Stardust. a movie by Neil Gaimen

etavaunt · Jul 29, 2007

No, what are you doing , looking in here for more, or even a justification for me opening a new thread?. Look at the subject line again. Stardust . . Neil Gaimen . . . What more is needed to say?. http://www.stardustmovie.com/ I personally wonder that anyone else in the world writes fantasy. Wouldn't they feel too humble?. Wouldn't they also have read the Sandman cronicles, and realise that there wasn't anything left for them to SAY on the topic?. I am creaming my jeans at this movies SHADOW, the SCENT of its shadow.

CalliArcale · Jul 30, 2007

Neil Gaiman??? SWEET! I was kinda "eh" when I heard about the movie at first; with two little girls, I don't get out much to see grown-up movies. But if he wrote it.... I was first exposed to him via "Good Omens" (cowritten with Terry Pratchett; as he put it, Neil did the story bit, and Terry did the writing bit), then later saw the miniseries "Neverwhere". I was totally and completely hooked. Read "American Gods" in the hospital after my baby was born. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> I shall look forward to this. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff." -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

etavaunt · Jul 30, 2007

You know, I remember you suggesting "Good omens" to me, long ages past, long long ago now, in a conversation about "hitchhikers" and that was the first I ever knew about Neil Gaimen!. I got it out of the library, and then followed the "links" on it, to Sandman, "nocturnes and preludes" and *hiho, Silver, Away!* Did yah look at the video clip on that link to Stardust, CalliAcale, did yah, did yah huh?. OH joy!. Maybe it is another "Princess Bride" for us to burnish and care for, in our geek nests?. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

serak_the_preparer · Aug 27, 2007

For some reason, there is almost no advertising for this movie. Speaking just for myself, have seen exactly one whole ad for it. A shame, because it is GREAT! Maybe it is another "Princess Bride" for us to burnish and care for, in our geek nests? It is indeed. My wife actually drew that comparison right after seeing the movie. Those two belong together on the same shelf. The movie has magic, adventure, humor, romance and pure fun. With plenty of danger and darkness thrown in. De Niro is superb, gruff, lovable and hilarious - often all at once. Never was a fan of Danes - because of this movie, though, that has all changed; she is wonderful as the celestial Yvaine. That the ruthlessness of a king at the end of his reign could be so delightful is perhaps something only O'Toole could pull off so beautifully. Charlie Cox as the hero is but one of several not-so-well-known actors who again and again demonstrate how this movie's casting rates a consistent A+. And I would not wish to overlook Pfeiffer as the powerful, sensual, and horrible Lamia. Ricky Gervais does what Ricky Gervais does best, and every single one of the Princes is great! My whole family loved this movie, and I didn't mind at all seeing it twice. So, my review? I kind of liked this movie. : )

serak_the_preparer · Aug 27, 2007

I was first exposed to him via "Good Omens" (cowritten with Terry Pratchett; as he put it, Neil did the story bit, and Terry did the writing bit), then later saw the miniseries "Neverwhere". I was totally and completely hooked. Read "American Gods" in the hospital... Had no idea our tastes were this similar. I've gone through all those (except for 'Neverwhere,' which I missed). Was very much looking forward to Gilliam giving us a screen version of Good Omens, but it seems it is not to be. (Here's a link to the latest on that subject: The L-Space Web : Movies : Good Omens.) Maybe someday, but at least we have the book (though it is too bad the sequel - 668â€”The Neighbour of the Beast - is unlikely to ever be written, according to Pratchett). Good Omens is the most fun I've had reading fantasy since I can't remember when. Meanwhile, The Golden Compass (based on Philip Pullman's excellent His Dark Materials trilogy) will be in theaters December 7th. And Susan Cooper's The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising will be make the jump from book to screen this October 5th. Lots of good fantasy in the movie pipeline!

lsbd · Aug 27, 2007

For some reason, there is almost no advertising for this movie. Speaking just for myself, have seen exactly one whole ad for it. Must be a regional thing. They have been running trailers for this movie almost every other hour for the last month in my area.

