Michael Apted on “The Book C.S. Lewis Didn’t Write”
SFX Magazine has a very interesting quote from Director Micheal Apted about the storyline of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Here’s a clip:
“We were able to steal, really, from the book CS Lewis didn’t write, which is the one that would have gone between The Dawn Treader and The Silver Chair. He starts The Silver Chair with the witches building up an army underground to attack the above world, and Caspian, having married The Blue Star of is an old man with a son, and he married the Blue Star of Ramandu. In other words, a lot of things had happened between the books.”
Read the entire quote here
What does Apted mean by “the witches building up an underground army”? In the Silver Chair book, there is only one witch: The Lady of the Green Kirtle.
Let the speculation begin. Thanks to Icarus for the link.
i hate michael apted directing the series i wish andrew adamson were back
The CS Lewis estate didn't mind from what I read. So then I'm okay with it. I'm sure he consulted with Doug Gresham. I'm not worried, it's going to be a fun voyage.
Personally, I think that the "big hole in the story" ads SO much! The adventure of the unknown is sometimes much better than filling in every little gap. I'm no movie director, but it seems like it should work fine in a movie…
What he said about "the witches" is probably a typo. I wouldn't worry about it too much. That being said, I am very worried about the general plot of the movie now! First of all, what in the world did they do to the plot if they stuck implied elements from SC into it????? If that is what Apted was even saying….I was more than a little confused on that point. Secondly, how can he say there was no real reason for their journey in the book??? Did he even read the book, and if he did, did he just miss that bit of information? If that was the case, couldn't someone from the C.S. Lewis estate kindly inform him of the reason they sailed to the end of the world????????? I am very scared to find out what they actually did to the plot and how much they have ruined it.
Totally agree with you on that one… This is so stupid. I loved the first movie, I can enjoy PC as a stand alone movie if I don't compare it to the book that much, have yet to see what exactly is going to happen with DT, but to purposefully make up new material to "bridge the movies" ?!?!?!?!? Like it was mentioned by another narniaweber, it makes me want to boycott the series and just stick with my Narnia series that I grew up with.
Pesimism doesn't get us anywhere, people. Just say that you don't agree and leave it at that. No need to be like, "OH MY GOSH!!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY ARE DOING THIS!!!! THIS MAKES ME SO MAD!!!" Relax, everyone; it's not the end of the world.
"No real reason for the journey"
Running around trying to find seven guys just because you're curious is not exactly an engaging reason. Neither is discovering new lands. It's entertaining in the book, but hard to make a movie out of. The same with holes in the storyline. You need to at least imply what has happened.
And the witches could very well be a typo, the interviewer heard wrong, etc. And Lewis never said it definitely was NOT the WW. It will just make it cheesy: won't this woman ever die?!
Sometimes I wonder if the movie-makers say crazy things like that just so they can sit back and watch us Narnia fans stew. I don't literally think they're mean enough for that, and I don't want to hurt their feelings–but sometimes I wonder just WHAT they're thinking??? I usually try to be optimistic, but sometimes I wish Aslan would appear and just magically make everything better (meaning closer to the book).
I'm still hoping things will turn out all right. Hopefully "witches" is a typo and he really meant "witch's". And–I hardly dare speak of it–I hope the WW isn't turned into LotGK. Please please please…
I think people are overreacting but I guess that is an inherent trait of fandom. I'm not defending the filmmaker's decisions or anything. Just that in the big picture it's not a big deal. And I think we were spoiled by the LOTR films. They were arguably very close to the books (depending on who you ask, of course). But movies are always very different. As a book lover I have just come to expect to see something very, very different on the screen whenever an adaptation comes out. Obviously, I prefer them to be as close as possible but I'm simply saying I certainly don't EXPECT it.
I don't think the filmmakers "get" the books, or if they do, are afraid of the Christian themes–either for their own sakes (don't want to acknowledge them) or are afraid the movie won't make $$$ if they're included.
And we have yet to find out of the WW actually IS the LOTGK or if they simply look the same (played by same actress). I don't think they're the same in the books but I guess I can survive if the movie portrays them that way.
Very well put, Valiant.
