Movie time! Here's another round-up of movies that are based on books. With the exception of Anna Karenina, I have not read these books. Maybe I will.
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill:Already out since February, the trailer creeped me out (anything with big-eyed dolls and creepy music usually does it). Daniel Radcliffe actually looks decent in this one. Will probably watch just because I need to see Harry Potter in a different light.
Synopsis: First published in 1983, The Woman in Black is Susan Hill's best-loved novel, and the basis for the UK's second longest ever running stage play, and a major film starring Daniel Radcliffe. Arthur Kipps, a young lawyer, travels to a remote village to put the affairs of a recently deceased client, Alice Drablow in order. As he works alone in her isolated house, Kipps begins to uncover disturbing secrets - and his unease grows when he glimpses a mysterious woman dressed in black. The locals are strangely unwilling to talk about the unsettling occurrence, and Kipps is forced to uncover the true identity of the Woman in Black on his own, leading to a desperate race against time when he discovers her true intent...
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: This is one of my all-time favourite books. While my friends complained about its intimidating length in uni class, I was just lapping up the scandal, the tragedy and the vivid descriptions of Russian aristocracy. The movie looks worthwhile if just to see the cinematography. Tongue-in-cheek about Kiera Knightly though, I don't know how I feel about her being in this role.
Synopsis: Anna Karenina is one of the most loved and memorable heroines of literature. Her overwhelming charm dominates a novel of unparalleled richness and density. Tolstoy considered this book to be his first real attempt at a novel form, and it addresses the very nature of society at all levels,- of destiny, death, human relationships and the irreconcilable contradictions of existence. It ends tragically, and there is much that evokes despair, yet set beside this is an abounding joy in life's many ephemeral pleasures, and a profusion of comic relief.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: Did you like the movie Juno? Well this is made by the same bunch of people. A coming-of-age story, this also has Emma Watson. Looks like the Harry Potter cast is doing well!
Synopsis: Charlie is a freshman. And while he's not the biggest geek in the
school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent
beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught
between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. Charlie is
attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of
first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world
of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires
is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But Charlie
can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life
offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks
like from the dance floor. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply
affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild
and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand: While I liked Anna Karenina, for some reason I never touched this book in school despite the egging on of some philosophy buffs. Maybe the movie will help decide if I want to dive into this chunkster of existentialism.
Synopsis: The astounding story of a man who said that he would stop the motor of the world - and did. Tremendous in scope, breathtaking in its suspense, "Atlas Shrugged" is unlike any other book you have ever read. It is a mystery story, not about the murder of a man's body, but about the murder - and rebirth - of man's spirit. With this acclaimed work and its immortal query "Who is John Galt?" Ayn Rand found the perfect artistic form to express her vision of existence. This is the book that made her not only one of the most popular novelists of our century, but also one of its most influential thinkers.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Graham-Smith:
When I first read about this oddball combination, I didn't know what to
think of it. But so many people have raved about it that I may just buy
into the hype. I prefer my vampires to be non-sparkly. I doubt they are
in this one, because the movie looks amazing!
Synopsis: It's Indiana, 1818. Moonlight falls through the dense woods that surround a one-room cabin, where a nine-year-old Abraham Lincoln kneels at his suffering mother's bedside. She's been stricken with something the old-timers call 'Milk Sickness'. 'My baby boy...' she whispers before dying. Only later will the grieving Abe learn that his mother's fatal affliction was actually the work of a vampire. When the truth becomes known to young Lincoln, he writes in his journal, 'henceforth my life shall be one of rigorous study and devotion. I shall become a master of mind and body. And this mastery shall have but one purpose'. Gifted with his legendary height, strength, and skill with an axe, Abe sets out on a path of vengeance that will lead him all the way to the White House. While Abraham Lincoln is widely lauded for saving a Union and freeing millions of slaves, his valiant fight against the forces of the undead has remained in the shadows for hundreds of years. That is, until Seth Grahame-Smith stumbled upon "The Secret Journal of Abraham Lincoln", and became the first living person to lay eyes on it in more than 140 years. Using the journal as his guide and writing in the grand biographical style of Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough, Seth has reconstructed the true life story of America's greatest president for the first time - all while revealing the hidden history behind the Civil War and uncovering the role vampires played in the birth, growth, and near-death of the nation.
Which ones are you thinking of watching and/or reading?
