Callum McLaughlin's Blog, page 50
May 19, 2017
Book to Film | Misery
Misery’s book cover (left) and film poster (right).
The next of my book to film comparisons is going to be Misery by Stephen King, the story of a successful writer rescued by his ‘number one fan’ following a serious car accident, who quickly realises that sweet Annie Wilkes may not be as well-meaning as she first seemed. Interestingly, it’s also one of King’s most autobiographic novels, with Wilkes representing his own real-life readership who he felt had been forcing him to write books he didn’t truly believe in, mirroring the protagonist’s longing to kill off his most famous character and write ‘real’ literature.
In terms of both the book and the film, I love the fact that the prisoner concept is subverted from the norm, with a woman holding a man captive and the former being the one that holds all the power in the warped dynamic that emerges between the two. I think, by-and-large, the film was very successful in capturing the essence of the original book, with its constant sinister atmosphere and infamous antagonist.
By far the most successful aspect of the adaptation to screen is the casting of Kathy Bates as deranged former nurse, Annie Wilkes. Bates understandably won the Academy Award for her captivating performance of a woman constantly on the edge, flitting between the roles of prudish, sickly-sweet caregiver and manic kidnapper.
The film has a very small cast, with the only other major player being James Caan as Paul Sheldon, the successful writer and subject of Wilkes’ obsessions. Whilst I think Caan played the scenes of Paul’s physical pain very well (of which there are a few), other than that I found his performance pretty flat. Not once did he scream, cry, well-up or yell in frustration at his situation or even show much emotion on his face at all for that matter. Perhaps I’m being harsh and his performance merely pales more so than usual because Bates is so charismatic in her role.
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The film’s principal cast; Kathy Bates and James Caan.
In terms of changes from book to film, I think some of Paul’s inner turmoil is lost, as we don’t have the luxury on screen of being able to hear his thoughts like we can in the book. His fear of losing his mind, his longing to write to hold onto his sanity and his fantasies about what may be happening in the outside world are largely lost, though for the sake of pacing, I can understand why this was necessary. Along a similar vein, I think we also lose some of the sense of time. Much of the book is about the sheer boredom and constant churning undertone of fear that Paul feels as time drifts slowly by. Because the film has to keep moving, we don’t get the same notion of just how long he has been held captive.
As much as the film is famed for its cringe-inducing hobbling scene, and it is indeed painful to watch, if you’ve read the book you’ll no doubt agree when I say the version of events in the book is far more disturbing, and there are a few other cases as well wherein the violence is actually significantly removed or toned down for the film, believe it or not.
I really liked that they kept the same concept for the film’s final scenes, in which Paul continues to be haunted by the memory of Annie, though once again I think the book’s version of this scene is more dramatic and impactful.
All-in-all, I’d say this is a very good if not perfect adaptation, faithful to the tone and feel of the original text, and certainly worth watching for Bates’ performance if nothing else.
May 15, 2017
Phoenix Award
The Phoenix Award
I rarely get round to taking part in blog awards these days but when (much to my surprise) I saw that I had been kindly put forward for one by one of my very favourite and most generous blogging friends (who goes by the name Just Me, and is nothing but a delight) and saw the wonderful sentiment behind the award itself, I knew I had to get involved.
If you haven’t checked out my nominator’s blog, you absolutely should. Huge thanks also have to go to Audrey, the original creator of the Phoenix Award. It aims essentially to promote people whose main motivation is to support or inspire others with a positive attitude. Here’s the official description:
Recipients of this award personify the Phoenix because they seemingly arise from ashes to thrive in strength, love, and setting a positive example of personal growth and rebirth for others.
The person I have chosen to pass the award on to is Abi from the blog, Whimsywriter3. Whether it’s sharing bookish love, discussing social issues, promoting fellow writers, celebrating creativity, or co-founding a literary magazine, Abi certainly keeps herself busy and always has something interesting, thought-provoking or encouraging to say, so often centered around a true sense of community and mutual support.
