Films adapted from video games have had a rather troubling history, if I am being kind. That’s why it’s rare to see anyone get overly excited when a new one heads our way, particularly when the titles attached are often the likes of Far Cry, or Bloodrayne (I wouldn’t even bother playing the latter, so I am sure as hell not going to condemn my eyes to just watching it). On the other hand, it’s absolutely huge news when someone says they’re making a Shadow of the Colossus movie, and in this case that someone would be Sony Pictures.
For you non-geek types out there, Shadow of the Colossus was a critically acclaimed Playstation 2 title created by the mind-blowing talents over at Team Ico. It was what you might call a cult-classic, but the only reason it didn’t sell a bazillion copies was because most gamers just want to know when they’ll get a new version of Madden Football. Essentially, you spent the entirety of the play-time riding around on horseback until you stumbled upon one of the titular beasts (all of which looked like escapees from a Guillermo del Toro wet dream), at which point you would often dismount your trusty steed and then climb about said behemoth until you found a way to slay it real proper like. Admittedly, it is pretty bare-bones in the ol’ plot department, but in the hands of the right filmmaker, it could be an intensely fascinating experience (much like the game itself).
And that’s why it’s such a fucking shame that it’s currently in the hands of screenwriter Justin Marks. Don’t recognize that name? What’s the matter with you?? Yes, you! Didn’t you see Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li? Oh… you didn’t. My apologies, I could have sworn you were one of the three people who bought a ticket. Well, Justin is the guy who penned that masterful slice of cinema, which you’ll surely see any day now (I am positive it’s only averaging 4% on Rotten Tomatoes because everyone hates films that are smarter than they are), and now he’s going to focus his mastery of the universe on this little number. Listen Sony, just because the game had almost no plot to speak of, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire someone who could actually write one.
No director, cast, or lighting guy is attached yet, but I can’t imagine it would actually help matters.
It’s going to be a real fucking shame if the obsession that Adam Sandler’s character in “Reign Over Me” has with toppling massive monsters, and the wonderful analogies one can draw from this preoccupation (9/11, battling ones demons, etc.), is better than an actual film about “Shadow of the Colossus.”
I don’t understand how some of these screenwriters are still assigned films in Hollywood, especially after the bullshit they churn out. You’d think that this country would be swamped with brilliant young writers (ones that have worked through writers block by climbing behemoths and slaying them ‘real proper like’), especially if you spend a few days watching the IFC and Sundance channels, all willing and eager to take on a project like “Shadow of the Colossus” so as to establish themselves in the fabric of the Hollywood Establishment.
Oh well… We get Hollywood acting uncharacteristically benevolent to Snyder’s vision of “Watchmen,” and then we get Hollywood fucking the dog with “Shadow…” It’s a mad, mad world.
Definitely a shame. I share your enthusiasm for Team Ico’s ouput (due in no small part to you letting me borrow your copy of the now nigh-impossible to find Ico,) and it’s hard to believe that in 2009 – with IPs like Iron Man and Batman getting the royal treatment from big studios – video games, as huge a mainstream commodity nowadays as they are, are left holding the short end of the stick. Personally, I’m of the opinion that superb writer or no, 90 percent of video games have no business being on the big screen in the first place, but there are exceptions to every rule, and Colossus, left in the right hands, could be one. Instead, we’re left to merely wonder about what a superb filmmaker like Spike Jonze, Peter Jackson, or the aforementioned Del Toro could do to bring Colossus to theaters the way it deserves to be.
The good news is that video game-to-film adaptations are notorious for having numerous personnel shake-ups, and often flounder in development purgatory for years before finally arriving in theaters (Halo or Metal Gear Solid, anyone?), because there’s so many people involved in deciding what direction a film about a game could take. Here’s hoping Sony recognizes their mistake (what were they even thinking? “Hey Justin! You’ve did one of them there video game movies already, right? Here ya go!”) and dumps Marks before legions of teenage Japanophiles start ritualistically committing hara-kiri out of disappointment.
I must say, After reading about this I’m completely shaken up. It’s something that would be impossible to capture on film for one thing as much of the story is left up to you and you imagination (Or lack thereof). You simply can’t capture the remorse of toppling these ancient creatures who are guilty of nothing but living out their lives in that beautiful world. This holds especially true when its Jason Wander (played by Keanu Reeves) on a mission of vengeance for his murdered girlfriend at the hands of a mysterious cult that’s has summoned these demons to take you out (plus 5 million points for me if I completely nailed their adaptations plot line).
I think the only way to do this justice is to completely forgo the plot and focus on the atmosphere, scenery, and music. This would of course label it an arthouse film and severely rape is audience potential; so it won’t happen. Why can’t people do fan service justice anymore? Why is the whole of masterpieces like Final Fantasy 7 are being relegated to mere sword swinging by a lady boy by even it’s creators? Give this thing to miyazki and I’ll be happy. Other then that stay clear of my fucking SotC!!!. It was the last truly creative and beautiful game I have played, and I do not want it sullied in my eyes making me ashamed to wear my t-shirt.