jump out of their seats” with his latest film.
Jane Eyre, co-starring Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds) and Jamie Bell, is now playing.

http://nomdebiro.blogspot.com/2011/04/film-fantasy-friday-return-of-native.html

Thursday, April 07, 2011
Film Fantasy Friday: The Return of the Native

I was oh, SO torn, dear readers, about which Hardy novel to choose for today. I love Hardy, and Return of the Native isn't my favorite of his (that would be Far from the Madding Crowd), but Tess is the best known and, well, I can't resist Eustacia Vye.

Clym Yeobright: played by Michael Fassbender, Clym gives up a business career in Paris to become a schoolmaster for poor kids on Egdon Heath, his birthplace. Assorted trials attack him, including failing eyesight and a not-exactly-smart choice of a bride.

Eustacia Vye: played by Natalie Dormer, Eustacia is a high-spirited, stubborn woman and the local beauty--though also reputed to be a witch. She marries Clym, hoping that he will take her to Paris, but carries on an affair with Damon Wildeve.

Thomasin (Tamsin) Yeobright: played by April Pearson, Tamsin is Clym's cousin, who lives with his mother. She marries Damon Wildeve, but ultimately ends up with Diggory Venn.

Diggory Venn: played by David Call, Diggory is a "reddleman", a seller of red chalk and a strange traveling man. He ultimately renounces his nomadic trade, becomes a dairyman, and settles down with Tamsin.

Damon Wildeve: played by Colin Farrell, Damon is a good-for-little innkeeper with a wandering eye. He marries Tamsin while still carrying on with Eustacia.

And that's how Diana casts it. All images pulled from Google and Wikipedia.

http://yvettecandraw.blogspot.com/2011/04/top-ten-tuesday-10-books-id-like-to-see.html

Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books I'd Like To See Made Into Movies

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the gals at The Broke and The Bookish. This week it's Jean's turn. Check out this link to see what 10 Books She Wants To See Made Into Movies. Also check - at the bottom of Jean's post - to see what the other meme participants are saying as well.

With Hollywood's record of taking perfectly good books and ruining them, I don't know that any of the books I'd name would survive being 'adapted' for film, but what the heck - I can always dream.

My Top Ten Choices for Books I'd Want to See Turned Into Movies:

1) HIS MAJESTY'S DRAGON by Naomi Novik.

I've read that Peter Jackson (of LOTR fame) has optioned this series of amazing books, but that's about it. I'm waiting with bated breath to see what his plans are. These alternate history/fantasy books set during the Napoleonic Wars would make splendid films. Plain and simple: these are some of the most inventive books I've ever read and I'm not even that big a fan of fantasy. Casting: I'd love to see Colin Firth as Captain Will Laurence. For the voice of the dragon, Temeraire: Hugh Grant.

2) THE BEEKEEPER'S APPRENTICE. by Laurie R. King You probably all know about my love for this book, the first in King's brilliant series featuring Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell, the young woman who is Holmes' intellectual equal. I can't imagine why anyone would NOT want to see these made into movies. My only question is: what on earth is Hollywood waiting for?? Casting: I'd love to see Jeremy Irons as Holmes and Mia Wasikowska (from Alice in Wonderland and Jane Eyre) as Russell.

3) CROCODILE ON THE SANDBANK by Elizabeth Peters. The Amelia Peabody books seem tailor-made for films. The part of perfect for an actress of a certain age and what's more the book is the first in a series. They begin at the turn of the 19th century and continue, in real time, until after WWI. They setting is Egypt, but also London, and they involve a family of archaeologists who find murder and mayhem wherever they go. Great fun and I like that the author writes mostly in the exaggerated style of H. Rider Haggard and other 19th century authors. Casting: I'd love to see Cate Blanchett as Amelia and possibly, Michael Fassbender as Emerson.

4) VANISHING ACT by Thomas Perry. Another terrific series featuring a strong woman character. Jane Whitefield is a Native American woman living in upstate New York. She has a very unique profession: she is a 'guide' out of trouble for people who are desperate to 'disappear'. People who have no other way out, who are being threatened by an unstoppable enemy seek her unique talent. She is expert in establishing a new life and new identity for those she decides to help. Casting: I'd love to see Claudia Black as Jane Whitefield.

5) ODD THOMAS by Dean Koontz.Though I rarely read 'horror' I made the exception for this brilliant book. It is, I think, Koontz's masterpiece. Odd is a young man with an old soul, a short order cook in a small out of the way California town, who sees the dead and can anticipate when awful things are going to happen. Not such an unique idea, but it is in the characterization, the creation of the Odd Thomas character that Koontz excels. In the right hands, this would be an amazing movie. Casting: I'd love to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Odd. 2nd choice: Tobey Maguire.

6) MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND by Helen Simonson.This charming, gently told English love story involving people of a 'certain age' is perfect for adaptation to the screen. A story that proves that love can happen at any age, at any time would be a welcome diversion from the relentlessly youth driven fare we regularly see up on the big screen. Simonson's book is a delight and one of my favorite reads from 2010, Casting: I'd love to see Anthony Andrews as Major Pettigrew. (I'm not familiar with any Pakistani actresses, so can't name one to play Jasmina Ali.) 2nd casting choice: Simon Williams as Pettigrew.

7) THE SECRET OF CHIMNEYS by Agatha Christie.Only if they follow the book to the letter and do NOT change the whole story to make it 'better'.This would make a perfect madcap comedy/murder mystery if there's anyone left Hollywood who knows how to make this sort of thing work. AND it must absolutely be kept in the period in which it was written - none of this ridiculous 'modernization'. Casting: I'd love to see Paul Bettany as Anthony Cade, Keeley Hawes or Kate Beckinsale as Virginia Revel, Hugh Bonneville as Battle.

8)THE DREYFUS AFFAIR by Peter Lefcourt.One of my favorite books: the offbeat love affair between two male baseball players on a team headed for the World Series if only scandal doesn't break. It's a comedy, it's a social indictment, it's a satire, it's a love story. Just a treat of a book and you don't have to know much about baseball to enjoy it. Casting: I'd love to see Patrick Wilson as Randy Dreyfus the happily married Major League shortstop who suddenly finds himself falling hard for his second baseman, D.J. Picket. For Picket, I'd like to see: Jesse Williams or Anthony Mackie.

9) THE NIGHTINGALE LEGACY by Catherine Coulter.Just about my favorite historical romance, this is a very visually written book which would make a fabulous movie. Part comedy, part love story, part murder mystery, all taking place in Cornwall, during the Regency period. What more could you possibly want? A great story? That's part of the mix as well. Casting: I'd love to see Karl Urban as Frederick North Nightingale and Liv Tyler as the plucky Caroline Derwent-Jones. (Can she do an English accent?)

10) MISTRESS OF THE ART OF DEATH by Ariana Franklin.I love a good historical movie and this story, set in the 12th century England of Henry II, is made for film - at least in my view. Another strong-woman-in-the lead story (which will probably guarantee that it never gets optioned), this is the first book in a well thought out, very well written series with fascinating characters. None less so than the lead, Visuvia Adelia Aguilar, a doctor (raised in Salerno, Italy) and forensic specialist in an age when medical practitioners of any sort were thought to be witches or sorcerers and women even more so. An age, I think, where it was especially dangerous to be brilliant. Casting: I would love to see Keira Knightly as Adelia.

These are my Books-to-Film choices. What are yours?
Posted by Yvette at 10:42 AM