Lyzsi Sinclair"Comic Hollywood" - Part One.
Comic Books and Hollywood – a Marriage made in Movie Heaven?
Do know it hardly ever seems that a week goes by without a new film release based on a comic book coming out, or that I'm writing a news blog with information on the latest updates on future comic book films. Marvel is possibly the biggest power in terms of what's heading our way in cinema – but it can't go unnoticed how many more comic book films have been given the green-light of late. So I aim to write about whether this is the best way for Hollywood to go; what's in it for comic book fans; and also put together all the collective news and film announcements for all the stuff coming soon. Split into two parts, this part one talks about the industry in motion. Be prepared for a long read...
I guess the film adaptation is something that will live on for a long, long time. I mean some of the most successful books, games and comics go on to make big, hugely popular blockbuster Hollywood films. As long as there's a source material out there ripe for it's own big screen adventure, then there's always going to be someone who wants to make it. I guess one of the things about that is the fact that a one hour and a half - two hour film isn't going to be long enough to encompass all the source material has to say. One of the greatest things about a comic is the ability to tell a big story, as well as many other stories afterwards – without ever having such a time restriction. The story takes as long as you want it to dependant on how fast or slow you read it, and often things can be written and drawn in a comic book that aren't going to be possible to recreate in real life. Don't get me wrong – the amount of CGI and special effects technologies out there are amazing – but there's always going to be some things that just won't be able to transfer into the world of film, leaving the adaptation poorer for it.
There's also the fact that in order to make something successful, directors, producers, and production companies often have to change some parts of a story (or come up with something of their own), that they feel can help appeal to the greater masses. For fans of the original comic book series' this can almost feel like being cheated out of something they love so much. Other times it's something that can work immensely well, and generate never before seen interest for the source material. It's almost like Hollywood is the “coolest kid in school”, endorsing the comic books so that they are fast on their way to becoming “cool” themselves. I myself have always loved picking up a comic book series or graphic novel, and taking some time out to myself to read and enjoy it - and for many people it's a greatly entertaining hobby. With Hollywood stepping into the equation, more and more people are finding this hobby – with people like UK television personality Jonathan Ross and US rapper Eminem counting themselves as rather dedicated fans. The fact that more and more people are sharing their love for the medium can only be a good thing, right..?
Not always. Sometimes I feel like Hollywood picks up stuff purely for merchandise or “saleability”. In the wrong hands a perfectly credible story can be twisted into almost a caricature of itself, with endless sequels that fail to hit the spot. The most recent Superman film “Superman Returns” is a prime example. A leading man (Brandon Routh), (who personally I felt lacked the charisma of the caped superhero), and a less than weak story are just a couple of things that contributed towards it being called the “hemorrhoid” of the franchise by many. A superhero that has so many strong stories in the comic series', and a figure that's meant to appeal to many as one of the ultimate heroes – is all but killed off for the generation that see only that incarnation. Then there's that word – franchise. In terms of comics there'll always be a call for people to support their favourite by wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the logo, or have a poster on their wall of it – even a collectable action figure. With Hollywood comes the fast food merchandise toys, pencil cases and special edition snacks – all in a bid to raise the promotion for the films. It's almost as if they lack the confidence in it – perhaps knowing themselves that they've messed with it too much, at a cost of alienating it's original audience.
Another thing that can cause problems is casting. I find this is something obviously based on opinion, as one person could really love to see their favourite actor take a role; but for another it's news that puts them off seeing a film. The great thing about a comic book or graphic novel is you can pick it up and the collaboration between a writer and an artist can really paint a clear and interesting picture of all the people involved. You begin to learn about characters as you move along a story – either loving them or hating them, but not basing it on appearances or acting skills. This is a world where the characters are “real” people, but with extraordinary circumstances or powers thrust upon them. With a film, the wrong choice in cast can result in a bad performance that kills any charm the plot once held. At the end of the day someone “pretending” to have these powers, or be in these situations, is never going to match a story where these things are happening because they are written that way in that world – and are reacted to appropriately.