Part of the award encourages us to ask 5 questions to help people get to know the recipient a little better, so here are my questions should Abi wish to accept the award (though there’s no pressure to do so, of course).
What made you decide to start a blog?
What one book would you urge everyone to read if you could?
What was the inspiration behind your lit mag, Cauldron Anthology?
What are some of your favourite non-bookish interests?
What one fact would you like people to know about you?
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The Rules of Nomination (Paying It Forward)
Nominate one recipient only, so as to preserve its authenticity and to keep it alive and thriving.
Present the nominee with the award by notifying them.
Provide a link to an excerpt of the blog that inspired your nomination, and a brief explanation of why you chose that post.
5 random questions may be asked to the recipient.
Remember to appreciate the blogger who nominated you.
Display your award for all to see and be proud to call yourself a Phoenix.
Mention the creator of the award and please don’t let the chain die out.
May 10, 2017
Women in Fiction | Luna Lovegood
Luna Lovegood
The latest character to be featured in my ‘Women in Fiction’ series is Luna Lovegood from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, who is portrayed by Evanna Lynch in the movie adaptations. Having already featured her Potter contemporary, Hermione Granger, in part for her unwillingness to compromise who she truly is, I couldn’t fail to also mention Luna, who has a level of self-love, acceptance and comfort in her own skin that most of us can only aspire to.
Delightfully quirky, Luna is unashamedly herself and though it would have been easy for such an oddball to have been painted as a loner, she instead showed us that kindness and loyalty will always win out in the end by proving herself to be one of Harry’s most reliable companions who is not at all afraid to stand up for what is right. In doing so, she also proved that sensitivity and compassion need not be seen as signs of weakness.
Essentially, Luna taught us that being true to ourselves may not necessarily be the fastest way to make the most friends, but it’s the best way to make the right ones.
May 4, 2017
A Happy Little Update
Just a quick post today to share a bit of writerly news with anyone who may happen to be vaguely interested. In the last couple of weeks I’ve had two prose poems published in the newly launched literary magazine, Cauldron Anthology. Drawing on mythology and the ‘wild feminine’, the theme for the first issue was Sirens, which formed the basis for the inspiration behind each of the poems I submitted.
One of them is entitled Incubation, and it uses imagery of Sirens to explore gender inequality and the culture of victim blaming. The other, Protest, was inspired largely by the recent women’s marches and a growing need for unity.
Warmest thanks to anyone who checks out the poems and supports Cauldron Anthology in their early days as an emerging publication.
April 30, 2017
April Wrap Up
All the books I read in April
Throughout April, I managed to finish a total of 10 books (5 novels, 3 non-fiction books, a short story collection and a poetry anthology), bringing me up to 42 books for the year so far.
It was a really strong month overall, with two particular stand-out reads. Some of you probably won’t be too surprised to hear that one of them was a Daphne du Maurier book; Frenchman’s Creek. The way she sets the scene and creates atmosphere is masterful, and I loved that this, as with the other works I’ve read by her thus far, defies being pigeonholed into any one genre. It’s part rip-roaring adventure story, part love story and part literary fiction, with interesting commentary on gender roles and the struggle of freedom vs. responsibility as we follow Dona, a sarcastic and headstrong woman bored of her aristocratic life who ends up in league with a crew of pirates.
The other stand-out read was Shelter by Jung Yun. In this we follow a young man and his wife and son as they are forced to take in his parents after they are victim to a horrendous crime, even though there are deep tensions and underlying problems from their difficult past. It cleverly poses questions about the extent to which we owe our family respect and support, even if they haven’t necessarily earned it, whilst touching on themes that include class, gender, religion, violence and recovery.
