Bah. I Am a Fantasy Movie Death-Eater
by levgrossman on Aug.25, 2009, under Lev Grossman
I will go see 9, no question. Such is my devotion to the disembodied voice of Elijah Wood. But I feel like it’s walking before we can run.
We don’t need a steampunk masterpiece, or blended genres. Not yet, you fools! We don’t need a fresh take on fantasy featuring walking beanbags. We haven’t even had a stale take on fantasy yet! Show me a decent grown-up fantasy flick that can take the taste of Dungeons & Dragons out of my eyeballs, and we’ll talk. Somebody sell Best Served Cold to Jon Favreau.
[Kreacher voice]Filthy mudbloods … mixing genres … we were always a pureblood family … [/Kreacher]
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August 25th, 2009 on 7:03 pm
Not to crap on you at all, Lev, but I largely think that the twisting around of genres, mixing ideas and concepts all together is what -makes- fantasy. It’s what Robert E. Howard and HP Lovecraft were doing before it was ever even considered a different genre, just considered “weird” fiction.
I think 9 looks excellent, and I think it could be something really special. That being said, it could also be something dreadfully over-complicated and masturbatory in its apparent originality.
But I would like to see a return to more functional, less heavy fantasy pieces, like you said. Might need to keep an eye out on the indie front for that, though.
August 25th, 2009 on 7:16 pm
I have to agree with Adam. But before I do, may first say what a HUGE fan I am of The Magicians. Really, really dug this book. More please…
Now about 9, the story looks fantastical in a Gaiman-style way. It’s beautiful to look at and the story sounds incredible. I’m way curious and eager to see. Maybe the beginning of a huge new talent in Shane Acker?
August 26th, 2009 on 12:31 am
Adam, I’m not sure the indie front can handle the kind of fantasy we want. Budget (or the lack thereof) is always a challenge for fantasy movies.
August 26th, 2009 on 1:55 am
As much as I think certain things should be animated (for example I think the Wheel of Time should be made into a quality animated series - a la the original oil painted LOTR films. Best way to comprimise cost and quality without some shocking min-series acting) the problem with fantasy films isn’t the plots, it’s the direction of the film. As soon as we get a high quality Fantasy film rated 18, perhaps the genre will break on its own and realise there is a market for Fantasy that isn’t just a trumped up disney film!
August 26th, 2009 on 4:41 am
Amen to selling Best Served Cold, brother.
Though I’m not too picky about director.
I’ll settle for anyone with money.