etavaunt · Aug 28, 2007

Oh my friend. Oh. Sell your household gods, put your dog out to hire as a scrapyard guard, apprentice your children as sweeps, pawn your god-damned FISHING ROD, it boots little HOW you raise the cash . . you MUST buy Neverwhere. DO NOT. I mean every possible compounded meaning negatory, DO NOT read the graphic novel. Don't even read Mr Gaimans own prose novel. Buy the BBC production on DVD. Then tell me if every previous depiction of a dragon, doesn't fade into less than a slightly scary pixey in your mind. You will NEVER look at fine china again, without flinching back from the shadows in the corner of the room. You are so LUCKY!.

CalliArcale · Aug 31, 2007

I bought Neverwhere on a whim when the local Suncoast was going out of business, mainly because it had Neil Gaiman's name on it. I *adored* it. I have not read the graphic novel; just seen the miniseries. It is weird. It is bizarre. It is absolutely FANTASTIC! I loved it. I loaned it to my mother; she loved it too, and has since bought her own copy. Alas, I probably will not get to see Stardust until it hits DVD. But I am sure I will love it. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff." -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

overmars · Aug 31, 2007

The film Neverwhere succeeded in putting me to sleep. However I loved Good Omens and various Sandman stories. Hmm... I much prefer his earlier stuff.

serak_the_preparer · Sep 4, 2007

AVAUNT - Sell your household gods... Sadly, already sold. . . . put your dog out to hire as a scrapyard guard... Not cut out for the life of a guard-dog (except for the love of barking - loudly and often). Works best as a security alarm (as in, 'Burglars are in the house - get out quick!'). . . . apprentice your children as sweeps... Now there's a thought... You are so LUCKY! Will see about that BBC production, when and if. There is this thing called Netflix which comes to our house on a regular basis. LSBD - Still have seen only one commercial, so maybe you're right about it being a regional thing. Great movie, which I heartily recommend. Went to see it with a friend of mine who tends to be pretty critical of such things, and his verdict is the same as mine. My father and sister, catching some of my enthusiasm, now also want to see it (and the former generally cannot be dragged out to a theater to save his life). CALLI - You say it is fantastic, but don't say why. Is it for the reason that Avaunt gives - the out-of-this-world portrayal of a dragon - or other reasons in addition? Would love to hear why this series is so worth seeing. (And, with or without further info, will look into the Netflix option here.)

etavaunt · Sep 4, 2007

I hate to think you would be disappointed in me when you watch it. Therefore, allow me to restate my hyperbole. It is certainly a portral of a dragon you never saw before, and one you never will have suspected, AND a damned scary, BELIEVABLY scary one. (Well, actually, TWO, but that is just more of the goodiness, one dragon whouldn't have anyone to talk to, now would he?. Besides, rather scary to not know which way to vent your death-scream, I am thinking. Heavenward, I would say, but which way is that, again?)

earth_bound_misfit · Sep 7, 2007

I haven't seen the movie, though I did check out the link supplied. It peeves me to see mystic stuff always getting lumbered into the genre "Sci-fi" Anyone else feel my pain? Fiction yes, Science fiction no. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> ----------------------------------------------------------------- Wanna see this site looking like the old SDC uplink?Go here to see how: SDC Eye saver </div>

serak_the_preparer · Sep 8, 2007

Fiction yes, Science fiction no. This being the only forum with 'fiction' in the title, though, it will have to do until a 'fantasy fiction' forum comes along. Not holding my breath...

serak_the_preparer · Sep 8, 2007

Avaunt, it is doubtful I could ever be disappointed in you - you are one of my favorite people posting to this site! It's probably obvious by now that I'm a fan of Gaiman (in spite of the spotty performance of his American Gods (great idea, so-so execution)). My younger daughter loves his Coraline, and I am a confirmed die-hard fan of his collaboration with Pratchett (Good Omens). Just took a look at Neverwhere in the Barnes&Noble I stepped into yesterday. Was only there to browse, not to buy. But I already love the premise for his novel, so buying is probably not too far off in the future. (random NZ-related non-sequitur ... Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros (probably should buy this, too, come to think of it...)

