Michael Apted on “the heart of this film”
MovieWeb has posted their report on the footage screened in New York and Los Angeles this week. There isn’t anything new as far as spoilers, but this report includes some interesting quotes from Director Michael Apted. Here are a couple highlights:
“Another of the big challenges was to really honor the book because the book has a spiritual quality to it that I feel is important. Hopefully it is a spiritual thing that is accessible to everyone.”
[…]
“It’s a story that has English roots but its relatable to every child on the planet because its about growing up, finding yourself, coming to terms with yourself and knowing what your values are, that is really the heart of this film.”
MovieWeb writes:
One of the best parts of the footage that we saw, besides the incredibly real looking dragon, was the relationship between the unlikable Eustace and Reepicheep.
Read the whole report (The Apted quotes began in the fourth paragraph down)
Elsewhere, UGO has posted “6 Realizations After Watching New Narnia: Dawn Treader Footage.” We’ll summarize them here, but be sure to read the entire report.
1. Narnia’s Gone Back to the Magic: UGO believes the first two films were passable Lord of the Rings cash-ins, but Dawn Treader has a much more magical feel.
2. Michael Apted Thinks Talking Animals Are Ridiculous and He’s Right: Apted said making a minotaur not look goofy was a challenge, but UGO says he has pulled it off.
3. The Movie May Contain Actual Performances: UGO writes, “Yes, it’s still about the kids wandering around going ‘ooh’ and ‘aah,’ but it’s done with a confidence that the previous two films were missing.”
4. Dawn Treader Scales Back the Visuals to Its Own Benefit: UGO believes VDT has a less ‘epic’ feel than Prince Caspian. “It’s about a crew setting forth on an adventure, not the entire world congregating for the biggest battle of all time.”
5. The Film Looks British-ier: The look of the film reminded UGO of BBC’s Narnia production. “British television and film has a certain grainy quality you don’t find in America and […] I noticed the aesthetic carrying over to Dawn Treader, moreso than the original films.”
6. Sailing the High Sees Looks Fun!: “It looks like a rousing adventure with likeable leads and plenty of surprises.”
The reports from New York and Los Angeles just keeping pouring in, so keep your eyes peeled for more!
I don't like it when BBC follows the book word-for-word. 🙁 I found it really boring. And bad costumes and acting and set design and whatever is hardly going to get us to Silver Chair….I really can't stand ANYTHING about the BBC versions. 🙁
If this were all I saw about the film, I would be thrilled and absolutely ecstatic!
I agree. Sounds like he has the right motives when you read these, but when you see the rest of it….
plus this is kind of off topic but on the trailer when Edmund has a glowing blue sword….I mean, come on, that is SO LotR!!! (not that LotR is bad, but this is NARNIA). I was expecting someone to yell "Orcs!"…..and they say the other two movies were "Lord of the Rings cash-ins"!!!!!
Agreed. The changes to the plot aren't really that big deal, but there absolutely MUST be the feeling of pilgrimage and finding your true home behind the Water.
But, to stay positive, I argue that finding your true self and finding your true home are somewhat the same thing, at least in Christian sense. My true self is child of God, and therefore my true home is with Him in His land, not on this Earth, where I'm but a passing stranger.
Does anybody other than me wish that Apted would look on this site once and a while, read our comments, and seriously take them into consideration?
The movie would probly turn out a bit better that way…*sigh*
I have to agree with Bookworm. I am not at all a fan of these changes. He's made more changes that to me sound rather disasterious. It doesn't sound like VOTDT anymore it feels like something out of a fan fic. I was disappointed in PC and now I'm heartbroken with what they've done to one of my favorite books. Sorry but I'll have to pass on this one. Thanks a lot Michael. :'(
I agree. Finding yourself, fnding your true home, it all boils down to petty much the same thing. 🙂
I agree. Finding yourself, fnding your true home, it all boils down to pretty much the same thing. 🙂
Okay, wow. Cheesy love triangles? Caspian says, "Susan, I've got you," and Edmund thinks Lilliandil is pretty. Where'd you get cheesy love triangles? Seriously.
lol ya. 🙂
Whoopsie.
I agree the seven swords bit is turning the white witch into a "Lady Voldemort" who won't stay dead. All the same, what matters is how these story elements work in context, however cliched they may be.
