You can't make this stuff up...

Honestly, I can't even come up with a witty headline to go with this little news blurb that was just pointed out to my in Variety. In fact, I'm not even going to try to add anything witty myself, just read on:

Rocket launches 'Predator'
Clark to direct aliens vs. Jane Austen pic
By MICHAEL FLEMING

Elton John's Rocket Pictures hopes to make the first Jane Austen adaptation to which men will drag their girlfriends.

Will Clark is set to direct "Pride and Predator," which veers from the traditional period costume drama when an alien crash lands and begins to butcher the mannered protags, who suddenly have more than marriage and inheritance to worry about.

Shooting will begin in London later this year. John exec produces, and his Rocket partners Steve Hamilton Shaw and David Furnish are producing.

Clark, who directed award-winning short "The Amazing Trousers," wrote the script with Andrew Kemble and John Pape.

"It felt like a fresh and funny way to blow apart the done-to-death Jane Austen genre by literally dropping this alien into the middle of a costume drama, where he stalks and slashes to horrific effect," Furnish said.

John will supervise the music, as he does in each Rocket-produced film.

The company is in production on the CG-animated "Gnomeo and Juliet" for Miramax/Disney; James McAvoy and Emily Blunt voice the title characters. Rocket is also behind the Sundance series "Spectacle: Elvis Costello With ..."

So, Elton John's production company is backing a picture where the Predator attacks the characters from a Jane Austin novel. I notice that the article sidesteps saying whether or not it will truly be the Predator or the characters from Pride and Prejudice. But, one can only hope, if for no other reason than to hear Mr. Darcy say:

"I dare say, you are one ugly mother..." ROAR!

(Edit: Thanks to Skybar for pointing out that I was getting "the Amazing Trousers" and "the Wrong Trousers" confused. Oops. Too many trousers.)

Don't worry, I'm not going to talk about X-men...

But, I am going to talk about comics.

Some of the more astute readers of this blog will have noticed that I've stopped doing my weekly comic reviews. That's because, the latest research has shown that this blog has three regular readers. And that, of those readers, exactly 0.34% of them (the heel of Sarah's left foot, I believe) have interest in reading a blog entry in which I wax poetic about Wolverine ...again.

So, instead, I've moved back to posting my comic reviews at JoeQuesada.com where the people reading them have at least a foggy notion of what I'm rambling about. And where I can verbally abuse any fanboy that dares disagree with me.

Because, I'm just hardcore like that.

But, I still think its worth mentioning some of the interesting graphic novels (y'know, comics for those who are afraid to read comics) I received for my birthday and/or Christmas. So, let's take a look at those. And -don't worry- while some do contain monkeys and deformed teenagers, there is a complete absence of spandex.


The 9/11 Report (Graphic Novel Edition)

God Bless America! Probably the only nation in the world that would publish a comic book adaptation of a government report detailing the nation's worst terrorist attack ever. But, if you can get past the surreal nature of the entire undertaking, its amazingly interesting. I'm sure that the whole thing reads like a Cliff's-Notes version of the actual report; but still, I feel like I've got a much better understanding of 9/11 itself, the reports findings, and the administrations failure to follow through on the reports suggestions. Both the layout and the subject matter can be frustrating at times, but still its audacious and essential reading.


Chicken With Plums

Marjane Satrapi's fourth book to be translated to English is heartbreaking in the best way. Significantly less dense than the 9/11 Report, Chicken With Plums packs a stronger emotional wallop with her distinctive minimalist art style and prose. It's the true life story of one of her distant relatives (a great uncle, I believe) who is a musician that resolves to let himself die after his tar (a musical instrument) is broken and he cannot find a suitable replacement. The ending for this one snuck up on me a bit, and left me reeling.


Black Hole

If Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight was my favorite novel of the year, I would argue that Charles Burns' Black Hole was probably my favorite graphic novel (thought -technically- I might have read it after the New Year). It's the story of teenagers growing up in Seattle during the 1970's, in a world where there is a strange STD that gives those who get it strange and deforming mutations (less X-men, more Sloth from the Goonies). What could have been a sort of soft Sci-Fi style novel instead becomes more of an allegory about the isolation, self-exploration and strange sexual energy that comes with being an adolescent. A great story filled with beautiful ugliness... or ugly beauty, maybe.


Monkey Vs. Robot

With a title and cover like this, you'd expect a light, fun-filled, all-ages tale about monkeys and robots engaging in all sorts of hi-jinks, right? Well, you'd be half wrong. Writer/artist James Kochalka never ditches the sense of whimsy and fun, but also isn't affraid to up the body count, as legions of awkward, stoic robots and playful, charming monkeys engage in a full on war for control of the jungle. By the end of the story, as the jungle burns to the ground and the robot factory crumbles, you begin to wonder if there is a message. Maybe James is saying something about the inherent conflict between nature and science. Or maybe he is illustrating the futility of war. Or maybe, just maybe, he's pointing out that when monkeys and robots go do battle... they both loose. But, we win.