For all the negative points though, there come a great many positives. As I mentioned before, a good film adaptation can generate interest in the source material and give it a new readership. At a Sci-Fi convention I was at a couple of months back, I got to listen to a talk on this subject by some authors and illustrators in the comic book/graphic novel field. Dave Gibbons (co-creator of the “Watchmen” comic series) pointed out that for all the merchandise, Hollywood could at least create an atmosphere where it's even easier for people to connect with a film's source material. I mean you can buy a drink at a cinema with a free promotional toy, but how about a stand outside the screen with copies of the comic for sale. It's something I personally think cinema could do very easily, with little effort on their part. Surely if you are successful in film with an idea generated by someone else , it's fair to pay tribute to them, and open it up so that perhaps other stories can be “brought to life”.
Another great point is the rise in talent of the directors chosen to helm comic book adaptations. For all the “gooseberries” out there, there are three or four fantastically done films. Directors such as Christopher Nolan, Zack Synder, and Jon Favreau are amongst some of the strongest currently. Christopher Nolan helped to make the Batman re-invention something that everyone wanted and wants to see with the films “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight”. No longer has it become a joke filled film with cheesy clichés and sub-par acting. It's started to get back into the gritty dark world so eloquently created in the comics. Zack Synder has also been prominent in his adaptations – choosing to stay closer to the source material – with both “300” and “Watchmen” delivering the distinctive look of the graphic novels, as well as giving them a fresh take that doesn't kill the story at all. Jon Favreau is one of the directors helming as part of the big Marvel mission of films at the moment, and even though there's so much more and so many different directors coming our way – I think he's doing it well. “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2” have both proved to be popular films, that actually have people heading to wikipedia to look up characters and background stories themselves. Also with the various directors tending to be fans of the comic book medium themselves, it means that these directors can really put together a visually strong look and structurally strong plot that pays homage to the material well.
Other issues leave me torn however. In a current climate where sequels, prequels and remakes are the main occurrence in film; with comic books come the opportunity to spin something out for as long as it generates money – rather than as long as it can be made well. On the one hand some sequels can be fantastic ("Superman 2" and "Spiderman 2" being key examples), and I get excited to see what comes next for a character and their story. On the other hand, spinning something out so much it no longer becomes accessible or turns into a parody of itself – slightly diminishes the source material, and puts people off rather than welcoming them into a new world. Another thing that splits me is the changing of a story or missing out of parts. I like to see original plot-lines and ideas as different writers can take a character different places; but sometimes I just wish for others to be more faithful to something I've read, so that I feel I'm actually a part of the adaptation myself.
Overall I can't help but fall under the thrall of Hollywood. If I'm honest I love seeing the stories I enjoy on a big screen, with the actors I love. It's almost like it's a slightly lazy way of taking in a story – but taking in that story nonetheless. I have to admit, before I saw some of the films and heard the news of Marvel's big plan to bring all their comic book heroes together in film, I had never really taken an interest in the Marvel universe. I find myself now happily whiling away days and weeks researching all the characters, their plot-lines and roles in comics, and actually reading the comics themselves in order to gain a bigger understanding for what's coming. The reward comes when you see a film and are able to get excited at casting, or having the knowledge that things you read are going to be brought to life even more. It made a fan in me – and actually in most cases I prefer the comic books or graphic novels more – something that has gained an appreciation from me for all the work put in to the source material.
Of course there's always going to be turkeys, but that is what Hollywood and cinema is all about. Not every film can be a good film, and not every adaptation can be successful. Heck if it were like that, then film reviewers like me, like you, like everyone would be out of a job! If adapting comic books gives Hollywood some fresh ideas, some new ground to tread, and a chance to make some new fans; then I'm all for it. I really wish an idea like Dave Gibbons mentioned would come into play, but as long as talented directors who are fans themselves know how best to bring comics to the masses, then I can't wait for what's coming my way! Comic books/Graphic novels plus Hollywood really are a match to survive for a fair while yet.
In part two of this article, I give you a full overview of what's coming your way – complete with dates, writers and directors, and casting details. Flix Out.
