The Shadow of the Wind
discussion
If they were to make a film, who should play...
daniel sempere - rupert grintfermin romero de torres - bruce willis
beatriz aguilar - emma watson
clara barcelo - maggie smith
julian carax - hugh grant
francisco javier fumero - robbie coltrane
nuria monfort - meryl streep
For a minute I was thinking that this couldn't be played by American actors, but now that Jack mentions Scarlett as Clara and Rodney mentions Elijah Wood as Daniel, they do fit the bill. I can't think of who else would fit the bill for the other characters because in my mind I just pictured them as non-stars. I would be curious to who could pull of Fermin. He was one of my favorite characters in the book.
I'd probably enjoy it more if it were a foreign film and did not include American actors. I just can't see those actors being any of the characters. It wouldn't feel right.The novel was originally written in Spanish and translated into English.
Having American actors running around pretending to be Spanish would ruin the experience. The city it takes place in is as much a character as the human characters themselves and they just wouldn't fit in with the setting.
I agree with Eliseo. Lets give the American actors (and the over-used British ones too) a break
Good points, Eliseo and Helen. I thought we were picking American actors, but it should be a foreign film so they can get the mood and the setting right.
There should absolutely be many relatively unknown but talented Spanish actors cast, but it all depends on whether the film is being made for English speaking audiences, or being made as a Spanish film. I would like to see both, with Del Toro directing the Spanish film.
Jack wrote: "There should absolutely be many relatively unknown but talented Spanish actors cast, but it all depends on whether the film is being made for English speaking audiences, or being made as a Spanish ..."Del Toro would be perfect. I always imagined the book in that dark sort of setting like he used for Pan's Labyrinth. I think he would be great. I think English audiences could handle it. I don't really think we need to have two versions made of the same movie. It will be like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trying to remake the movie for English audiences. Not necessary.
Jack wrote: "There should absolutely be many relatively unknown but talented Spanish actors cast, but it all depends on whether the film is being made for English speaking audiences, or being made as a Spanish ..."YES. I've always pictured Del Toro directing it.
I agree with you there.
Then again who knows how they'd do it. As long as it does the novel justice that's all that matters.
Sorry to burst your dreams but on an interview for Pagina 2 a program on Radio & Televison Espanola, Carlos Ruiz Zafon said he will never sell the rights to make a movie :(
Mike wrote: "Sorry to burst your dreams but on an interview for Pagina 2 a program on Radio & Televison Espanola, Carlos Ruiz Zafon said he will never sell the rights to make a movie :("Thanks for the info. To be honest, I don't think this bothers me at all. The movie in my head is so much better. :)
Licha wrote: "Mike wrote: "Sorry to burst your dreams but on an interview for Pagina 2 a program on Radio & Televison Espanola, Carlos Ruiz Zafon said he will never sell the rights to make a movie :("Thanks ..."
It's probably for the best.
I was actually hoping they wouldn't turn it into a film, but if they did then I would have hoped it'd be decent.
Yeah, Eliseo. The book is so special and magical. I think it would be hard to capture it's magic into even a 3hr movie. Plus the beauty of Zafon's prose makes this book a joy to read also.
Rodney wrote: "Daniel- Elijah Wood. He would fit into the narrative like a brilliant puzzle piece. . ."I hope that he does not look as constipated as he does in the Lord of the Rings though.
All I know is Jim Broadbent was born to play Gustavo Barcelo.
I can't imagine a theatrical movie doing the labyrinth beauty of this book the justice it truly deserves. These characters (from biggest to smallest) all need a chance to breathe, as does the complex storyline. But a 3 part HBO mini-series, on the other hand...with the right script and a great cast...now THAT would probably work.
Can't even imagine who would write or star in such a vehicle. When I read the book, i don't picture actors at all, but just people. Zafron's characterizations were marvelous and he made me really care about all of the characters.
Mike wrote: "Sorry to burst your dreams but on an interview for Pagina 2 a program on Radio & Televison Espanola, Carlos Ruiz Zafon said he will never sell the rights to make a movie :(" Thank goodness for that. And if it were ever to be made into a film it should be made in Spain, by a Spanish director with Spanish actors and in Spanish. Not a trace of hollywood nobbling the plot, the characters or the ending!
