ROTTEN TOMATOES: Neil Gaiman - RT's Dinner and the Movies Interview Comments

Neil Gaiman - RT's Dinner and the Movies Interview

by Joe Utichi | October 17, 2007

Summary

We have an extended chat with the prolific sci-fi and fantasy author who talks about his projects past, present and future and answers your questions. Read highlights from the discussion and download a podcast to listen to at your leisure. Back to Article

(1-27 of 27 posts) | Reply

witherwings writes:
on Oct 17 2007 08:12 AM

I love that man. What a mind.

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dracus writes:
on Oct 17 2007 08:40 AM

If Hollywood encourgaged writers like Gaimen instead of relying on remakes, it wouldn't be in the creative mess that it's in now.

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PlanBFromOuterSpace writes:
on Oct 17 2007 10:31 AM

I read an article about comic-related movies that are currently in development hell recently that was pretty interesting, and Gaiman's name popped up quite a bit, as it seems that quite a few of his earlier works resemble other projects that, in the meantime, have already made it to the silver screen. For instance, Books of Magic, at least when described briefly, sounds a little too Harry Potter-ish and more like an imitation than something that had already been around for several years before the Potter books even existed. Apparently, someone else wrote a script that re-worked it a bit, and Gaiman liked it, but suggested that they just call it something else entirely, because it didn't really resemble his original stories at all anymore. He's sort of a victim of bad timing in a way and he's very much a writer first and maybe a filmmaker second (or third...or fourth). Much of his writing isn't very cinematic, and from what I've heard, Mirrormask was just an incredible bore. This was FROM Gaiman fans, about the only audience that wanted to see that movie in the first place. Yes, Neil Gaiman (while not exactly a favorite of mine) is a good writer, and Dave McKean is a good artist, but you can't just throw them in the same room and expect them to put together the most compelling movie ever made. I think the only thing that could really sell on HIS name now would be a Sandman movie, because that's his signature work, the book that got the most mainstream attention (15 years ago, anyway) and would be most likely to draw in a potential audience that has no idea who Gaiman is. At this point, the phrase "from the author of Stardust" doesn't carry the same weight as "from the creator of Sin City and 300" (Frank MIller) or "from the author of V for Vendetta" (Alan Moore), but maybe a Sandman movie, if treated properly, could give other Gaiman projects a jumpstart and more of a chance to succeed based on their association with him.

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artdude102 writes:
on Oct 17 2007 10:58 AM

In reply to this comment (#1197623)
100% agreement here! I'm currently listening to the audio version of Stardust read by Gaiman himself and it's the most lyrical work I've heard since Phillip Pullman read his own "His Dark materials" trilogy. I wish production companies would take note and STOP with the endless wave of rotten remakes and TV inspired shlock (Bewitched anyone!?)

(Reply to this)

artdude102 writes:
on Oct 17 2007 11:02 AM

In reply to this comment (#1197623)
100% agreement here! I'm currently listening to the audio version of Stardust read by Gaiman himself and it's the most lyrical work I've heard since Phillip Pullman read his own "His Dark materials" trilogy. I wish production companies would take note and STOP with the endless wave of rotten remakes and TV inspired shlock (Bewitched anyone!?)

(Reply to this)

crudebob writes:
on Oct 17 2007 12:38 PM

In reply to this comment (#1197623)
Dracus, you hit the nail right on the head. I think the problem with Hollywood is that it's a lot easier for them to dust of on a old story and remake a movie than it is take a chance on a new writer and bring him or her along.

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I Am Remote writes:
on Oct 17 2007 03:41 PM

Anyone here dislike Gaiman? Anyone? No?

Alright I'll leave.

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pinkincide writes:
on Oct 17 2007 04:27 PM

I liked Stardust, but I think you have to give as much credit to the screenwriters as to Gaiman. Gaiman's version was rather lightweight and vague and would have made a similar move had they followed it directly. Nearly everything the screenwriters changed--including the entire ending--was a huge improvement. Most of the comedy was a product of the screenplay also.

But I don't want to knock Gaiman too much, because the original vision was his, and I'm for whatever it takes to get an original movie made rather than unending remakes and sequels. So if he supplies the raw materials and good screenwriters polish it we've got a good formula.

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Timber writes:
on Oct 17 2007 05:14 PM

I loved the "Neverwhere" novel, and think it would make a great and quite unique film if done by the right person (Guillermo del Toro would be nice), and with a decent budget.

I've resisted watching the BBC adaptation mostly because I assumed that the hackneyed TV special effects would ruin it for me. If anyone has seen it and has an opinion, tell me what you thought.

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Cmedic79 writes:
on Oct 17 2007 07:31 PM

Sandman will be a tremendous task to adapt it to the screen. Gaiman's visions are very complex and his stories combine so much. I want a sandman movie very much but am more than nervous about it's transition. And for the record I did enjoy mirromask.