I think they should tell the story that Lewis DID tell. Because THAT'S the story THAT PEOPLE LOVE (and the one they'll be able to make alot of money off of)
Apparently Apted isn't interested in being successful.
wow, I must be extremely stupid or something, because I had read the book and always *assumed* that the LotGK *WAS* the White Witch… that's why she was so fascinating because she never 'gave up'… not that it took away Aslan's power, but SHE even though SHE was DEFEATED, kept trying to undermine Aslan's world, laws, etc. I must be stupid… :'(
Blasphemous, DiGs, really? This isn't the Bible or sacred writings we're talking about here….
And fyi, they change quite a lot with the movies from both Dickens and Austen's works. Except for the BBC versions of some of Austen's.
I must be wicked… I like the dramatic twist he added. I almost cried watching the trailer to hear Lucy screaming 'no' like that in the climax… it was so pitiful to see poor Reep hunched in the rain. I actually ached for the characters.
Again, I'm not arguing with anyone who hates the changes. But I actually like them… to me there were minor changes. *cringes* I know everyone's going to pound me for this, but think of it this way, if people who haven't read the books saw the movie, wouldn't they think a movie with no climax was goofy or dumb? People who haven't read the books don't know what it's like. We'd *love* the movie to be like that, sailing from island to island etc.
But for others, it's a 'they just sailed around looking for a bunch of lords.' Apted didn't change the missing lords, he just *added* elements to it. Squeezed in other elements from the book together..
Again, I'm not trying to bash any of you on the head. You are definately entitled to your opinion… I'm the blacksheep here. AT least the movie hasn't lost the spiritual themes, right? temptation etc? I had *ALWAYS* thought that was a big theme 😉
My thing is that Tilda Swinton made a good White Witch, but someone else should be the LotGK. They have somewhat different personalities, different appearances, and I think they require different actors. I always pictured the LotGK looking more young and seductively pretty than the WW, even though they're both beautiful. Although I think Tilda is a good actor, I don't really want to see her seducing Rilian, trilling her R's, or strumming a lute. I hope that wasn't a mean thing to say…It's not that I don't like Tilda Swinton! I just think we need someone fresh for the Silver Chair.
I'm really confused…. but the worst part is that C.S. Lewis is dead and can't answer our questions! There is a LOT that happened between these books and I'm beginning to wonder if Douglas Gresham will take up the mantle of Narnia writer….
I disagree, Rilian. Look: "witches" – plural form of Witch. We have the Lady of the Green Kirtle *and* the White Witch. The latter always shows up kinda where you'd expect, y'know?
i would love to say that i still have a completely optimistic outlook, but i can't that after reading a quote like that.
Doing that confuses anyone unfamiliar with the books. There have been fans for years who have misunderstood the difference between the two because the BBC Tv series used the same actress for both characters. There are a lot of good actresses out there. The only reason to use the same actress for two different characters is to suggest that they are in fact the same.
*but i can't say that
THANK YOU SO MUCH Samuel the Magnificent!!!! I have been saying the same thing. Even though I am a hard core narnia book fan, i am a hard core movie goer too! i love seeing the changes they bring. makes the stories that much more interesting!
Glumpuddle, I actually like the idea of the WW being the LOTGK because it means there is evil brooding in the background and trying to dominate; a constant threatening character rather than a series of villains that are defeated in each book never to re-appear. Like the devil in our world, the WW is a defeated foe who still tries to cause havoc and must be constantly subdued. In the SC, TLOTGK is mentioned by the owls as 'one of the same crew' as the WW. I will be happy either way if it's the WW or not. Please don't boycott – your comments are insightful and interesting and we must all support these Narnia movies so more people get to know and love Narnia. No-one would ever be able to make the exact movies you have imagined in your head as you read the books.
Think about it though for a minute.
Does the devil (whom the white witch represents) really ever give up?
Not that I say i favore this, but I am willing to give it consideration.
GREAT RESPONSE!!!! i love the idea of tilda play the lady of the green kirtle. it makes the idea of attack against narnia that much more dramatic. she actually has a reason to be collecting armies and planning an attack. revenge for what happened to her before.
I agree with you one hundred percent!
I agree with you Geoff!