I read a couple of books that could both be easily described as important and timely: Asking for it by Louise O’Neill, which explores the culture of slut- shaming and victim blaming; and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, which was inspired by the problems of police brutality and racial tension in America. Both highlighted their central themes well and struck me as being good book club books, sure to get people talking about these controversial yet pressing topics.
I was a little disappointed by Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George, which I felt got a little problematic and messy towards the end, which was a shame, and whilst I loved the title story and enjoyed a couple of others, The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter ultimately left me feeling a little lukewarm, though I accept that this was perhaps due in part to my own very high expectations, since theoretically this book should have been everything I love in fiction.
I enjoyed revisiting some of Warsan Shire’ poetry and trying a couple of new-to-me poets in the third in Penguin’s Modern Poets series, whilst Emer O’Toole’s approachable non-fiction exploration of gender constructs in Girls Will be Girls made for interesting reading. Last but not least, I chuckled (and nearly teared up a few times) throughout Sue Perkins’ memoir, Spectacles, and was delighted as ever by Hannah Dale’s beautiful artwork and charming facts about animals in another of her books, Flying the Nest; this one featuring portraits of native British species when they are babies.
Here’s hoping May can be as strong a reading month as this one was. I look forward to seeing what tales come my way.
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What was your favourite read in April?
April 25, 2017
The Greek Gods Book Tag
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I love books and I love things inspired by mythology, so when I saw that Zuky had created an original tag called The Greek Gods Book Tag, I knew right away that I wanted to give it a go and had the perfect excuse to do so when I was then kindly tagged by Rachel. So, let’s just jump right in.
Zeus: King of the Gods – your favourite book
Despite only reading it a few months ago, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier shot right to the top of my list of favourite books. Richly atmospheric, deliciously gothic, beautifully written; I still find myself thinking about it all the time.
Hera: Queen of the Gods – a badass female character
The first person I thought of for this was Gretel, from Hansel and Gretel, which is a bit random but why not? It’s my favourite fairy tale, largely because Gretel is one of the very few female characters from classic tales who saves the day herself – after all, it’s her who outwits the witch and frees her brother – nor does she need to be married off to a prince to get her happily ever after.
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Rebecca & Hansel and Gretel
Janus: God of Beginnings – your favourite debut(s)
I could pick lots for this, so here are a few that quickly sprung to mind: Church of Marvels by Leslie Parry, Shelter by Jung Yun, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling and Bird Box by Josh Malerman
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Church of Marvels, Shelter, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone & Bird Box
Athena: Goddess of Wisdom – your favourite non-fiction book
I really enjoyed Iris Grace by Arabella Carter-Johnson. It’s the real-life story of a young girl (written by her own mother) who slowly breaks out of the confines and solitude of severe autism through her wonderful artistic talent and a beautiful, life changing bond with her pet cat, Thula. It’s a heart-warming story and a gorgeous book, full of examples of Iris’ artwork and photographs of her interacting with Thula.
Aphrodite: Goddess of Love – a book you adore and recommend everyone read (other than your favourite book!)
In terms of being approachable for everyone and universally retable in its theme, the first thing that comes to mind is A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. It’s the story of a young boy named Conor attempting to come to terms with his mother’s ill health whilst being visited at night by a strange monster who pledges to tell him stories if Conor admits to the truth he is trying to hide from both himself and others.
Hades: God of the Underworld – an evil book you wish didn’t exist
I almost never DNF a book, but after suffering through more than 100 pages of Being a Beast by Charles Foster, I just had to relent. It’s a non-fiction book about a man who set out to live like various species supposedly to understand them better, but it was farcical, nonsensical, exploitative and full of contradictions. When he opened the book by telling us he used to be a trophy hunter, contributed to a hunting magazine and still fills his home with taxidermy, we were off to a shaky start, and sadly things only went downhill from there.