etavaunt · Sep 16, 2007

*Blushes at Serak_the_Preparer* Why, thank you kind sir!. Yes, those two blokes have a very clear drift of "Kiwi humour" of a certain style. And they have done some very good stuff. Just so long as you remember I have long since disavowed all responsibility for any mental damage you might suffer, if you were to watch "Shark verses Eagle", which is a crime against humanity of frightning, unthinkable proportion. How a bloke so funny, could make a movie SO DIRE ! . . . . *shakes head in amazement*

serak_the_preparer · Sep 18, 2007

Has their cable show hit NZ yet? It's done well over here, from what I understand. Checked out 'Eagle vs. Shark' on YouTube. Looks wacky, but not hilarious. Guess I'll stick with FOTC videos and their CD for now. Meanwhile, reading 'The Amber Spyglass' at the moment. And it's getting good. If 'The Golden Compass' does well, perhaps this will show up on film, too, someday - who knows? Interesting concept: quantum science-fantasy. I like it. I'm a little surprised, though, that New Line Cinema didn't return to New Zealand to make this movie. All the dramatic landscape and wilderness they could need in one place. Instead, it looks like they actually went to places like Norway and Svalbard to film some of the Arctic scenes. They're betting a lot on this movie - hope it pays off. 'Compass' hits the theaters December 7, just 11 days before 'Stardust' is released on DVD. It's going to be a good Christmas. : )

etavaunt · Sep 18, 2007

Wow, I didn't know they were making the film of Amber Spyglass. Hey, I wonder if anyone will ever make "Nine Princes in Amber" That was a pretty good adventure/magic book as I recall.

yevaud · Sep 18, 2007

I hold out to play Benedict, if they do such a film. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Differential Diagnosis: "I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are." </div>

etavaunt · Sep 19, 2007

In my life, I have inevitably been relegated to the spear-carrying role with the Merde-end of the spear being handed to me. So I am guessing, you get Benedict, and I get the role of the Chaos-Daemon waiting on the path out of Merlins ex-girlfriends ward-robe. "You will die Mortal, for I was plucked from the essense of Chaos by a Master, and none but a Prince of Chaos himself could hope to face me". "I have some bad news for you then, friend" *Hands gesture, Merlin slips into the sign of the Logrus* *Daemonic equivalent of "Gulp"* <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" /> WOWOW, The Wiki of Amber is EXTENSIVE. And I mean EX*lunge*TENSIVE !. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corwin_%28The_Chronicles_of_Amber%29

yevaud · Sep 19, 2007

Well, you see I rather *look* like the descriptions of Benedict, I do favor fall colors, and I have been known to possess some skill with a Fencing Sabre. S'ides, Benedict was one of the few to remain apolitical. Smart, that. By the way, you clearly have also read the "Prequel" (3 books) to the Amber Series, written by John Bettencourt. Fairly well done, I think. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Differential Diagnosis: "I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are." </div>

serak_the_preparer · Sep 21, 2007

Well, you see I rather *look* like the descriptions of Benedict... Yevaud, as we've never met, I have no way of knowing, but my mental picture of you is different from this one: . . . tall and dour, thin; thin of body, thin of face, wide of mind. He wore orange and yellow and brown and reminded me of haystacks and pumpkins and scarecrows and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. He had a long, strong jaw and hazel eyes and brown hair that never curled... Also, your wit and humor actually remind me more of the hero himself, Corwin: a romantic who, responding to the necessities of life, has judiciously embraced a level of cynicism consonant with his own survival. Who can deliver a rhyming couplet one moment, and a deadly counter-riposte in the next. An apolitical stance may be smart in some circumstances, but as I recall, Corwin's comment on Benedict's capacity to remain above, or out of, the fray was something like: 'He's the only one among us tough enough to get away with it." Life for a Prince of the Blood in Amber was too dangerous for anyone else to survive without the benefit of alliances. But there is no doubt that Benedict's neutral position, which so effectively demonstrated what a worthy adversary he truly was, was definitely cool. (He was the obvious choice to be Oberon's successor, too, in my opinion - but that's just me.) No matter what part you play, however, if you get a role, then so should Avaunt. No idea what he looks like either, but going by personality alone I think I'd like to see him cast as Bleys. : )