And finally, I'd like to leave you with this little video gem, which I'm sure will make a believer... or something... out of anyone who watches it. Enjoy!

Don't Let's Talk About Art Tonight

Right before Christmas, I managed to finish Alexandra Fuller's first novel Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight.



The story recalls her childhood growing up in Africa, the daughter of two tough living, alcoholic, down on their luck white farmers in war-torn Rhodesia. It's an amazing, visceral tale which is at turns both horrific and humorous. Alexandra writing captures her childhood experience amazingly, while never becoming precious or affected. She writes the way I wished I could have during NaNoWriMo several years ago.

I'm pretty sure this will be my favorite book of the year, in a year where I've read several exceptional books.

But, at the same time, I'm glad that I was able to finish it before I began opening my Christmas presents, because I got quite a few books this year, including (un)Fashion (which I was pining about a few entries back) and David Byrne's newest book Arboretum.



Arboretum is Byrne's attempt to create organic graphs, forms and charts to show the connection of various words and concepts. The resulting forms and charts are interesting enough, but the real meat-and-potatoes can be found in the four foot long fold out section at the back of the book. In it, he discusses a number of the charts, their meaning and his process in creating them. It reads like the Director Commentary on the Musings of David Byrne's Brain.

It's the sort of high-minded silliness that he's known for. Which is fine by me, because Byrne could write about planting potatoes and I'd still find it interesting. In fact, his latest blog entry pretty much proves it.

In it, he begins by talking about his theories (and those of an author who's book he’d just read) on the role of art in society. Particularly its role in attracting members of the opposite sex, and how that was all inverted and had to be redefined after the industrial revolution and the invention of the camera. This then segues into him recounting his recent trip to Miami for a gallery show, and the work he saw there. Which, in turn, segues into his discussing Miami, its evolving culture and architecture*. And I find the whole thing captivating.

In fact, after being under whelmed and frustrated at Seattle's last First Thursday (the monthly gallery walk), I actually found that reading his thoughts on art got me interested and excited about fine art again. Just in time to stumble across this today...

With few wolves scattered in the front gallery, all ninety-nine 99 life-sized replicas of wolves run, gallop, and jump toward the far end of the exhibition hall, where a wall stands. The bravery of the wolves is met head on by the unyielding wall. As the leading wolves go down, many more follow with force and determination. As those in the front fall and pile up, those behind take up their positions.

Now, regardless of meaning, I think you'd be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn't find that impressive to see.OK, and a little grisly too. But, I know I'd love to see it in person. I don't really know anything about the artist, Cao Guoqiang but that piece (as well as some others in his collection, like these arrow-filled tigers) are amazing.

Or at least more interesting that anything I saw a couple weeks ago.


* The architecture was particularly interesting to me since he talked about some of the hotels seen in the James Bond movie, Goldfinger. I just watched the movie last night, as part of my recent obsession with James Bond… something I’ll most likely bore you all with later.

The Mystery of Who Shot JR Finally Solved!

(Not really)

I spent last week in Dallas, celebrating Thanksgiving with my wonderful wife's wonderful family, and at the same time managed to probably watch more movies and do more reading that I typically do in a couple months. So, I thought I'd do a quick run-down of what I saw and read... and what I thought of it.

A couple weeks a go, at a function with my coworkers, Copywriter Dan™ introduced me to a magazine called Stop Smiling: The Magazine for High-Minded Lowlifes.



After leafing through a few of his issues, I was intrigued enough that I picked up one for the flight to Dallas. And, while I might need to pick a few more issues before I pass my final verdict, I have to say it might be my New Favorite Magazine of All-Time™. The issue I brought with me was dedicated entirely to interviews (each issue has a theme),including Tom Waits, RZA, Cat Power, Questlove, Joan Didion, Feist, Sparklehorse, and a dozen others. The whole issue was fascinating, and I literally ended up reading it cover to cover.

Burning a few hours at my wife's mom's house, we threw in her copy of Under the Tuscan Sun. The movie was in one word: charming. Though at times obnoxiously so. I'm pretty sure that the version of Italy depicted in the movie only exists in the minds of Rick Steve's fans who have never actually traveled themselves. But still, it was harmless and (as I said) charming. It was a light and easy way to pass a couple hours.

We also made a trip to the Modern Art Museum in Forth Worth. The museum itself is an elegant and impressive structure, with a visually amazing pool surrounding the back side of it. And, in addition, we got to take in the lush and creative photography of Hiroshi Sugimoto.



Sugimoto's oversized black and white photos depict ethereal seascapes, glowing cinemas and wax recreations of historic royalty. His work is both intellectually compelling and visually hypnotic. I highly recommend checking it out, if it ever shows in your area.

