Matt Shea
RubySoho
Morgan Bell
Cibbuano
David O'Connell
Mountain Fog
Stardust
September 10th 2007 22:42
Gaiman wrote a short novel called Stardust, about a town in England that has a gate to the magical kingdom of Stormhold, and the novella was adapted into a film, Stardust.
As Gaiman says:
"As adults, we are discriminated against. As adults, we are an oppressed majority because nobody writes us fairy tales. I think the problem is not that ... we grow out of fairy tales. The problem is nobody writes us fairy tales; nobody gives us fairy tales that are as satisfying, as meaty, as filled with real people and real incident, as the things that we remember from when we were children"
I grew up on fantasy and sci-fi, watching movies like The Dark Crystal, The Princess Bride, and reading nonstop novels about magic and dragons. I am, therefore, the perfect demographic for this movie... an imaginative child that grew up to find the world was much more mundane than I hoped, but there were still pockets of magic to explore.
Stardust is a film that owes very much to the fantasy movies of the 80s, especially The Princess Bride, which feels like a modern remaking, in a sense. You know, a lowly common boy who struggles and struggles to find that he is, in fact, something special.
It's all very predictable, and there's a lot of random noise throughout the movie, which Robert Ebert refers to as 'clutter'.
Even Ebert, though, admits that the movie is entertaining, and where I disagree with him is that I'd love to watch it again.
Stardust takes place in a magical land, so the Harry Potter-style nonsense flows right through the screenplay, delighting viewers with charms and witchcraft. It's a vivid world, which you can feel has been fleshed out by a thorough writer.
It's a fun, comedic film at times, which is the appeal, I think... whereas movies like The Lord of the Rings become somber and melancholy, Stardust is so remarkably light and funny that you almost forget that the big bad witch, played by a radiant Michelle Pfeiffer, wants to eat the still-beating heart of the personification of a fallen star, played by Claire Danes.
While Danes is just passable in her role, and hard to believe as a star, Pfeiffer is absolutely fantastic. She's the kind of witch that you wouldn't want to run into after midnight on a dark, foul-smelling street.
There has been a lot of talk about Robert de Niro's role as the homosexual pirate, which is a grand departure from his gangster-roots, but is reminiscent of his role in Gilliam's Brazil.
In fact, the entire production has a Gilliamesque feel to it, relying on actors and scenery, inserting special effects only when needed. It's a realistic-looking movie, and the director, Matthew Vaughn, should be commended for holding the reins on the CGI artists. The end result is a movie that looks stunning, with beautiful green fields and dense forests, punctuated by slapshots of ghosts and malevolent witches.
Stardust is a truly heartwarming movie, especially for those of us that have daydreamed of magical worlds while sitting at identical wooden desks at the back of the classroom. It's a superior children's movie to the horrible adaptation of Narnia, and it should stand on its own as a wonderfully imaginative movie.
I say: Is this suitable for children? I hope so - it's the kind of movie that's pleasing to adults but potentailly unforgettable to children, who are easily convinced of the reality of a magical world.
It's tough to beat a witch... they're clever, and use their sexuality against you. Sure, Pfeiffer looks great now, but push her too far, and she'd change herself into a sea-hag or an octopus, just to mess with you.
Also, everything Ricky Gervais touches is gold.... he has a bit part which steals the screen for the time he has.
* this image is from the IMDb page on Stardust
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Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I really wanted to hate this movie but I adored it. (The trailer was off putting to me). Michelle Pfeiffer was magnificent as was Ricky Gervais. I am glad that I bought the ticket. Well done post... Cheers!
Mis
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Very nice post.
Michaelie
Comment by Cibbuano
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Michaelie, I was very nearly going to dismiss this as well... luckily, I was invited to a sneak peek, which is always a good reason to see a movie...
Comment by Damo
When will the pirate copies be avaliable (kidding)
Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by Theresa
Today's World
I hope this comes to our small town theater.
So many of this genre are disappointing for adults (but, "Harry Potter nonsense", really, Cib, Harry's wonderful...)
I agree with the late Joseph Campbell, who was an inspiration to George Lucas.
We adults need our myths and fantasies too...
Theresa
Comment by Cibbuano
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