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fox3run writes:
on Oct 18 2007 09:33 AM

Alan Moore wannabe...nuff said

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Ahimaaz writes:
on Oct 18 2007 02:23 PM

The Sandman is Gaiman's masterstroke. Forget Stardust, it may or may not turn out a winner for him, since he isn't even writing for the screen. I look forward to Death: The High Cost of Living, for which he's gonna sit on the director's throne. If other Sandman series likewise adapted to screen by a director like Guillermo del Toro with him assisting, you never know it can turn out to be a unique film experience like Sin City made by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller.

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ThunderMammoth writes:
on Oct 18 2007 02:49 PM

In reply to this comment (#1199851)
I've seen the BBC Neverwhere, and i honestly loved it. i bought it later as well. but then, this is coming from someone who grew up liking the Tom Baker Dr Who series, and much prefers the BBC version of Hitchikers Guide than the film done recently. so, take that advice for what you will. LOL...

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FuzzyWhisper writes:
on Oct 19 2007 07:13 AM

Gaiman is brilliant. I'm beside myself with anticipation for Death. I know that Neil will get the casting exactly right.

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remyrem12 writes:
on Oct 19 2007 10:27 AM

In reply to this comment (#1199851)
You can watch Neverwhere on youtube if you want.Just search 'neverwhere' and it should come up.

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Sprizmo writes:
on Oct 19 2007 01:59 PM

Man oh man, If they have anyone direct a Sandman trilogy (and it should at the very least be a trilogy) it should be Guillermo Del Toro. With a Pan's Labyrinth visual and dramatic sensibility it could only be a cinematic triumph.

For the guy who says Gaiman's an Alan Moore wannabe, I'm sure Moore himself would disagree.

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adb89 writes:
on Oct 19 2007 02:12 PM

I'd love an American Gods movie... if they got it right. As for a Sandman movie, thats a little iffy IMO. I really look forward to seeing who plays Death.

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Travis27 writes:
on Oct 20 2007 11:56 PM

Peter Jackson should direct American Gods or Good Omens

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notbri writes:
on Oct 21 2007 10:33 PM

In reply to this comment (#1199851)
The Neverwhere miniseries wasn't that bad if you don't have incredible expectations going in. I mean, if you're a huge Gaiman fan, then watch it just because it's a part of the "canon," just don't expect it to be on par with the book. He wrote the book because he didn't get to do everything with the miniseries he'd hoped to do, so...

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Kudama writes:
on Oct 22 2007 07:53 AM

A lot of love here for del Torro. I'm in good company. He's been my favorite living director since Cronos.
Chalk me up as a person that very much enjoyed Mirror Mask. I liked it head and shoulders above anything else Henson Studios has been involved with. And I'll never forget the story of the exiled old Chinese dude that was saved by a kitten in Sandman (drawn by one of my favorites-Jon J. Muth). Good stuff.

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SS109 writes:
on Oct 22 2007 02:50 PM

I would love to see American Gods as a mini-series.

I read the book every couple years and still find it so vivid.

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jacog writes:
on Oct 23 2007 08:30 AM

Good interview, I listened to it yesterday... but egads, Hollywood sounds daft. The part about some big studio wanting to do Anansi Boys, but removing all fantasy elements because you "can't have black people in a fantasy film" - WTF ???

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oneirosdreams writes:
on Oct 23 2007 06:48 PM

A Sandman movie(s) would present a very fragmented portrayal of Gaiman's work in my opinion. Not even a trilogy would do it justice. A feature film simply wouldn't be able to contain the Sandman universe with all its subplots. With such story, I assume the film would be beautiful but frustratingly incomplete.

If they were to a do live action rendition, then MAYBE a TV series intended to last 10 seasons would be the best way to go. It'll be tricky, but no harm in wishful thinking.

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FranklinStreet writes:
on Oct 24 2007 12:37 PM

I'm not a huge Natalie Portman fan, but I have to say that she would be a pretty decent choice (and a commercial one, as well) for Death.

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FranklinStreet writes:
on Oct 24 2007 12:41 PM

You know who I'd rather see though? Zooey Deschanel.

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Amalgamate writes:
on Jan 21 2008 04:20 PM

If you google sandman screenplay, you get one of the drafts that has yet to be filmed. It's pretty good-combines the first 8 comics with the Dollhouse series. It should be made.
I was fortunate to start collecting the comic books of Sandman right from the beginning so I have them all

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Clippernolan writes:
on Feb 04 2008 07:40 PM

I love Gaiman and I love the Sandman series. But anyone attempting to direct a Sandman movie should have his or her head examined. It is glorious, but it's unfilmable - it's too big, too intricate, to woven with literary references. There is no way it could please everyone, which is what it would have to do. It would be like trying to make an adpatation of a novel that is the length of an encylopedia. How long did Gaiman spend on it? Over a decade. No. Make a Death movie, sure. Make a movie about Barbie's adventures fighting the Cuckoo (and get Gilliam for that one). But stay away from Sandman. As much as I love it, I am highly, highly doubtful the magic would survive the transfer to film.

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