Wednesday 20 May 2015

Thursday Movie Picks: Movies based on a Non-Superhero Graphic Novel/Comic

 
Long title but its important that these two are separate, superhero and non-superhero. I really wanted to include Scott Pilgrim as I absolutely love the series and the film was brilliantly done but I was on the fence whether Scott Pilgrim counted as a superhero as he doesn't technically have powers but crazy things happen and many of the characters can do poweful things so I thought it best to chose another in it's place.

1. Sin City
Of course I had to include this film, it's my favourite film. Some people have questioned this choice. My sister couldn't understand why I chose the film as its derogatory to women. Yes, the original series was created by Frank Miller who has a twisted mind but created some amazing artwork and this inspired the unique look of the film and yes all the women featured are either prostitutes and sluts but, there are strong powerful, sometimes violent women, who can defend themselves. Look beyound the basic characteristics and the costumes and the female characters are just as rich as the men. But I love this film and stories because at the time it was made and released, there was nothing like it and to be honest there have been other films trying to be like it but nothing compares the originality and design of the film. I read a few of the books too and the films stay true to the source material. It's just a shame about the sequel/prequel.

2. Tamara Drewe

Originally written and drawn by Posey Simmonds, the graphic novel was superb and entertaining. I particularly love the art work and the way the story unfolds. Based loosly on Thomas Hardy's Far From the Madding Crowd, the books is told from three characters' perspectives on events usually surrounding Tamara Drewe. The film, based on the graphic novel, captures the characters perfectly, especially the two teenagers who are the cause of so many problems, Casey and Jody. Although there is tragic end in the graphic novel in keeping with Hardy's work, the film ended more positive which worked cinematically. It was described as a soap like tale, its nothing like that, its drama with comedy and the country all in one.

3. Tintin 
 
I had mixed feeling about this film when it was first announced, especially when they said it would be 3D and done using motion capture. As more photos and news came in, I got excited. I've loved the comics since I was really young, even go on about the best exhibition that was on at The Maritime Museum, Tintin at Sea. I even specifically wanted to go Brussels to go to the Comic Strip Museum and for beer of course. Tintin is part of my childhood, left the same way about Paddington but Tintin more. When I first saw the finished photo of what the character looked like, my faith was restored and I was so excited. I love the film. Some 'fans' have been split about it but I couldnt love it more. The story is a combination of 3 books in one which actually work. I really hope another is made as there are still other great characters to discover.

Have a look here at the blog that started Thursday Picks; Wandering through the Shelves

12 comments:

  1. I actually didn't mind the sequel to Sin City, obviously it's not on a par with the first film, but the visuals are still mightily impressive. Haven't seen Tamara Drew but have seen Tin Tin which I think I liked. Can't remember, haven't seen it since it was released.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great choices! I very nearly put Scott Pilgrim in my list but like you, I couldn't work out if it was technically allowed or not!
    - Allie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Andrew Ellington21 May 2015 at 14:09

    Tin Tin!!!! My daughter LOVES that movie. I still haven't seen Tamara Drewe, but I want to.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I haven't seen any of these though Tamara Drewe sounds very interesting, love Far from the Madding Crowd. I really like the way you've illustrated the entries with a snap from the source material.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm amazed that I found a film that I don't think I've heard of before. Tamara Drewe will definitely be added to my list. The other two are great choices as well, the Speilberg film was my first introduction to Tintin outside of a passing familiarity that it existed but it's a fun movie.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I agree the visuals were great, just wished they kept to one story as there was so much more they could do with it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks! It is an odd one, I usually end up catagorising it as an Edgar Wright film, no genre needed :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your daughter has excellent taste :) I grew up with Tintin its great that others are still doing so.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you! I tried finding the perfect one for Sin City bit they were all a bit too graphic so I thought I'd side step that one, but the film is just like the books anayway.

    ReplyDelete
  10. It's a great film, I reccommend the book too, Simmons finds a way to bring classics into a modern setting so well.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ahh...I want to read and watch Tamara Drewe.
    Did you know they also made Gemma Bovery also by Posy Simmons, a loose retelling of Madame Bovary, starring Gemma Arterton too.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I did, I was waiting for it to be released here but it only had a release date for France which was odd. I read Gemma Bovary, its good but not as good as Tamara Drewe.

    ReplyDelete