I don't know what edition I have, but at the very beginning of my copies of the Narnia books, there's a list of the different characters in the series. The fourth character listed in this "Cast of Characters" is Jadis. It says this about her: "The last Queen of Charn, which she herself destroyed. Jadis arrives in Narnia with Digory and Polly in The Magician's Nephew and has taken over the land as the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Completely evil, she is also very dangerous, EVEN IN THE SILVER CHAIR." [emphasis added] …. which would imply………
I've been a total Narnia fan all my life and have read all the books numerous times. I totally respect Apted and think he's doing a great job – don't judge without seeing the movie. I want all the books made into films and i'll be so frustrated if my fellow Narnia fans help stop that from happening by being negative.
The owl conference in SC
That's very unkind and ungracious – of course he's read the book!
I know what you mean. How could they?
But I have one glimmer, more like a faint glow I suppose.
what if they use this as a way to lead into the next movie? Sort of a teaser at the end?
Tilda Swinton is an Academy Award winning actress, I'm sure she is able to do another character than the White Witch. 😉
Aww. A big hug for those badly stressed out. And chocolate. Chocolate is a good sedative. I will have chocolate when I see this movie. That and Red Vines. And popcorn. Perhaps some Junior Mints.
… and friends. Must see it with friends. 😀
Doug Gresham will NOT take up the mantle of Narnia writer, and shouldn't. And he knows that, I think. He took the liberty of naming Ramandu's Daughter, and that's ok. It's a pretty good name.
But THERE IS NO 8th Narnia book. Apted said something about the book Lewis "didn't write," not about one he didn't release. Lewis was a fast writer, but he didn't just churn out whatever plopped onto the page. He re-wrote The Magician's Nephew extensively. He says many many many times in his letters that he would not write more. And why would he need to? The last two books were the beginning and end of Narnia. It's hard to write more after that.
i'm going to see it with my sister the 11th and then the week after with LOTS of friends… (actualy two families, so that makes… 17 people the second time! 🙂 I'm just glad to be able to see somethign this year! 😀
I have been avoiding the big spoilers, so I dont know the true source of "something that can steal the light from this world". I am for it if this "something" is a precursor to the Lady(OTGK) and her underworld trying to destroy or take a way the light from the world above.
Once again, hooray for some changes. If my hopes hold true, this film will be a parallel voyage with different events and scenery rather than the voyage of the damned that so many fear.
Let's not let it become fashionable to fear change.
so are ya saying that 'Apted didn't mean Lewis wrote another book, but that there *was* potential or rather lots of material inbetween SC VDT?' I agree with ya, but that's what it sounds like you're saying! 😀 Which, i guess you can't blame people for wondering what happens during those years… goodness it's 70 years of 'wondering' =/
And Apted as anyone else knows that there wasn't another book, he's just saying there's a story Lewis *didn't* write… just like all the inbetween history =D I think that's what you're saying, isn't it?
hmm, I wonder… did Apted mean by 'witches' and all that by saying he used the witch plot in *this* movie to lead UP to SC by implying that Witches are just plain 'after' Narnia?
By the way, it's not too crazy to think of WW being LotGK. Lewis would admit it… not that I'm saying it *IS* her. i'm saying it is possible, to quote Lewis, 'whoever heard of a witch that *REALLY* died? You can *always* get them back.' And anyhow, i'm just speculating, guys. I'm not trying to bash anyone on the head who thinks LotGK should be the WW or shouldn't be. I am okay either way. I think it's possible. I always got that impression myself.
But maybe, Apted was saying that stuff about the Witch in reference to what happens to Rilian. You know? I mean, if that's right, it gives some viewers an 'ah!' moment. 'OH! that's why the witch is after Caspian in VotDT. Now she's after Rilian's son.'
Just saying, maybe that's what he means and maybe he's just foreshadowing SC… and that could verwell be *exactly* what he's doing and not mean anything awful about it.