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Iris Grace, A Monster Calls & Being a Beast
Poseidon: God of the Sea & Earthquakes – a beautiful & ground-breaking book
For this I’m going to pick The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida, translated from Japanese by David Mitchell and K.A. Yoshida. It’s actually another non-fiction book about autism, oddly enough, only this one is written from the person living with the condition himself; and he’s only 13 years old! It’s structured mostly like a Q&A, in which he attempts to dispel myths surrounding autism and help people better understand why he behaves a certain way. It’s full of touching, enlightening moments and could help a lot of people to be more open-minded and tolerant.
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Vixen by Rosie Garland
Apollo: God of the Arts – a beautiful book cover
I’m going to opt for Vixen by Rosie Garland for this, partly because it’s easily one of my favourite book covers of all time and partly to remind myself to actually read it, since it’s been sitting on my shelves for ages…
Hypnos: God of Sleep – a book so boring you almost fell asleep
Harriet Lane’s book, Her, is billed as a sinister revenge thriller but it’s so tame and never really gets going. I kept waiting for things to ramp up to the next level but it just didn’t happen. When it’s finally revealed, the actual motivation behind the ‘torment’ is frankly ridiculous and practically non-existent, and the ending fell equally as flat for me, unfortunately.
Hermes: Messenger of the Gods – a book you sped through
I recently picked up Blythe Baird’s collection of poetry, Give Me a God I Can Relate To, intending to try the first couple of poems but I was so instantly hooked that I read the whole thing in one sitting. Her work is so accessible yet powerful, touching on themes like gender, sexuality, eating disorders and sexual abuse, always being incredibly poignant and relatable. I think it’s a great collection to try no matter if you’re a seasoned reader of poetry or a complete newcomer to the form.
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The Reason I Jump, Her & Give Me a God I Can Relate To
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There we have it! Thanks again to Zuky for creating this great tag and Rachel for inviting me to take part. If you want to get involved, consider yourself tagged by me.
April 21, 2017
Book to Film | Rebecca
Rebecca’s book cover (left) and film poster (right).
Having read and fallen in love with Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca earlier this year, I was eager to see the much-celebrated Hitchcock adaptation; one of three of du Maurier’s stories that he converted for the big screen.
As is usually to be expected with film adaptations, there were several discrepancies from the original text, though thankfully most were minor and justifiable enough not to lose the sentiment and atmosphere that du Maurier sought to create with her masterpiece (encapsulated very well through Hitchcock’s direction and the wonderful recreation of the story’s iconic setting, Manderley), meaning that overall, I felt it was a faithful interpretation that is well worth seeing.
The cast all did a great job in bringing the characters to life. Fontaine was very believable as the naïve, eager-to-please second Mrs de Winter (I really appreciated that they allowed her to remain unnamed as in the book), whilst Olivier was as charismatic as ever. The role of Mrs Danvers shifts dynamic slightly given that Anderson is not the skeletal, older figure that is presented in the book, but the actress does such a fine job of capturing her stern, sinister essence that I can overlook it. Even smaller characters were made memorable thanks to good performances, like Maxim’s straight-talking sister and the eccentric Mrs Van Hopper.
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The principal cast, from left to right: Joan Fontaine, Laurence Olivier, Judith Anderson and George Sanders.
*There are slight spoilers for both the book and film in this coming paragraph.* I definitely preferred the nature of Rebecca’s death in the book, given the implication that she deliberately baited Maxim into killing her so that she would avoid a slow death and he would be condemned to a life in prison, but also the warped dynamic this leads to in his relationship with his new wife, who is all too keen to help him get away with it. I understand and appreciate that cinematic code at the time meant that spouses couldn’t be shown to deliberately kill their partner and get away with it, so her death had to be made accidental, but for me this meant the plot lost some of its sinister impact.
Whilst I also appreciate that the slight change in the ending made it more visually pleasing and dramatic to a cinema-going audience, it’s the quiet menace and slight ambiguity of the novel that remains my preferred version.
