So much in love with movies


Feb 17

A Dark Rising for Doctor Who

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dark-is-rising-the-pix.gifDespite criticisms that the forthcoming The Dark Is Rising film adaptations of Susan Cooper’s fantasy series are being Americanised, more news is coming in of thespian casting. Most significantly, Christopher Eccelston, who some will recognise as a former (and the angriest) Dr. Who, others will remember him as the opportunist commander in 28 Days Later, and even some see him as the shattered madman in Shallow Grave, has now joined the cast. He is now teamed with fellow Brits Ian McShane (the guy who curses in Deadwood, and good ol’ Lovejoy if you remember that far), and Amelia Warner. Filming of the first film, appropriately entitled The Dark is Rising, has commenced.

I must admit I’m quite wary of this series. It seems that ever since Lord of the Rings proved successful, fantasy novel adaptations are all the rage. This particular series is spread across five novels, with the first film representing the second book, and focuses on a cosmic struggle between Light and Dark. And of course, some young mortal lad gets caught up in this battle, as he turns out to be an Old One, a descendent of the warriors of Light. Eccleston is to play the villain, known as the Dark Rider. I don’t know about you, but this all sounds a little bit too familiar. There’s the war element of Lord of the Rings, the choosen-one feeling of Star Wars (although Star Wars followed these books) and a million other adventure myths, the use of Arthurian legend as per the Chronicles of Narnia, etc. It all sounds a little too Eragon to me.

The Dark is Rising is expected to come out in late September in the States. Which means it is intentionally preceding the first of the His Dark Materials film series, the Golden Compass, a more modern series that feels like the only one that doesn’t just regurgitate the old classics, but instead incorporates postmodern philosophy and quantum theory in the most entertaining of ways. Plus it has a female protagonist for once. My feeling is that you should save your change until December this year

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6 Responses to “A Dark Rising for Doctor Who”

  1.  moriarty Says:

    Hi,

    Christopher Eccelston is also in “Heroes” playing the role of the “invisible man”. He’s even known as Claude Rains.

    Never heard of “Dark is raising” but after Eragon, I think I’m gonna pass.

    Saludos.

  2.  fil Says:

    I read the first and third (accidentally missed book two!) of this series and so far, they are completely different than any fantasies that I have read. I am sad the first book isn’t being done. It is in some ways closer to Narnia books, in that some wee lad and lassie go to visit their crazy uncle in this seaside village in modern day England. They find all sorts of nooks and crannies in the home that hide information about their past. Some creepy guy starts to follow them around and they begin a quest to find some hidden artifact hidden nearby (the title of that book, OVER SEA, UNDER STONE gives a bit of a clue where to find it).

    Anyway, I think it has potential to be cool and unique…more in line with Narnia, Wrinkle in Time, and other cool young adult lit. Though I enjoy “Golden Compass” as a book more, I think Dark Is Rising will make for a better fantasy movie. And c’mon, that cast? Outstanding.

  3.  Teresa Says:

    Oddly, the second book is quite different from the first or third books of the series, since the hero, Will, doesn’t even appear in the first book.

    The Dark is Rising (the book), is very firmly fixed in English tradition and mythology. The criticism is that the very English family in the book has been changed to Americans who have come to England because their cold, distant father has gotten a post as a professor.

    The casting notes describe Will’s older brothers as “grunge” and skateboarders. He is described as fearing that he’s a nerd, but with inner cool.

    It strikes me as though they are trying to emulate the Harry Potter series by focusing on a young boy struggling to find his place in the fantasy world with shades of “poochy” from the Simpsons to draw in the teenagers.

  4.  Meredith Says:

    I first read this book when I was in elementary school which was some years ago I am loathe to admit. I have tried to read it to my children whom love to read but they are too afraid of it, they say it is just too graphically real. I was fascinated with the whole series and can’t wait for the movie to come out. It does help that I like Christopher Eccelston, of course I am seeing the reruns of Dr. Who from 2005 on BBC America.

  5.  Eoin Says:

    I too like Eccelston, but I fear the character he plays in this movie seems like a one-dimensional bad guy…. correct me if I’m wrong.

  6.  Anyone Loves TV » A Dark Rising for Doctor Who Says:

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