Just trying to encourage… not bash anyone on the head. K? =D
At the end of SC, the older dwarves and bears and things are talking to Rilian, and one says " All these western witches have one thing in mind(taking over Narnia), they just have different ways of going about it…) paraphrasing of course, still, this implies that they are not the same one…
lewis told the back story in a flashback…that would be hard, but not imposssible to do in the SC movie…
ditto!
totally agreed!
well, the way I see it, they're all somehow connected with Jadis, b/c she ate the silver apple. But i think personally thata the WW and LotGk are different people, but they're the same breed…
Well, Alambil, C. S. Lewis didn't say they were the same. The owls said they thought the Lady of the Green Kirtle was 'one of the same crew' as the White Witch, but never was it hinted at that they were the same person. Even though the hag in Prince Caspian said, "Who ever heard of a witch who really died?", that doesn't mean SHE was right. Aslan killed the witch. Also, Puddleglum, I don't think the White Witch represent the devil. I think Tash does. Aslan killed the witch, Rillian killed the Lady of the Green Kirtle, and they were dead. It wasn't until the Prince Caspian movie came out that everyone started thinking that she really could come back to life. Caspian said, "Black sorcery and the calling up of an accursed GHOST". A ghost, not a living witch, was what they were going for in the book, I think.
I just don't understand….If you're going to make the voyage of the dawn treader than MAKE IT…If you wanted to make Narnia, than do it. Why sit and read inbetween the lines so you can make up a story you want? If C.S. Lewis had wanted another story, he would have written one. C.S. Lewis was a very amazing author. His story did indeed have much of a purpose….I will never understand…the cinema
Alambil, I have the same edition. However, that edition is incorrect and the character descriptions were not written by Lewis. They were written by someone with the publisher who made an incorrect assumption about the books. The books do not support it and any assumption by fans that the two characters are the same are about as valid as the people who ship Susan/Peter.
_The Silver Chair_ says in Chapter 15 "And now they all saw what it meant; how a wicked Witch (doubtless the same kind as that White Witch who had brought the Great Winter on Narnia long ago) had contrived the whole thing, first killing Rilian's mother and enchanting Rilian himself."
So the _same kind_. Would that mean the same race? (I thought all those of Charn died but Jadis?)
Just passing through…I think we all need to be careful of building up our own personal expectations about anything (what do they teach them in these schools?) You have all been anticipating this movie for so long,why dump it now? I have great respect for Michael Apted's work with "Amazing Grace". I think we should hold out for long haul. For the record, I first read the Chronicles in the 1970's. I also cried through the entire "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe".
You still respect him and think he's doing a good job after he came right out and said that he's making his own material up? After he said the journey has no purpose in the book? Well, clearly you must not respect Lewis then.
Thanks, GlumPuddle 🙂 Also, can't he just tell the story Lewis DID write? Isn't that what he's SUPPOSED to be doing? Isnt' that what the true fans of the book WANT? He's supposed to be making The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, NOT The Seven Lost Swords, (subtitled The White Witch Returns with an Army of Other Witches to Destroy the World).
So Miraz was Jadis in drag?
The same crew means that they were the same sort of person, not that they were literally the same person. If Lewis meant that, he would have stated it.
uhhh………this is strange, and a bit….intimidating? no, i wont let this go to my head. even though it sounds really odd and is confusing me a bit, im not gonna let it worry me
Certainly doesn't sound like it.
Get 'em Bookwyrm! You're completely right.
that's what I've wondered (same breed of witches etc). I used to think WW/LotGK was the same, though around last January I started adopting the similiar sort. My sis (awel) suggests maybe LotGK (why didn't he name her… it'd be easy to say! not that I'm ridiculing Lewis… it'd just be easier to say 'Morwing' over LotGK 🙂 was an apprentice to the WW…
Is there nobody except me here that's hoping for a sneak peek of Tash yet to come? A bit random I know, but as things are now every guess is a good one. 😉
GIVE US CANON OR GIVE US DEATH!
Well…at least the death of the White Witch. Who, actually, isn't supposed to represent the devil. She represents one form that evil may take. Adolf Hitler wasn't the devil. The Pharisees and Romans responsible for Jesus' death were not the devil. Now Tash…I could see Tash representing the devil, but if Jadis shows up again, I'm with GlumPuddle. Book-verse fanatic to the end.
that would be interesting, but not really necessary right now. I wonder if they've started with concept art or anything. he needs to be the freakiest creature ever seen on the screen…
There is a very good possibility that the reference to "the witches" is a typo. The article is full of them ("who’s taken over from Andrew Adams on the first two films" — whaaa?). I'm not making any LotGK guesses right now, although it does seem as though the "missing book" might entail her presence. I'm more disturbed by the fact that Apted seems to think Lewis had no idea what he was doing — that he wrote one book without much plot, and failed to write another that he SHOULD have written. Again, really? So presumptuous.