This morning, I found out that one of my favourite series of books is going to be adapted to film and TV. This series is "The Dark Tower" by Stephen King. Below is a few thoughts I've contributed to a movie blog. I felt like reposting them on my own blog, mainly so I can come back in a few years and scoff at my ridiculous concerns. :D
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I am very concerned about anyone’s attempt at rebuilding the universe that King has developed over the past 30 years or so into a movie series. A few thoughts about this:
1) I really wish that the Coen brothers were at the top of the directors list. Their movies aways have a dark undertone and visuals that fit well with the feelings and moods that are conveyed through film. Think about Fargo, O Brother Where Art Thou, and No Country For Old Men. They’ve even worked with Javier Bardem before! I can think back to when I read the first three books; their names are forefront in my mind as the best possible choice.
2) I love the idea of a movie trilogy mixed with TV series in between, if they can pull it off. It’s never been done but it’s risks like this that make epics. I would have preferred a straight TV series done by HBO, though. I’m thinking about Game of Thrones and the production quality that is going on for that book to film translation. It should be amazing. The Dark Tower is certainly too much for just a trilogy of films.
3) Regardless of how the production goes, there will have to be a huge amount of plot changes. The mediums are different. There will be changes. As a huge fan, it will be difficult to watch it with ‘fresh’ eyes but I know it will be important if any enjoyment will come out of it. Quick advice to all tower fans. Know that there will be differences and watch it for the medium it is.
Good luck to all involved. I will be closely following over the next few years!
