Why I Recommend Stardust the Film Over the Novel
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The novel Stardust was published in 1998. 9 years later the film hit theatres grossing $135,553,806 (www.wikipedia.org). |
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“A philosopher once asked, ‘Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?’ Pointless, really… ‘Do the stars gaze back?’ Now that’s a question.”
Those were the opening lines to the 2007 film Stardust which Nicole and I rented last weekend.
As much as I have made an earnest effort, I’m no fan of Neil Gaiman’s writings. In fact, Stardust was the only novel he has written that I actually completed. Gaiman’s rambling narratives and humor don’t resonate with me.
I have deep respect, however, for him as an author. I read his prolific online journal every once and a while. I was particular impressed by one interview in Locus magazine where he said he scrapped an entire novel weeks before a deadline because he felt (not his editor!) it just wasn’t good enough for his readers.
So How Did I Make it Through his Novel Stardust?
- Superb Illustrations: Not that I’m much into picture books (I usually like to use my imagination) but Charles Vess did a great job with the artwork.
- NOT a Tolkien Rip-Off: Gaiman offers a unique “fairy-tale” like fantasy mixed with very modern storytelling elements.
- April 1839: I really liked the fact it was set in Victorian England, not the typical medieval milieu. In fact, 1839 was the year Charles Dickens was serializing Oliver Twist (one of my favorite novels).
- There is No Death! Each time one of the princes dies some horrific death, you immediately see his discarnate astral form continue on as a ghostly spectator. I think we need to be reminded that when death comes, life doesn’t end.
Now, Why I Liked the Film Better…
- Faster Paced! Not that I’m totally impatient when faced with rambling (e.g. I love Dickens’ novels). I’m sure my wife would tell you I’ve been guilty of rambling on one or two occasions.
- Artistic Job on the FX: The film cost $70 million (www.wikipedia.org) and it shows. Despite the far fetched happenings I found the special effects very convincing.
- Fantastic Finish: In the book, everything isn’t tied together nearly as well as it is in the film. Plus, I didn’t enjoy the printed version’s slightly depressive finale. The film version suggests, instead, that from beyond this physical point-of-view we are all united – and that death has no hold on us.
Personally, I suggest skipping the novel and going straight to the film (a recommendation I don’t usually make.) Unless, like me, you’d enjoy seeing how the story plot evolved.
Please, leave your thoughts in the comment box below or read what others have to say.
P.S. You can buy a copy of the film, novel or audio version of Stardust from amazon.ca, amazon.com or amazon.co.uk.
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About the Author: John C. A. Manley writes writes spiritual science fiction and fantasy novellas. He's been practicing Kriya Yoga since 1996. For three years he lived in in hindu monastery in the mountains of of Southern California. He currently lives in Stratford, Ontario with his wife Nicole, son Jonah and cat Astral. Click here to read more or click here to subscribe to his MetaphysicalSF email column. |