Posted by Magnus Smith on March 13, 2013 at 03:17:03 user Magnus.
In Reply to: Re: Casting call for new S&A film posted by Mike Dennis on March 12, 2013 at 09:20:54:
This is a British film, not Hollywood. I doubt anyone will be rolling in cash at the end of it. So we can assume all plot changes and style choices are being made to broaden the appeal to the kids of today, rather than because producer Nick Barton is a "money grubbing brute" (I've met him and he is a proper S&A fan, sailor, and even volunteered to help with Swallow's tour).
I agree S&A is not a 'coming of age' story...but there are elements of this in that the children are camping alone, doing all their own meals, being trusted with their own safety - all for the first time. So they have to mature, even if we don't need to talk about puberty.
Adding adrenaline need not destroy the story we know and love. The night sailing in the book never seemed (to me) scary, but could in real life be terrifying - the film could show this as long as it can get past the boredom of showing the audience a black screen! Perhaps the blokes who steal Capt Flint's trunk are drunk and discover Titty sleeping in Amazon nearby? Perhaps John nearly drowns as he swims around Wild Cat Island?
I will hate all changes to the plot, of course, but I do that with all films when I've read the book, and we need to accept they WILL make changes. I do think it's possible the film could be sensitive though.
My one fear is the scriptwriter will make it a dual story with flashbacks to Ransome's time in Russia, making mountains out of molehills over his 'double agent' status and the diamonds etc...adding adrenaline with KGB assasins on his trail. Yuk. If I want that I watch James Bond!