Neil Gaiman With MTV

Why he said no to earlier efforts to adapt 'Stardust'. What's in the future. How his internship as a director is going.

Stardust

I'm interested to see how 'Stardust' will do this weekend. Most don't like the trailer, which is overly complex and without a core. I loved the trailer despite its lack of focus (so, sue me) and I even wrote a dorky poem about the movie.

I never liked the posters, though. They're both half-hearted and busy. All-in-all, a poor campaign from the guys in Marketing. It's opening day and the 'Stardust' energy level is what you would expect when a film is still months from release.

From the look of things 'Stardust' should open light then bow out -- but I can't help thinking it will enjoy more ticket sales than most forecasts indicate. Luckily, director Matthew Vaughn took the correct approach when shooting the movie and, whatever happens this weekend, 'Stardust' has all the elements needed to be a huge hit on disc, cable, etc. I don't think anybody will be able to resist buying or at least renting 'Stardust' on DVD.

Stardust Interviews

IESB has video interviews with 'Stardust' stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, and director Matthew Vaughn.

Evolution Of Stardust Poster

Here's a good look at the evolution of a movie poster. A few weeks ago Anne Thompson asked for opinions about this poster. I said I thought it was too busy in places, had a couple poorly placed elements, and had dead corners.

Below is new version.

They removed the two characters on the right of Michelle Pfeiffer -- good but it's still too busy. They got rid of the hand on the spoke of the ship's wheel -- distracting to say the least. All good, but the real problem is the two guys between Robert De Niro and Pfeiffer -- these guys detract from the relationship between the two stars. Would suggest moving the two stars closer (make De Niro bigger) and, if they must be in the poster, put the two guys in the new space created on the left of De Niro.

One of the 'poorly placed elements' in the first poster was the sword held by character on the right -- it cut into the sun in the center, adding a jangly feel. They fixed this in the second poster but would have done better to get rid of the sword altogether (two swords in one frame should be crossed or at least pointed at one another).

The other weak element was the protagonist in center of sun -- he was the main point of focus but was too small to command attention (also, the original layout did not give enough weight to the 'boy meets girl' element of the story). Both problems are fixed in second poster.

However, with the correction of one problem comes the creation of another. Main character's sword is now pointing off in a random direction, which leaves the protagonist vulnerable to attack from the guy with sword behind him -- just not right. Sword also points in same direction as the shooting star that cuts across the title -- redundant -- protag should have a more open stance (as is he appears to be trying to shield the woman from us -- alienating the audience) with his sword pointing to our right, toward the other character who is holding a sword, and pointing in the opposite direction of the shooting star. This would give the composition a lot more energy.

Color was changed to a more friendly blue which both brightens the formally dead corners and implies a magic/fantasy element. It's way better than the orange color of the first poster -- which didn't convey anything.

Still, poster would benefit by removing the ship's wheel and maybe even the sun. Make the character on right smaller and/or move him down so his head doesn't block Pfeiffer's hands (I mean, really). Would consider a second lightning bolt on upper right side to give some balance (and imply Pfeiffer's character is as dynamic as De Niro's).

The poster is much better, but still needs tweaking.

Stardust Exclusive

Yahoo has a couple exclusive clips from 'Stardust' which, I must say, are very good. This movie is taking a different approach to the fantasy-adventure, playing it much more real -- a sort brass-tacks swashbuckling as it would have been had magic really existed. The clip with Robert De Niro's character negotiating the sale of magic mojo lightning-in-a-barrel is especially well-done.

The clips are introduced by author Neil Gaiman. This one is looking better all the time.

Stardust

Recognize her? I thought the full-tilt tribute to Hitchcock by Robert Zemeckis, 'What Lies Beneath', was Michelle Pfeiffer's swan song (the little-seen 'I Am Sam' and the excellent 'White Oleander' seem like afterthoughts). But she returns from hiatus with 'Stardust', coming this summer. From the look of the trailer this will be a must-see, must-own movie. This movie could have no story whatsoever and still be irresistible -- it just has that thing going -- and boasts not only Pfeiffer, but also Robert De Niro, Peter O'Toole, Sienna Miller, and Claire Danes in the cast. 'No way', you say. Yes...way.

But, back to Michelle...shall we. Why no major movie in seven years? Seriously, I fretted. But, never mind, she's back with three projects in 2007 -- 'I Could Never Be Your Woman' (Michelle, never say Never), 'Hairspray', and 'Stardust'.

To celebrate this star's return to the big screen I wrote a few verses:

In A Darkened Theater Near Me

Thank you, O thank you! I've missed you so. The silver screen has been so dull
without your elegant figure and shimmering hair.
Without your blue eyes, smoky voice, and lips so full.
Is there another movie star to you we could compare?

Why did you leave us and stay away for so long?
If you had not come back now how would we go on?
Without you the story moves so slowly -- the actor plods, and the dialogue bogs.
Others try to replace you -- they imitate your elegance and your grace.
But, movie after movie, we could barely stay awake.
It's you we wanted, and always wanted, to come back to us -- take after take.

And, now you are back and our wishes have come true.
You're in this new movie called Stardust...and a couple of others, too.
How soon can I see you in a darkened theater near me?
This summer you say, no sooner shall it be.
Alas. Then I will wait.
For to see you again will truly be great.