I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the new Denzel Washington movie, Deja Vu. I'm not a fan of Tony Scott as a director, and I didn't know anything about the movie going in. The first 30 minutes or so had me rolling my eyes at the storyline: Denzel investigating the terrorist bombing of a ferry loaded with children and off-duty soldiers in the city of (are you ready for this) New Orleans. But, after that initial clunky first third, the movie switches gears and becomes a surprisingly creative time-travel movie. I'd recommend the movie for no other reason than the unique car chase sequence that occurs about halfway through it. It's a set up so unique that I can literally say I haven't ever seen anything like it.



I also got to see the new James Bond movie, Casino Royale too. Or at least I got to see most of it, since we missed the first 15 minutes or so (which apparently features the movies best action sequence). Still, even having missed the intro, I have to say that I thought it was one of the strongest Bond flicks ever. And, Daniel Craig is now probably my second favorite Bond, second only to Sean Connery. It's not just an excellent Bond film, it’s also a solid spy film on its own. And, thanks to it, I'm currently obsessing over all things James Bond.

In addition to Stop Smiling, I finished reading Jennifer Government by Max Barry. A friend of mine had recommended it to me after reading my NaNoWriMo novel from a couple years ago. When I saw that one of the main characters names was "Hack" I was prepared for a bunch of eye-rolling, cyber-punk clichés but I have to admit I was very pleasantly surprised. Barry weaves an intricate tale about a half dozen different individuals living a near future run by all-powerful, mega-corporations. And he manages it to do it with enough color, humor and action that the story never takes itself overly seriously or gets bogged down in any high minded self-righteousness. Instead, it’s a literal page turner and a very fun read.

Finally, I also saw Helen Mirrem in the Queen. After all the gun fights and explosions from Deja Vu and Casino Royale, the understated nature of the Queen was a breath of fresh air. And, it also helped that the true life story was compelling, and that pretty much every actor and actress delivered an excellent performance.

So, yeah, I read a lot and watched a lot. Luckily, pretty much all of it was great. Unfortunately, I have to return to work and reality tomorrow.

"I am not a rockstar."

Well maybe, since I'll probably be brain-dumping a bunch of comic gibberish onto this blog tomorrow, I should mention some stuff that caught my attention over the last week:

First off, last Thursday, I went and saw a friend’s photo exhibition at a local salon, Vain. Breanne's a very talented photographer, and her show was a great piece juxtaposing how local musicians carry themselves both on stage and at their day job. While you'll have to go to Vain yourself to see the show, you can see a few of the pictures intermixed with the rest of her outstanding portfolio at BreanneK.com. It’s definitely worth popping in and checking out if you are in the neighborhood.

Then, on Friday, I went to see Crispin Hellion Glover at the Broadway Performance Hall. The ex-George McFly did a reading from several of his books, and then showed his experimental film, What Is It?



After the film, he came out and did a very interesting Q&A session. Honestly, while I enjoyed the readings, the movie hadn't captivated me as much. But, my opinion of it only improved with the discussion that followed. And, frankly, when you are doing a film involving killing snails, naked animal-headed women and a cast that is largely made up of people with Down Syndrome, it's a good idea to give the audience some context.

Plus, Crispin is a strange, fascinating individual. So, it was great to hear him speak on the subject of film, theater and art in general.

On Monday, I finally finished reading Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami.


Actually, my copy had a different cover, but still.

This was a book that it took me several attempts to actually get into, but which I completely fell in love with by my third stab at it. Telling the parallel stories of two men (one in a "Hard-Boiled Wonderland" and the other at... you guessed it), its one of those stories that you spend half the book thinking, "I wonder where this is going?" And then suddenly it all clicks and you are engaged. It's so elegantly and succinctly written, something which always amazes me when the novel it s translation.

I keep wanting to mention details about the final chapters, which I loved, but also don't want to ruin it for those who haven't read it yet. So, why don't you all read it and then come back here so we can talk, OK?

Finally, the Mid-term elections were last night, and for the most part I was happy with the way things played out. I think my biggest concern is how many of the new Dems seem to be "gun-owning, Pro-Life, anti-gay marriage, cultural conservatives." I mean, what? So, basically, they are Republican’s who like taxes. I’m being cynical though, and in reality I’m excited to see the Dems reclaim power. And see Rumsfeld already stepping down. An exciting mid-term. Well played, all.

Upcoming Events

National Novel Writing Month is coming! The website is going to relaunch on October 1st, in anticipation of this years event. NaNoWriMo lasts through the month of November as about 40,000 aspiring writers attempt to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days.

Last year, I participated and actually managed to finish my novel on the last day in November, with just a few words over 50,000.

This year, my wife is considering participating. And I'm trying to decide what to do myself. The way I figure it, I have four options:

1) Write a new 50,000 word novel.
2) Use November to finally revise and edit my novel from last year.
3) Keep fixating on designing my board game.
4) Or, develop a sudden fixation on playing Age of Empires II.

Knowing me, I'll probably end up going with 4, but you never know.

Also, coming up in the slightly more distant future is the Emerald City Comicon. Which, I've managed to miss the last two years, and unfortunately isn't until early April. But, hey, I'm still excited to go! I mean, who would pass up the opportunity to see this: