Rough Trade Friday: Stardust (Movie Version)
Every once in a while, a movie comes along that just doesn't fit well into single genre and, as a result, the marketing companies tend to have no idea how to sell the damn thing. The Princess Bride is a perfect example: because it wasn't marketed properly, it pretty much tanked in the theaters but became a hit when it was released on VHS and DVD. Stardust, it seems is destined for a similar fate, mainly because, while it's a great film, it's tough to sell in a 30-second TV spot.
It's hard to describe Stardust to someone who hasn't read the book: well, it's about this kid named Tristan and how he is on a quest to find a star for his True Love... well, he thinks she's his true love, but we hate her within about ten seconds of meeting her. But there's also a nasty witch trying to find the star. And some princes, too. Oh, and it takes place in this magical kingdom that's hidden from the mortal world by a giant wall in a rural English town. Did I mention that there are some sky pirates involved, too?
You can start to see the dilemma of trying to get someone hooked on this story in thirty seconds.
The movie is based on Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess's beautiful illustrated novel, but it isn't a straight-up translation from page to screen. The overall plot and characters are the same, but there were a number of things in the book which were left out of the movie simply because they wouldn't translate well to celluloid. For the most part, the two versions are pretty similar until the last thirty minutes or so, whereupon they go in completely different directions. However, the book's beautiful-but-bittersweet ending wouldn't ever really work for a movie audience, and the movie's ending doesn't feel like a cop-out in the least. Oh, and Robert DeNiro deserves a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role as Captain Shakespeare. I won't say anything else about that, but I can guarantee that just about everyone who reads this site will agree with me once they see his performance.
About ten years from now, I suspect that Stardust will be considered this movie generation's version of The Princess Bride or The Wizard of Oz because it won't become a hit until it reaches the home viewing market. That's a shame that it won't be appreciated now, but I'm fairly certain that it will be loved by a lot of people in the future since it's got something for everyone: action, adventure, wonderful acting, a great soundtrack, and one of the most amazing swordfights you will ever witness (right at the end, just before Tristan confronts Lamia). Oh, and did I mention the love story? Because it's brilliant, and beautiful, and and heart-warming, just like every such story should be.
Boy of Tomorrow
Posted to Comics on 24 August 2007
· Comments (3)
Other stuff like this: charles vess, charlie cox, claire daines, film, matthew vaughn, neil gaiman, rough trade friday, stardust
I loved it. And I hope we'll see more of Charlie Cox.
Also, MirrorMask.
No seriously. Rent it, buy it, whatever. Just watch it. Too.
I haven't seen any television spots for it at all.
There is a tiny little ad printed in the newspaper, but that's about it.
The only reason I knew about it is because I operate in nerdy fannish circles.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was really surprised by how amazing the cast was. Tons of awesome people. I knew that Ian McKellen was going to be doing the narration (because I keep up on my Sir Ian news, yes indeed I do), but throughout the whole film I found myself going, "Hey, it's _____! Awesome!"
"Stardust" gains the Hoskie Seal of Approval. :D