Recently, I found myself flipping about the pages of Bradbury fandom, when I stumbled upon something extremely curious to my tastes. Someone reported that there was, or was to be a Martian Chronicles movie, made in 2001. After recovering quickly from the dissapointment of my dream being pre-enacted by someone else (that dream being to make such a film. Yes, I know it was also done about 30 years ago as well, but I wished to make a more recent one), I went on a search for more information. I must say, I have been thoroughly disappointed. The only clue I discovered that let me know the film actually existed was on imdb.com. But the lack of information was not too much of a help there, either. Should anyone have any knowledge upon this topic, I'd be very thankful if you'd graciously pass it on to me, if not also to all others who might be curious
Posts: 1 | Location: In the scenic land of potatoes | Registered: 29 November 2001
Is it possible the Internet Movie Database was listing a movie meant to be released in 2001 which wasn't actually? It seems there should be more about a released movie than *that*. All I know of is the 1980 TV series, notable for being pretty bad, and that individual stories from the book have appeared on "Ray Bradbury Theater."
Posts: 2694 | Location: Dayton, Washington, USA | Registered: 03 December 2001
I seem to remember a fairly recent (the past few years)interview with Ray in which this project was briefly mentioned. I think he said that Spielberg was involved/interested in the project to some extent.
Venusian Silencer posted that Bradbury recently said the script was in its tenth draft, meaning the movie is nowhere near ready to be filmed, let alone finished, alas.
[This message has been edited by dandelion (edited 01-11-2002).]
Posts: 2694 | Location: Dayton, Washington, USA | Registered: 03 December 2001
In reference to a movie being made of Martian Chronicles, Ray mentioned when I and my family visited him at his home in 1996, that in addition to F451 being remade (now questionable) he wanted MC to be remade as he wasn't happy with the TV version of it. Yes, it was a movie, but a TV movie and was not released to theaters.
Ray commented on the fact that he wasn't entirely happy with how the TV version was done and would really like to see it adapted for the big screen.
The next time that I speak with Ray I will ask him about MC and see what his comments are. I do not wish to abuse the privilege of him having given me his phone number many years ago, and he doesn't seem to mind when I call once in a while. Most recently it was to find out that a movie is being shot in Yucatan, Mexico of his story The Sound of Thunder starring Pierce Brosnan.
Posts: 39 | Location: Plantation, FL USA | Registered: 19 October 2001
from what i understand, Frank Darabont was going to try to make a 9-hour mini-series of "The Martion Chronicles" along with writing the screenplay for a new version of "451". apparently, he has put "451" on the top of his priority list because he has been mentioneing it while doing press for "The Majestic"...
Posts: 15 | Location: florence, al | Registered: 19 January 2002
Re: "No writer is on board the new Martian Chronicles." I'll do it! And for cheap! Just to make sure it's done right! This is my favorite book, and, although I have high hopes for Paramount's quest, I remain apprehensive. When Universal had it, Ray used to tell me "Universal's got seventeen scripts on THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES, including five by me! We'll colonize Mars before the damn thing gets made!"
"Live Forever!"
Posts: 6909 | Location: 11 South Saint James Street, Green Town, Illinois | Registered: 02 October 2002
Chiming in, for what its worth... The TZ episode, even so, still brings a tear to my eye. And the NBC Peacock Theatre "The Electric Grandmother", Jeffrey Kindley adaptation is perfect.