All-in-all, it was a tasteful and thoroughly enjoyable adaptation that stays true to the ‘the book is always better’ rule, but stands as its own solid film that should please those who love du Maurier’s complex and layered tale of secrets and lies; longing and betrayal.
April 16, 2017
Bookish Buzzwords
Inspired by a recent video, I’ve been thinking about what my bookish buzzwords are. For those unfamiliar with the term, a buzzword is something that immediately stands out to you in a synopsis or review that instantly piques your interest, making you a lot more likely to pick up the book to which it refers. Taking note of what they are is a simple yet interesting way to identify your own individual tastes.
For me, when referring to the tone or feel of a story, words like ‘whimsical’, ‘atmospheric’, ‘dark’, ‘haunting’ and ‘gothic’ really hook me in. In terms of the setting, I’m drawn to words like ‘isolated’ and ‘rural’, whilst mention of inspiration coming from ‘mythology’ or ‘fairy tales’ is pretty much guaranteed to keep me reading. As for the writing itself, it’s terms like ‘lyrical’ and ‘poetic’ that definitely appeal to my personal tastes.
It’s not lost on me that lots of these words overlap and complement each other to a certain extent. For example, a book inspired by fairy tales will often by its very nature have a whimsical, dark feel and be told in lyrical prose. Hence, my favourite kind of story becomes clear to see.
I’d be really interested to know what some of your bookish buzzwords are.
April 11, 2017
Trapped
Every time I write my name and feel your lineage draw me into the earth like the great roots of a tree, I wish I’d thought to bring an axe so that I may let fly the blood-red sap they harbour, loaded with the acidic tang of bitterness that could burn me to absolution.
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April 5, 2017
Let’s Recommend | Graphic Novels
Let’s recommend some graphic novels.
It’s been a long time since I did a post recommending graphic novels and I’ve read some really great ones since then, so let’s just jump right in. As always, I invite you all to swap your own recommendations in the comments.
The One Hundred Nights of Hero by Isabel Greenberg
Greenberg masters the stories-within-stories structure to create a glorious tapestry. Inspired by mythology and fairy tales, it brings fantastically well-handled feminist and LGBT themes into the mix as well. I love the way each story weaves into the next, and the ways they all link back to those that came before to tell one larger tale of sisterhood, betrayal and love.
Alex + Ada by Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn
This short series centres around the notion of artificial intelligence, exploring classic themes like love and what it means to be human in a story that is equal parts action-packed as it is character focussed. It’s great if you’re looking for a new series, but don’t want one that will be a huge commitment of time and money, the arc of its story having been completed in just three volumes.
Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughan and Niko Henrichon
This hard-hitting tale is based on true events in which a pride of lions escaped from a zoo following a bombing raid. It’s about the brutality of war and the cruelty that humans are capable of, even issues like racial distrust if you want to take the allegory really seriously. At its heart though, beyond a little creative liberty, this is a poignant tale about a search for freedom, beautifully brought to life through the stunningly vibrant artwork. It hurtles towards an ending that feels inevitable but which devastates nonetheless.
Skim by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki
This is one of my very favourite graphic novels, being quiet yet effecting. The Tamaki cousins manage to perfectly capture all the unease of teenage life and the daunting first experiences of love, grief, friendship, sexuality and self-discovery, without ever falling into the traps of melodrama. It’s quietly heart-breaking, funny and relatable, with big themes brought together with understated flair and simple yet expressive artwork.
Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol
This was one of the first graphic novels I ever read, and I remember it very fondly to this day. This is a fun, quirky story with dark undertones. I think the purple colour palette and stylised art style worked really well, and I also really appreciated that protagonist Anya isn’t your typical ‘perfect’ girl. She’s a Russian immigrant who struggles to fit in and worries about normal teenage issues like weight problems, looking cool and making friends. She made the story a lot more real (despite its supernatural charm) and thoroughly enjoyable.
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What graphic novels would you recommend? Let’s chat about them.