Don't forget to check out:
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill:Already out since February, the trailer creeped me out (anything with big-eyed dolls and creepy music usually does it). Daniel Radcliffe actually looks decent in this one. Will probably watch just because I need to see Harry Potter in a different light.Synopsis: First published in 1983, The Woman in Black is Susan Hill's best-loved novel, and the basis for the UK's second longest ever running stage play, and a major film starring Daniel Radcliffe. Arthur Kipps, a young lawyer, travels to a remote village to put the affairs of a recently deceased client, Alice Drablow in order. As he works alone in her isolated house, Kipps begins to uncover disturbing secrets - and his unease grows when he glimpses a mysterious woman dressed in black. The locals are strangely unwilling to talk about the unsettling occurrence, and Kipps is forced to uncover the true identity of the Woman in Black on his own, leading to a desperate race against time when he discovers her true intent...
Synopsis: Anna Karenina is one of the most loved and memorable heroines of literature. Her overwhelming charm dominates a novel of unparalleled richness and density. Tolstoy considered this book to be his first real attempt at a novel form, and it addresses the very nature of society at all levels,- of destiny, death, human relationships and the irreconcilable contradictions of existence. It ends tragically, and there is much that evokes despair, yet set beside this is an abounding joy in life's many ephemeral pleasures, and a profusion of comic relief.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: Did you like the movie Juno? Well this is made by the same bunch of people. A coming-of-age story, this also has Emma Watson. Looks like the Harry Potter cast is doing well!
Synopsis: Charlie is a freshman. And while he's not the biggest geek in the
school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent
beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught
between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. Charlie is
attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of
first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world
of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires
is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But Charlie
can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life
offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks
like from the dance floor. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply
affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild
and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.
Synopsis: The astounding story of a man who said that he would stop the motor of the world - and did. Tremendous in scope, breathtaking in its suspense, "Atlas Shrugged" is unlike any other book you have ever read. It is a mystery story, not about the murder of a man's body, but about the murder - and rebirth - of man's spirit. With this acclaimed work and its immortal query "Who is John Galt?" Ayn Rand found the perfect artistic form to express her vision of existence. This is the book that made her not only one of the most popular novelists of our century, but also one of its most influential thinkers.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Graham-Smith:
When I first read about this oddball combination, I didn't know what to
think of it. But so many people have raved about it that I may just buy
into the hype. I prefer my vampires to be non-sparkly. I doubt they are
in this one, because the movie looks amazing!Synopsis: It's Indiana, 1818. Moonlight falls through the dense woods that surround a one-room cabin, where a nine-year-old Abraham Lincoln kneels at his suffering mother's bedside. She's been stricken with something the old-timers call 'Milk Sickness'. 'My baby boy...' she whispers before dying. Only later will the grieving Abe learn that his mother's fatal affliction was actually the work of a vampire. When the truth becomes known to young Lincoln, he writes in his journal, 'henceforth my life shall be one of rigorous study and devotion. I shall become a master of mind and body. And this mastery shall have but one purpose'. Gifted with his legendary height, strength, and skill with an axe, Abe sets out on a path of vengeance that will lead him all the way to the White House. While Abraham Lincoln is widely lauded for saving a Union and freeing millions of slaves, his valiant fight against the forces of the undead has remained in the shadows for hundreds of years. That is, until Seth Grahame-Smith stumbled upon "The Secret Journal of Abraham Lincoln", and became the first living person to lay eyes on it in more than 140 years. Using the journal as his guide and writing in the grand biographical style of Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough, Seth has reconstructed the true life story of America's greatest president for the first time - all while revealing the hidden history behind the Civil War and uncovering the role vampires played in the birth, growth, and near-death of the nation.
Which ones are you thinking of watching and/or reading?
Don't forget to check out:
The Woman in Black is actually a pretty good movie. I haven't read the book though.
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog, and I've really enjoyed reading through it! Surprised you don't have more followers! Your review count is impressive :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed 'The Woman In Black' film but not seen the stage show or read the book so I can't compare, though I've heard they are all different. I'm really looking forward to 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. I've not read the book (YET! I plan to!) but it just seems like the type of film I'd really enjoy.
As for 'Abraham Lincoln' - not really enthused, it just all seems a bit silly. I imagine it to be an entertaining sort of film but not something I'm desperate to see.
You looking forward to 'The Great Gatsby'? and 'The Hobbit'? I can't wait for 'The Hobbit' as I'm a huge Tolkien fan.
- Tesni
tesnireads.blogspot.co.uk
I can not wait for the next Atlas :) and The Great Gatsby.
ReplyDelete