Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this page
'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell' screenplay complete
Christopher Hampton has written an adaptation of Susanna Clarke's best-selling novel.
Nov 9 2005
Christopher Hampton, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of 'Dangerous Liaisons', has finally finished the first draft of his screen adaptation of Susanna Clarke's epic fantasy novel 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell'.
'It took a fair amount of time to work out some way to encapsulate that enormous book in a film of sensible length,' he said. 'But it was lots of fun – and very unlike anything I have ever done before.'
The story unfolds at a time when England is struggling to cope with the hardships brought on by the Napoleonic Wars and practical magic has been all but forgotten – that is until magicians Strange and Norrell appear on the scene and begin to stir up ancient and uncontrollable powers.
The film is due to go into production next year, and will be distributed by New Line Cinema, though no cast or director has been decided on as yet.
However, main character Strange is a good-looking ginger chap, so the choice of Hollywood actors is somewhat narrow. Eric Stoltz perhaps?
User comments on this story
-
- Kristine Wade said...
-
Paul Bettany is not a bad call, but, seriously, I have 6 words for you if you're casting Strange: Damian Lewis, Damian Lewis, Damian Lewis.
What? Didn't know he was British? Exactly my point. He's got the chops, and he's not so hugely famous that his celebrity would overshadow the role. Posted on Jul 26 2006 00:28 - Report as inappropriate
-
- JAS said...
- two words for you if you're casting Strange...Paul Bettany. Posted on Jun 27 2006 00:37
- Report as inappropriate
-
- BillyBob said...
- Johnny Depp was born to play the role of J. Strange. He's their man. Posted on Jun 14 2006 02:39
- Report as inappropriate
-
- aslyinn brennan said...
- NO ERIC STOLTZ would not make a good Strange. Heaven forbid that they cast American's in these roles!!!! The book is BRITISH an so should the actors be. Posted on Jun 10 2006 19:08
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Dorothy said...
- Johnny Depp should pllay Strange. Posted on Apr 30 2006 16:40
- Report as inappropriate
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Time Out's 101 Films of the Decade
Ten years, thousands of movies and millions of dollars in international box office, and it all boils down to this
Martin Provost discusses 'Séraphine'
Trevor Johnston talks to the director of 'Séraphine' about bringing a little known French painter back to life
Our verdict on Peter Jackson's The Lovely Bones
Peter Jackson ends a triumphant decade with a sentimental misfire with this lush Alice Sebold adaptation
On the set of Ken Loach's 'Route Irish'
Dave Calhoun meets Ken Loach on the set of his forthcoming Iraq war movie
Stephen Poliakoff discusses 'Glorious 39'
Stephen Poliakoff’s ‘Glorious 39’ is his first film for cinema since ‘Food of Love’ in 1997. Dave Calhoun met him
Is 'Paranormal Activity' the new 'Blair Witch'?
How does a film go from DIY experiment to box-office smash? 'Paranormal Activity' director Oren Peli explains
Steven Soderbergh on 'The Informant!' and 'The Girlfriend Experience'
We talk to Steven Soderbergh about his two forthcoming films: one featuring a porn star, the other a chubby Matt Damon
A gateway to all things 'New Moon'
In anticipation of 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon', Time Out is offering the chance to pick up a limited edition pack with three exclusive magazines and a free poster.
The films that deserve a TV spin-off
With Roland Emmerich suggesting he'd like to make a '2012' TV spin-off, we propose some more movie-to-TV serialisations
Time Out's 50 greatest animated films with commentary by Terry Gilliam
In celebration of the release of Pixar's 'Up' and Wes Anderson's 'Fantastic Mr Fox', read our rundown of fifty classic feature length animations
What do you think?
Post your comment now