"…reminded UGO of BBC's Narnia production." Now I'm worried. 😕
I'm with you Checkers. 🙁
Nothing wrong with that, it made them better films than they otherwise might have been. I'm concerned now about the notion of it being similar to "BBC's Narnia production". We've already had that thank you very much, and I didn't like the low budget production values, the acting, the sets, you name it…and I'm British. 😛
I'm British, and I loved the first two films (not "American" in the least except in terms of High Production Values which was a good thing), and dislike the BBC productions. I'm kind of concerned about the comment that it is similar to the BBC production.
Nothing wrong with a few changes Booky. I'm more concerned about the prospect of it "reminding UGO of BBC's Narnia production" 😛 .
I like Epic, I like High Quality Production Values, I like the added humourous touches that make the films relatable to modern kids.
If Britishier just means getting British lingo a bit more accurate like the Harry Potter series did then no problem, it doesn't have to be Masterpiece Theatre accurate to 1940s British slang. And I'm a Brit.
I'm with Reepicheep. By the way Lucy, from what I've seen so far I think the film will be awesome, but the comment about similarities to BBC's production has me a little concerned.
Well Aslan wasn't in PC, the book, much Always Narnian. I suppose they could have changed the PC script even more 🙄 . Personally the only thing I thought wrong with PC the film was the lack of Bacchanal.
Um, guys, just because the clips "reminded" them of BBC, it doesn't mean the movie is going to be like the old Narnia series. Haven't you looked at the trailers and clips? They don't look much like BBC at all. I wouldn't be too worried.
Besides, what's so bad about the BBC versions? I thought VDT was pretty good for its low budget, especially the sea serpent (it looked disturbingly real). 🙂 And Silver Chair wasn't so bad either. Maybe I just like them because I grew up with them.
Depends what they mean by "Britishier". If they mean it looks lower budget like the BBC productions, then I'm concerned. And being a Brit, I think I have a right to say I liked the Epic Production values of the first two films.
Don't get me wrong Starlily, I'm VERY HAPPY with the clips I've seen so far 😀 . But I am NOT a fan of the BBC Low Budget productions. So any comparison has me a bit worried that the film might not be as visually consistent as I would like.
Did I mention I'm British (and used to older low budget BBC productions). 😉
I'm much happier with modern BBC programming. I always loved Dr Who, but the upgraded production values of the modern shows makes it much better. Likewise, when it comes to a Feature Film, for a story of this caliber, I expect Epic Big Budget production values.
I actually have no problem with some changes. It's to be expected in adaptations; as long as the film achieves at least 60-70% parity I'm relatively happy. 75-80% and I'm ecstatic 😀 .
I'm more concerned about production values. A story this good Deserves the BEST most Epiic production values possible.
I think the film-makers are quite aware of this site. 😉
Even Skandar has been quoted as saying that "they know everything there" about Narniaweb.
Where the hell did all this hate talk come from?
I think this is sick, don't judge Apted until you see the film, from the looks of things, it will be brilliant.
Of course there would have been changes, and guess what,
NONE OF YOU CAN TRULY UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF THIS BOOK, ONLY C.S LEWIS KNEW THE HEART OF THIS BOOK.
it will be brilliant, trust me.
For months now, all I've seen is positivity and praise, now all of a sudden, the trolls have taken over.
When people compare films to their books, the true meaning of entertainment is lost, this is to be a fun and entertaining film for all the family.
Yes the white witch is returning, but for a minute or so
LETS SEE YOU ADAPT VOYAGE, DO YOU HAVE TWO HUNDRED MILLION, NO?
SO SHUT UP AND GROW WHILE YOU R ALL AT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i THOUGH U WERE FANS, CLEARLY JUST TROLLS
Wooooow there are ten million comments here, but here are my ideas. I agree with Gandalfs beard. I am getting a little worried. But I am glad that he said he wanted to keep the spiritual part. And yikes, the grainy feel of British movies. And I did like it being epic.
Everyone is saying Will Poulter nailed the part of Eustace, just as the filmmakers said he did last year. That is by far the most important part. If he has not, all the production values and story refinements and spiritual values will not save the film.