If they were to make a movie, I would love to see an American or British director do it. It's not a ridiculous notion. Look how well Martin Scorsese captured Paris in Hugo and how naturally all the characters spoke English, but we knew they were French. I would love to see a Shadow of the Wind film.
I think when people see "Hollywood", they think of rom-coms and action movies. There are a great number of films made by "Hollywood" that are incredible, nuanced, and emotional - Oscar films, art house, indies. These are not the types of films people go out to see, but they're obviously more worthwhile. If a great director like, well, like Scorsese or David Fincher is willing to take a look at The Shadow of the Wind, I would love to see it.
I think when people see "Hollywood", they think of rom-coms and action movies. There are a great number of films made by "Hollywood" that are incredible, nuanced, and emotional - Oscar films, art house, indies. These are not the types of films people go out to see, but they're obviously more worthwhile. If a great director like, well, like Scorsese or David Fincher is willing to take a look at The Shadow of the Wind, I would love to see it.
I loved the book and regret giving it to someone. I do not think that a movie would be as good visually as my imagination. However, knowing that too many people today do not enjoy wrapping themselves in the life created by an author (with my imagination). Too few read and too few exercise their minds. I could see the value of a movie if only to encourage others to read the book.
I think this book is certainly an epic movie in prose. Unfortunately, I believe a movie would destroy it, at least the way productions (especially Hollywood) currently take liberties with books in an effort to condense it and/or make it formulaic for general audiences. And I don't want someone else's vision to change my vision of these most wonderful characters. The one alternative might be a very strict and detailed mini-series, and I agree with other posts it ultimately should be non-American; but it's probably best to leave it alone. However, to address the posted question of possible actors, one did continually come to mind in the most enjoyable character for me, that of Fermin. I kept picturing Adrian Brody. Anyone agree? So glad to see others who enjoyed this marvelous story.
David wrote: "I think this book is certainly an epic movie in prose. Unfortunately, I believe a movie would destroy it, at least the way productions (especially Hollywood) currently take liberties with books in..."I agree with everything you just said David. As for the character I hadn't pictured an actual actor, but I think Adrian Brody would fit this character perfectly.
Here's my Latino/a actor list (with ideal director= Pedro Almodovar):Daniel Sempere = Alejandro Nieto (see him as child actor/son in "Miel para Oshun"--he's 11 yrs. older now!)
Fermín Romero de Torres = Imanol Arias (see him in "Salvajes")
Beatriz Aguilar = Blanca Portillo (see her in "Volver")
Clara Barcelo = Yohana Cobo (see her in "Volver")
Julian Carax = Javier Bardem (see him in "Butiful")
Francisco Javier Fumero = Enrique Murciano (see him in "Mancora")
Nuria Monfort = Carmen Maura (see her in "Volver")
they say bad books make good movies, so maybe it will be a hit!!
Clare wrote: "they say bad books make good movies, so maybe it will be a hit!!"Ouch! I loved this book but think it should stay a book no movie thank you. It's literacy prose deems that it remains a book only.
I totally agree with Jen who wrote, "...if it were ever to be made into a film it should be made in Spain, by a Spanish director with Spanish actors and in Spanish. Not a trace of Hollywood nobbling the plot, the characters or the ending." Amen!
I wouldn't kick Guillermo del Toro out of the mix, his version of the Labyrinth would likely be grand, and could still be done in Spanish. He's already made one successful Spanish-language film here in the States. Almodovar is a genius, but in the States his movies play at art theaters in major cities then go straight to video. If you guys are looking for 'big name' actors, which director is more likely to get the budget? I was also thinking back that even though they tinkered a lot with 'Name of the Rose', it was still a fairly decent movie.Yes, I do realize it was neither as intricate, subtle, etc, etc. etc. as Eco's book. It was a fairly good movie. Sometimes that's the best you can hope for...or did any of you happen to see 'Even Cowgirls Get the Blues'?
IF this was made into a film I'm pretty sure it would be ruined no matter how good the film was. It's just I don't think anything could compare to the book.However if it was a film I can totally see Eva green as Beatriz Aguilar and Scarlet Johannson as Clara Barcelo.
daniel sempere - gael garcia bernalfermin romero de torres - marc anthony
beatriz aguilar - paz vega
that's as far as I've imagined :)
Diego Luna as Daniel and Adrien Brody as Fermin. Although have to agree if Hollywood got their hands onto it, no good would come of it..