Do know it hardly ever seems that a week goes by without a new film release based on a comic book coming out, or that I'm writing a news blog with information on the latest updates on future comic book films. Marvel is possibly the biggest power in terms of what's heading our way in cinema – but it can't go unnoticed how many more comic book films have been given the green-light of late. So I aim to write about whether this is the best way for Hollywood to go; what's in it for comic book fans; and also put together all the collective news and film announcements for all the stuff coming soon. Split into two parts, this part one talks about the industry in motion. Be prepared for a long read...
I guess the film adaptation is something that will live on for a long, long time. I mean some of the most successful books, games and comics go on to make big, hugely popular blockbuster Hollywood films. As long as there's a source material out there ripe for it's own big screen adventure, then there's always going to be someone who wants to make it. I guess one of the things about that is the fact that a one hour and a half - two hour film isn't going to be long enough to encompass all the source material has to say. One of the greatest things about a comic is the ability to tell a big story, as well as many other stories afterwards – without ever having such a time restriction. The story takes as long as you want it to dependant on how fast or slow you read it, and often things can be written and drawn in a comic book that aren't going to be possible to recreate in real life. Don't get me wrong – the amount of CGI and special effects technologies out there are amazing – but there's always going to be some things that just won't be able to transfer into the world of film, leaving the adaptation poorer for it.
There's also the fact that in order to make something successful, directors, producers, and production companies often have to change some parts of a story (or come up with something of their own), that they feel can help appeal to the greater masses. For fans of the original comic book series' this can almost feel like being cheated out of something they love so much. Other times it's something that can work immensely well, and generate never before seen interest for the source material. It's almost like Hollywood is the “coolest kid in school”, endorsing the comic books so that they are fast on their way to becoming “cool” themselves. I myself have always loved picking up a comic book series or graphic novel, and taking some time out to myself to read and enjoy it - and for many people it's a greatly entertaining hobby. With Hollywood stepping into the equation, more and more people are finding this hobby – with people like UK television personality Jonathan Ross and US rapper Eminem counting themselves as rather dedicated fans. The fact that more and more people are sharing their love for the medium can only be a good thing, right..?
Jonathan Ross and Eminem are comic fans, sometimes exchanging copies between themselves.
Not always. Sometimes I feel like Hollywood picks up stuff purely for merchandise or “saleability”. In the wrong hands a perfectly credible story can be twisted into almost a caricature of itself, with endless sequels that fail to hit the spot. The most recent Superman film “Superman Returns” is a prime example. A leading man (Brandon Routh), (who personally I felt lacked the charisma of the caped superhero), and a less than weak story are just a couple of things that contributed towards it being called the “hemorrhoid” of the franchise by many. A superhero that has so many strong stories in the comic series', and a figure that's meant to appeal to many as one of the ultimate heroes – is all but killed off for the generation that see only that incarnation. Then there's that word – franchise. In terms of comics there'll always be a call for people to support their favourite by wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the logo, or have a poster on their wall of it – even a collectable action figure. With Hollywood comes the fast food merchandise toys, pencil cases and special edition snacks – all in a bid to raise the promotion for the films. It's almost as if they lack the confidence in it – perhaps knowing themselves that they've messed with it too much, at a cost of alienating it's original audience.
Another thing that can cause problems is casting. I find this is something obviously based on opinion, as one person could really love to see their favourite actor take a role; but for another it's news that puts them off seeing a film. The great thing about a comic book or graphic novel is you can pick it up and the collaboration between a writer and an artist can really paint a clear and interesting picture of all the people involved. You begin to learn about characters as you move along a story – either loving them or hating them, but not basing it on appearances or acting skills. This is a world where the characters are “real” people, but with extraordinary circumstances or powers thrust upon them. With a film, the wrong choice in cast can result in a bad performance that kills any charm the plot once held. At the end of the day someone “pretending” to have these powers, or be in these situations, is never going to match a story where these things are happening because they are written that way in that world – and are reacted to appropriately.
