You may recall a book that I reviewed last year called The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It was published 20 years ago and has remained popular ever since, now making it into the Top 1oo books to read before you die, as voted for by the Great British public.
This epic and highly enjoyable story has now been made into a TV series, currently in post-production, to be shown some time in 2010. It will consist of 8 hour long episodes and has a very interesting cast...
Matthew Macfadyen plays Prior Philip
Rufus Sewell plays Tom Builder
Ian McShane plays Bishop Waleran
Donald Sutherland plays Bartholomew
The Director is Sergio Mimica-Gezzan and many of the scenes have been filmed in Hungary.
I will be looking out for it because I really enjoyed the book, although I am preparing myself for some of it to be cut for TV simply because of its length. I have no idea how they are going to condense it into 8 hours. Some of the casting intrigues me and you can see lots of great pictures on the series' official website:-
The above picture is one of the illustrations by Petra Rohr-Rouendaal found in the 1999 edition of the book and you can see the others and find out more about the book on Ken Follett's Website.
I always worry when a story I have loved is adapted for TV because so often it can disappoint, or you find yourself comparing how you saw the scenes and characters. As I read this one though, I could see that it would be excellent material for screen adaptation. Lets hope it fulfills its fans needs and expectations.
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6 comments:
I read "Pillars" when it first hit paperback and was completely lost in the tale for a couple of weeks. Like you, I have to wonder how in the world a plot as complex as this one can possibly be shortened into 8 hours of video - but I can't wait to find out. Hopefully, the series will make it over to the States fairly quickly after its debut in the U.K. Great potential here...
I agree Sam, I am looking forward to it to see how it pans out. I am sure it will go to the US soon after us but I haven't seen any release dates yet.
My father heartily recommended this book to me, but I just haven't picked it up yet. I'll have to make sure to read it before it does become a movie.
This sounds great! I've heard of the book, but haven't read it. Sometimes good movie/TV adaptations give me a push to read the book. I always enjoy pretty much everyone you mention in that cast!
Hi there Gentle Reader, thanks for your comment. It does sound like a stong and intriguing cast. Lets hope it all lives up to expectations.
Thanks for your comment Jeane, its a hefty book but I found it read quite quickly because it immerses you in the story. I think they will need to play about with some of the book just to fit it all in.
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