MOVIE: Steven Spielberg and Chris Columbus

[cynthiaanncoe at home.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 26079

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., caliburncy at y... wrote:
> 
> Personally--and I know I may be stepping on some toes here--, I 
never 
> really wanted to see Spielburg direct HP.  I would've been highly 
> concerned if he was.  He's a good director, but that's not the 
point. 
>  Everything I've seen seems to indicate to me that he is a very 
> opinionated director which is why a lot of people would classify 
him 
> as one of the more visionary directors.  But being opinionated can 
be 
> very problematic if you're supposed to be doing a faithful 
adaptation. 


Once again, Luke, you captured entirely what I wanted to convey.  
I'll add this, though.  I think it speaks very well of JKR that she 
didn't just go with the biggest name or the person with the biggest 
string of box office success.  Or even any big names for major roles 
(or at least, big names here in the States).  There's a measure of 
security with making a decision in that way.

What takes guts is figuring out who has the right skill set and 
motivation to do the job right.  Often, the best person is NOT the 
person with the biggest name.  Once again, it all just shows how 
clever JKR is.

Then again, perhaps I am gushing a bit prematurely given that film 
has not been completed.  But I can certainly imagine how dreadful it 
could have been.  Wow.  Imagine Drew Barrymore as McGonnagall, Robin 
Williams as Snape, William Hurt as Voldemort, Haley Joel Osmond as 
Harry, Charlton Heston as Dumbledore, Gary Coleman as Flitwick.  The 
horror!  :)

Cindy