Don't read too much into the reviews, they have too much "Gee, ain't I a great wordsmith" about them. We'll find out for ourselves in December.
sirsimon, because this is a family-oriented site ( and because I am a Christian) would you please not use swear words in your comments? Thank you. 🙂
You're calling us trolls and you're the one shouting at people? LOL! And what exactly should we be growing?
I forgot we live in the 21st century where people are so delicate they can't stand to see something criticized. The fact is, if you really had been around for months, you would have seen people expressing concerns about this movie all along. Clearly, either you haven't been paying attention or you are the real troll, coming in here with the sole intent to start a fight with the purists.
Funny how it's the We'll Like the Movie No Matter What people who 9 times out of 10 are the ones to break out the personal abuse and name-calling. I am frequently bitingly sarcastic toward what I perceive as flawed arguments, but I see nothing productive in breaking out the "UR STEWPID BECAUSE YOU DON'T AGREEE WITH MEE!!11" argument some of the positivists favor as their default attack.
You must admit, though, that while the BBC adaptions are cheesy at times, they're quite close to the book… an element that PC is seriously lacking. Who knows, it could be a good thing Apted is leaning in the BBC direction!
I think what he(Micheal Apted) said here was what HE thought…it's no different with what we've seen in the story of this book here…in all honesty, I can see what he's saying here too(I'm not DEFENDING him here, it is,after all, diferent from what we know)but we should respect another person's point of view:aftr all, he DID help make the maings of thi movie possible, so we should be thankful that he helped…
Huh? I don't get it. How does this make them trolls?
That gives me an idea for a parody- Disney, Walden, and Fox can be the three billy goats.
I am sorry, I apoligise, its just after months of excitement, all of a sudden, people are worried and angry at Apted for changes to the film.
I was just frustrated at the moaning about the spirit of the film being changed.
I just think we should voice our opinions, but consider what Atped is giving us fans.
Its difficult to make a story into a film, because everyone compares them, and that is saddening.
I think Atped has done a terrific job, he knows the book and its symbolic words.
But I was just angry in that people only judge films by their special effects, tickets sales and who directs them.
I am sorry for being arrogant and pathetic, I just hate it when people judge a film before they see it, people are already calling the film bad and its sad.
Dont judge a book by its cover and in my eyes, Walden have done a terrific job so far, many consider Caspian a bad film, I thought it was brilliant, a good attempt at the so called worst book of the series.
We SHOULD give the producers more support. I always hate critisizing Narnia because I see behind the scenes features and interviews and amazing special effects besides, and I feel a bit sorry for them since they tried so hard.
There is a bad case of nerves going around.
It's to late now everyone! We can't change what he put in the movie. No need to get all mad. And if he didn't add new interesting things in the movie, than we would know exactly what will happen. He probably wanted to add the element of surprise.
ah i see what you mean. yeah i guess for me, the bbc ones were to corney for me but the were more british. but your right PC was disneyfied(really like the word.) definetly more hollywood.
yeah glad i'm not the only one.
I for one have been pretty dissapointed with the film all along. But is it any better to say that this is a great movie than a bad movie if none of us have seen it? Why aren't the people who call it an amazing movie being criticized for judging it before seeing it?
I have an idea! Why don't we all go to the movie with absolutely NO expectations? Then, we'll either be pleased or just think, 'meh'.
BTW Gandalf's Beard, we KNOW you are British!
Another point: I think what they meant by 'British feel' probably means is that it has more British humour, phrases, ect. and still have you subtly notice that this is a high budget film. I guess what I mean is, you know how British TV has a different feel than American TV? But it will probably still have American polish.
I also think the book had the elements of finding your 'true home', AND staying true to yourself. -collective gasp because someone just mentioned that there could be a COMPROMISE!- 😀
Isn't this movie/book supposed to be about hope? Well why don't we hope that this is going to be the greatest Narnian movie of all time. I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to try to thoroughly enjoy every single moment of this movie.
"they" who? the production team? or does skandar read narniaweb?
i think we have to remember we are lucky to even get this movie series out, what with the anti-christian bias in hollywood. they may even whitewash their comments so as to not frighten off the non christian general public. So let's bear this in mind and be as supportive as we can so as to get the rest made!!
Except I don't want the rest of the series filmed if they're all going to be rubbish adaptations. There are plenty of fantasy movies coming out if I want to see a generic fantasy movie.
It was Ben actually. He said "They know everything on NarniaWeb." a few years back. Went around in peoples' signatures a lot.
LOL, good points, GtG. And again, people have been expressing concern about this movie since pre-production. The leaked script fiasco comes to mind. There was the teaser trailer blow-up too. NarniaWeb tends to have more purists here than the more mainstream websites like NarniaFans, so it would be unusual if the reaction to what we've heard wasn't negative.
We've been assured constantly that Apted "understands" Narnia. What evidence do we have for that argument? Well, there's the total dismantling of virtually every statement Lewis made about Narnian stars. There's the Witch coming back from the dead, which further negates Aslan's power. Some deity Movie!Aslan is, he can't even keep a single witch dead. And to top it all off, Apted keeps coming out with these nonsensical statements about VDT's main theme being temptation. So no, I don't think he understands this book.
At least the Narnia books are origianal, hence origional movies.
I confes I had been worried about Lucy's beauty temptation thing and worried they'd warp her into a monster like Peter in PC, but I found this on the Voyage of the Characters' site today. Especially the last paragraph was promising
http://www.narniacharacters.com/
Lucy *does* call to Aslan in the film when they are at the dark island (I know some were worried about that whether it would be Aslan/or Lilliandil who would save them). Lucy *does* learn what true beauty is. Good. She has the temptation but doesn't give in and overcomes it 🙂 Good. I'm slightly worried too, slightly. But overall I'm excited. I don't think the changes will be attrocious like in PC. But I do think PC has us worried.
ha, ha, just so that he doesn't have 12 foot beavers 🙂 ha, ha, though I'm not sure cheesy makes a better film adaption no matter how close. I couldn't stand either 😛 BBC Narnia was so 'unpassionate' in the way they acted. :)But they were right on with adaption.
and the answers/questions to the quiz are promising as well! I got it 100% right, so I'm Lucy's advisor now 🙂 Means I can go to Narnia! 😀
Hey, and maybe there's not too much to fear, guys. Remember how a while back, everyone was freaking out over the beauty spell and how they thought Lucy ripped out the page? Well, she didn't when they saw those scenes right? So, maybe we should hold out and wait to see just a little bit longer before we start being *really* afraid 🙂
Isn't every movie have some sort of 'finding yourself' theme? I think that line is a little over used, Apted.
To be honest, wouldn't that be a little awkward? "I'm lost!! I can't find myself! Send out a search party!" 😀
The way I look at is this: There is no right or wrong way to portray the books, so if Michel Apted changes the entire thing, that's his choice, even if we don't like it. I'm not defending Apted, and I don't like it any more than the next guy that the white witch is coming back ( *grrrr* this is the THIRD movie and she's STILL NOT DEAD) or the whole "It's okay Susan I've got you" thing. However, we're always going to have the books and nothing is going to change that.
awww, I think Lucy is pretty in her own awesome way. I'm sooo glad that she doesn't totally shun Aslan. that would REALLY stink.
I believe "Finding yourself": is finding who you really are and your "Position in CHRIST"
I always thought she was pretty too 🙂 Probably just Susan that makes her think/believe she's not pretty since Susan probably gets the 'attention'. Unfortunately the Suspian thing probably fuled it.
I can't wait to see it! But I'm trying really hard NOT to read all the lines. LOL!
"…the book has a spiritual quality to it…" "…it is a spiritual thing that is accessible to everyone."
In my experience, this kind of talk tends to be entertainment-industry code for, "open Christianity may embarrass us by offending others, so we've diluted the content for a mixed audience."
Whether or not the message of Christ is "accessible to everyone" is a subject for another discussion than what we have here, but the watering-down of what Lewis was saying sort of robbed the first two films of their real impact, for me. Not that I didn't enjoy them and don't own them, just that my appreciation of them comes from different elements than what I found to love in the books. They don't rank as "great" to me, just "good".
But if you remember in MN, Aslan said she would never die. It was because of that apple she ate… yeah it stinks but he said that would happen… and also, I think Edmund's in Dark Island when he sees her, so really I think it's just a dream.
With what we've seen up to this point, I'm beginning to get quite optimistic!! 🙂 🙂