I can only imagine that Javier Bardem would fit in here somewhere..
I think they should take the prologue entitled "The Cemetery of Forgotten Books" and make an animated short film to turn on young readers. Imagine the possibilities!
Susan wrote: "I think they should take the prologue entitled "The Cemetery of Forgotten Books" and make an animated short film to turn on young readers. Imagine the possibilities!"Great idea, Susan.
Licha wrote: "Susan wrote: "I think they should take the prologue entitled "The Cemetery of Forgotten Books" and make an animated short film to turn on young readers. Imagine the possibilities!"Great idea, Su..."
I agree with that!
Shelley wrote: "Diego Luna as Daniel and Adrien Brody as Fermin. Although have to agree if Hollywood got their hands onto it, no good would come of it.."Genius! Are you a casting director in real life??
i read an article online that "the cemetery of forgotten books" will be the title of the last installment
Gerard Depardieu would make a good Fermin.
I've always envisioned Matthias Schweighöfer as Daniel and María Valverde as Beatriz.And I definitely agree that if the book were to be made into a film it should not be done by Hollywood.
Daniel Sempere - Logan LermanFermín Romero de Torres - Tom Hiddelston
Clara Barceló - Camilla Belle
All I can come up with at the moment. :)
Fermin - John malkovich
Daniel- Elijah WoodsJulian- Leonardo DiCaprio
Miquel- Mark Ruffalo
Fermin- Russell Brand
:)
Eliseo wrote: "I'd probably enjoy it more if it were a foreign film and did not include American actors. I just can't see those actors being any of the characters. It wouldn't feel right.The novel was originally..."
Licha wrote: "For a minute I was thinking that this couldn't be played by American actors, but now that Jack mentions Scarlett as Clara and Rodney mentions Elijah Wood as Daniel, they do fit the bill. I can't t..."
Eleiseo is Right! Barcelona is so much a part of the story, that to have english speakers is just not an option. For that matter to have people speaking Castalian rather the Catalan wouldn't be too good either, but as it is the Franco years Castalian it would have to be!
Benicio Del Toro for FumeroDustin Hoffman for Fermin
Javier Bardem for Carax
I honestly think this book is too good to be turned into a a movie...but Scarlett for Clara,sounds good to me
This is a tough one. I couldn't imagine this film to be a Hollywood product played by Hollywood actors, unless of course they have a hint Spanish (Latino) blood in their veins. Javier Bardem would be a good Fermin or even a Julian Carax. But honestly, as much as I love the book, I would be happy if it remains just a novel - untainted.
I think Zafon, as a bibliophile, would find the idea of turning his beautiful book into a film horrifying. In the book he decries the banality of television and film with his dim view of the future.The Shadow of the Wind is Zafron's love letter to books and reading - especially to the sprawling Victorian novels of Dickens and Dumas. There is a melancholia to the book where he see the decline of reading as evidenced by the ending in Daniel's bookstore with its declining customers. Zafron is entreating the reader to love and adopt books, not film!
Yes, Adrian Brody would make a terrific Fermin.
David wrote: "I think this book is certainly an epic movie in prose. Unfortunately, I believe a movie would destroy it, at least the way productions (especially Hollywood) currently take liberties with books in..."
David wrote: "I think this book is certainly an epic movie in prose. Unfortunately, I believe a movie would destroy it, at least the way productions (especially Hollywood) currently take liberties with books in..."
I'd love to see a film made of this book. It was such a brilliant story.
A two hour film would not do it justice a lot would have to be cut out I doubt today's audience would sit through a four hour movie. I would like it as a miniseries and yes in the original language. For some reason I always pictured Alfredo Gatica as Daniel. Yes, he's Mexican, but I am sure he could adopt a Spanish accent. Maybe Antonio Banderas too? As for other Actors from Spain I don't know many.
Eliseo wrote: "I'd probably enjoy it more if it were a foreign film and did not include American actors. I just can't see those actors being any of the characters. It wouldn't feel right.The novel was originally..."
I agree. The film should have a more Continental mood than an American film.
Javier Bardem but as he looks in No Country For Old Men as Francisco Javier Fumero.
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Daniel Sempere
Fermín Romero de Torres
Beatriz Aguilar
Clara Barceló
Julián Carax
Francisco Javier Fumero
Nuria Monfort
In my head, Clara always looked like Scarlett Johansson to me.