Movies? Perhaps.

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Comments:
: Well Dean, your enthusiasm for the project is certainly infectious, though I'm still left wondering why Vance stories should me made into films (why, for that matter, was it necessary that "Don Quixote" become "Man Of LaMancha?" --or "Les Miserables" be made musical?). Still, your responses to my outcry demonstrate sincere appreciation of my favorite author, and leave me not without a measure of warmth at the prospect of thoughtful Vance fans making movies of Vance stories (better this by far than some Halmi-like tv production company making a "Cadwal" mini-series with used-up actors nasaling truncations of Vance dialogue). Tell you what: If you can pull it off, I'll plunk down my hard-earned groats for a "peek" at "The Moon Moth." : : I dunno, David, but this may be an unwholesome elitism, of a sort. Not such a bad thing, ordinarily. Your concern is justified, certainly. ...It happens I share it. But unless you believe Vance books are a triumph in style alone, you are NEEDED--just as everyone who posts here--to help ensure that his work is filmed as he envisioned. : : For if not WE (to borrow a phrase), whom then? Morrie the Mogul? : : And if not NOW--while Jack's wishes may be understood and expedited--when is it likelier he can be adapted safely (if ever)? : : That cinema cannot "elevate the craft" is not an issue. That "Jack himself eschews movies, and...does so with good reason," is beside the point. : : If we are to achieve our purpose--that of preempting the story mongering Movers and Shakers (so as to film Vance faithfully, ourselves)--we must put these nice distinctions aside, and go forward. Skilled or unskilled, NONE BUT WE are fit for the task. : : And, "never meant for the stage or screen" notwithstanding.... : : The Story Will Out. Talk about Chun the Unavoidable. : : But have you noticed what Tom Stoppard's energies amount to, on Shakespeare's behalf (given Gwyneth Paltrow and a place to stand)? So let each of us make his contribution, in time and work. Proceeds go to the Vance estate. : : Now. As to MOON MOTH. Anyone? :) : : : : : Spare us from years of having Vance books made into "pictures." Jack's words are feelie-like in their utilization of our senses; could they be translated to film via cinematography, it is doubtful they'd elevate the craft--no matter how skillfull the production. At best such an undertaking would only achieve the status of "Vance Lite." And can you imagine hearing folks say, "I ain't read the book but I seen the flick." Argh! Jack himself eschews movies, and the curmodgeon probably does so with good reason. : : : Dean, Bob, and others: You are obviously lads of wit and resource; is it possible that, with the rarefied inspiration of Vance in your heads, you could invent your own live-action or animated films? I bet you have the talent. : : : Jack Vance is no Shakespeare, nor even an Apollon Zamp; his writings are effective when read silently or aloud, but were never meant for the stage or screen. However: it might be amusing to see staged a version of "The Legend Of Emphyrio." : : : David Pierce

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