Films and TV
Stardust
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Stardust is a film is based on the book of the same name by Neil Gaiman. I've been a big fan of Gaiman's work for a few years now, especially the epic "Sandman" graphic novel series, also other works like "American Gods".
Stardust was a nice little book, slightly different from Gaiman's other work. An almost whimsical fairy tale, but with plenty of his usual dry humour. Clearly inspired by Lord Dunsany's "The King Of Elfland's Daughter", it starts off in a quiet English village near a Wall, which separates our world from Beyond, and tells the story of what happens to a mortal who happens to cross the Wall.
When I saw they were making it into a film, I had the usual mixed feelings. Would they ruin it completely or would it retain some of the charm of the original work?
The answer is they haven't done too badly. Big budget. Big star cast, including Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfieffer, Claire Danes, Sienna Miller and even Ricky Gervais (playing himself, as far as I can see). It's got witches, ghosts, a talking star, and a good goat.
Lots of special effects. Maybe a bit too glossy and in your face, at the expense on missing out on some of the subtleties of the book, but I guess that's inevitable. And the humour a bit more obvious than it needed to be perhaps. Minor gripes though.
On the whole, a very enjoyable, light hearted fantasy I would say. Good fun, with lots of originality.
I'm now curious to see what they'll do with Philip Pullman's "The Golden Compass", when it comes out in December. The armoured polar bears looked good in the trailer I saw. I'll post a review when it comes out. Meanwhile, I'm hoping to see Beowulf this week. Watch this space…
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2 comments for “Stardust”
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I'm waiting for the Golden Compass review. Loved Northern Lights; very much a children's book, yes, but the universe is fantastic. I don't exactly have high hopes for the film, mind.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this film. It was very heavy on glitter (shiny CG), but because the fairy tale was well told, I was captivated. I read Good Omens, but presumed much of the comedy belonged to Pratchett. This film convinced me otherwise and has me interested in Gaiman's writing.