For all the negative points though, there come a great many positives. As I mentioned before, a good film adaptation can generate interest in the source material and give it a new readership. At a Sci-Fi convention I was at a couple of months back, I got to listen to a talk on this subject by some authors and illustrators in the comic book/graphic novel field. Dave Gibbons (co-creator of the “Watchmen” comic series) pointed out that for all the merchandise, Hollywood could at least create an atmosphere where it's even easier for people to connect with a film's source material. I mean you can buy a drink at a cinema with a free promotional toy, but how about a stand outside the screen with copies of the comic for sale. It's something I personally think cinema could do very easily, with little effort on their part. Surely if you are successful in film with an idea generated by someone else , it's fair to pay tribute to them, and open it up so that perhaps other stories can be “brought to life”.
Another great point is the rise in talent of the directors chosen to helm comic book adaptations. For all the “gooseberries” out there, there are three or four fantastically done films. Directors such as Christopher Nolan, Zack Synder, and Jon Favreau are amongst some of the strongest currently. Christopher Nolan helped to make the Batman re-invention something that everyone wanted and wants to see with the films “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight”. No longer has it become a joke filled film with cheesy clichés and sub-par acting. It's started to get back into the gritty dark world so eloquently created in the comics. Zack Synder has also been prominent in his adaptations – choosing to stay closer to the source material – with both “300” and “Watchmen” delivering the distinctive look of the graphic novels, as well as giving them a fresh take that doesn't kill the story at all. Jon Favreau is one of the directors helming as part of the big Marvel mission of films at the moment, and even though there's so much more and so many different directors coming our way – I think he's doing it well. “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2” have both proved to be popular films, that actually have people heading to wikipedia to look up characters and background stories themselves. Also with the various directors tending to be fans of the comic book medium themselves, it means that these directors can really put together a visually strong look and structurally strong plot that pays homage to the material well.
Jon Favreau is one of the myriad of talented directors helming Marvel films.
Other issues leave me torn however. In a current climate where sequels, prequels and remakes are the main occurrence in film; with comic books come the opportunity to spin something out for as long as it generates money – rather than as long as it can be made well. On the one hand some sequels can be fantastic ("Superman 2" and "Spiderman 2" being key examples), and I get excited to see what comes next for a character and their story. On the other hand, spinning something out so much it no longer becomes accessible or turns into a parody of itself – slightly diminishes the source material, and puts people off rather than welcoming them into a new world. Another thing that splits me is the changing of a story or missing out of parts. I like to see original plot-lines and ideas as different writers can take a character different places; but sometimes I just wish for others to be more faithful to something I've read, so that I feel I'm actually a part of the adaptation myself.
Overall I can't help but fall under the thrall of Hollywood. If I'm honest I love seeing the stories I enjoy on a big screen, with the actors I love. It's almost like it's a slightly lazy way of taking in a story – but taking in that story nonetheless. I have to admit, before I saw some of the films and heard the news of Marvel's big plan to bring all their comic book heroes together in film, I had never really taken an interest in the Marvel universe. I find myself now happily whiling away days and weeks researching all the characters, their plot-lines and roles in comics, and actually reading the comics themselves in order to gain a bigger understanding for what's coming. The reward comes when you see a film and are able to get excited at casting, or having the knowledge that things you read are going to be brought to life even more. It made a fan in me – and actually in most cases I prefer the comic books or graphic novels more – something that has gained an appreciation from me for all the work put in to the source material.
Of course there's always going to be turkeys, but that is what Hollywood and cinema is all about. Not every film can be a good film, and not every adaptation can be successful. Heck if it were like that, then film reviewers like me, like you, like everyone would be out of a job! If adapting comic books gives Hollywood some fresh ideas, some new ground to tread, and a chance to make some new fans; then I'm all for it. I really wish an idea like Dave Gibbons mentioned would come into play, but as long as talented directors who are fans themselves know how best to bring comics to the masses, then I can't wait for what's coming my way! Comic books/Graphic novels plus Hollywood really are a match to survive for a fair while yet.
In part two of this article, I give you a full overview of what's coming your way – complete with dates, writers and directors, and casting details. Flix Out.