serak_the_preparer · Sep 21, 2007

Wow, I didn't know they were making the film of Amber Spyglass. Well, a movie of the first book, anyway (see above). I imagine it'll have to do reasonably well to justify any sequels. Hey, I wonder if anyone will ever make "Nine Princes in Amber" Ah, the other great many-worlds science fantasy epic. A movie of that could be a whole lot of fun. There've been rumors... 'Ed Neumeier, who adapted Robert Heinlein's classic SF novel Starship Troopers for the big screen, will next turn his hand to Roger Zelazny's fantasy novel Nine Princes in Amber, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Producer Mark Canton and Batman Forever writer Akiva Goldsman are teaming with Neumeier to turn Nine Princes into a feature film....' - from Zelazny's Amber Headed To Film (Sci Fi Wire) ...but the problem is they tend to be old rumors (that blurb, for instance, is from October, 1998). A mini-series (perhaps along the lines of what they did with A Wizard of Earthsea) might work, but I'm with you: To do it justice, Amber merits a movie. On the subject of quotes, I've always been fond of Corwin's line: 'Talk is cheap. Whisky costs money.'

etavaunt · Sep 21, 2007

No, seriously, I am a spear carrier, not a "Centurian of Auxillaries (Spear)". If I was in it, I would be one of the Faithful that the Lords cynically use as Seige Engine fodder. (Or better yet, a Bravo guarding one of the whore houses in Amber. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> ) Gotta go catch a bus, be gone till Xmas, look after yourselves guys.

a_lost_packet_ · Sep 22, 2007

The Amber series has always been one of my favorites. To really do it justice, they'd need either a very well produced mini-series or at least two movies, if not a trilogy. Amber's huge plot twists, intrigue and the whole "special effects" thing would drive someone trying to stick it into one movie.. nuts. Locations alone, along with the CGI necessary, would tap a small budget like a .. well, a small budget just wouldn't cover it either. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> I put on my robe and wizard hat... </div>

etavaunt · Oct 4, 2007

I think that New Zealand would offer quite a few locations that Amber could be filmed in though. How we are going to deal with making Amber look more real than our OWN world, the colours brighter, the things more healthy, I do not know. Hey, I saw Stardust. SO good. De Niro was wonderful, the audience cheered, literally shouted HURRAH !. And this is an AUCKLAND audience. We don't display emotion like other people, in public, so it was astounding to hear. OK, back to Hamilton the evil now, cows, rain, cow poo, rained-on-cow-poo, cow-poo-steam because the sun comes out for ten minutes, followed by more rain. Did I mention the cows?. <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" /> *cries weakly like a child*

Stardust. a movie by Neil Gaimen

etavaunt

Guest

CalliArcale

Guest

etavaunt

Guest

serak_the_preparer

Guest

serak_the_preparer

Guest

lsbd

Guest

etavaunt

Guest

CalliArcale

Guest

overmars

Guest

serak_the_preparer

Guest

etavaunt

Guest

earth_bound_misfit

Guest

serak_the_preparer

Guest

serak_the_preparer

Guest

etavaunt

Guest

serak_the_preparer

Guest

etavaunt

Guest

yevaud

Guest

etavaunt

Guest

yevaud

Guest

serak_the_preparer

Guest

serak_the_preparer

Guest

etavaunt

Guest

a_lost_packet_

Guest

etavaunt

Guest

Similar threads

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Share this page