Friday, February 22, 2013

Book to Movie: The Mistborn Trilogy

Wiki: The Mistborn series is four high fantasy novels written by Brandon Sanderson and published by Tor Fantasy between 2006 and 2008. The series consists of the original trilogy of Mistborn: The Final Empire, Mistborn: The Well of Ascension, and Mistborn: The Hero of Ages.

Will it be a good movie?
Yes and YES!
You want me to explain that? Okay...
Sanderson crafted a unique vision with action-packed sequences, interesting characters, many plot twists in a strange and alluring world. The first book is a 'Oceans 11' like crew pitted against an immortal tyrannt. The idea works so well, but is already highly visual and could be easily adapted into a movie.
The second and third book feature a grander scope, while keeping the grounded dynamics of the characters.

Film Adaptation
Brandon Sanderson himself broke the news, that Paloppa Pictures LLC picked up the rights for his fantasy trilogy (Link). Paloppa is a new florida-based company with no prior projects. Thanks to the Mistborn Movie Guide, we know that a third draft was written and that they are looking for a studio right now.
In an interview Brandon Sanderson stated, that he would like Bryan Singer to direct, while Ellen Page is his dream casting for the female protagonist.

This is the 'Mood Trailer' Paloppa put together, to pitch the movie: 


Friday, February 15, 2013

From Book to Movie: The Painted Man


The Painted Man / The Warded Man Movie  
by Peter V. Brett.

Wiki: The novel follows three POV characters in their passage from childhood to maturity. They are inhabitants of a world plagued by the attacks of demons known as corelings, which rise from the planet's core each night to feast upon humans. The ongoing attrition of these attacks have reduced humanity from an advanced state of technology to a 'dark age'. The only defense against the corelings are wards (magical runes) that can be drawn, painted, or inscribed to form protective barriers around human settlements. These are, however, fragile and prone to failure unless properly maintained. (Source)

WILL IT BE A GOOD MOVIE?
The Painted / Warded Man is a fun ride, full of action-packed sequences but with little emotional impact. Additionally, the obstacles are quite easy for the characters to overcome, robbing the reader or viewer of emotional investment. 
Do not confuse this with a Lord of the Rings style epic. The scope is much smaller, the stakes never reach those heights, but perhaps the sequels 'The Desert Spear' and 'The Daylight War' broaden the image.
In my opinion, it could be an entertaining movie with good actors lending depth to otherwise shallow protagonists... although the first news are more than troubling:

FILM ADAPTATION
Back in 2009 The Hollywood Reporter broke the news, that Paul W. S. Anderson (left) and his producing partner Jeremy Bolt picked up the rights for The Painted Man / The Warded Man. Both produced the Resident Evil - Franchise, whose five movies grossed nearly 1 billion dollar in worldwide box office (Box Office Mojo). The critics on the other hand were less than enthusiastic with the latest outing only receiving 31% on RottenTomatoes.
What will this mean for the adaptation of Peter V. Bretts fantasy book? 
Quite possibly with this producing team behind the camera we are in for another cheap and cheesy B-Movie
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