The Time Traveler's Wife

[ginger1]

One of my favourite books of recent years, The Time Traveler's Wife has been made into a film, directed by Robert Schwentke, and will be released in November 2008.

It is based on the bestselling story by Audrey Niffenegger (if you haven't read it yet - do - it's amazing!) and stars Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams.

It is an intense, moving, and magical story. I hope "they" do it justice.

Any thoughts from those who have read it?

[LilyDreamsOn]

This is one of my favourite books. At first, when I heard it was being made into a movie, I was horrified. I felt too protective of this book, so much so that I vowed not to see the movie. Then I realised I was being a bit silly because the movie, no matter how bad or good it is, will not change my opinion of the book.

I'll be honest: I'm worried about this movie. The story is way too tricky to be made into a movie, first of all with the switching perspectives, and second of all with the timeline that jumps back and forth. It could get very confusing (the book was sometimes confusing as it was).

Secondly, supposedly Audrey Niffenegger read the script and said she disliked it. Usually authors always give the thumbs up, so this worried me.

And thirdly, I'm worried about how this will be marketed. I'm scared they'll portray it as a cheesy romance, The Notebook 2 (it doesn't help that Rachel McAdams is playing Clare, when she also starred in the Notebook). A lot of novels have fallen down that path when becoming a movie. Basically, I don't want it to be Hollywoodized.


So despite all these worries, I'm still going to go see it with an open mind and hope for the best. I really want to love this movie because my copy of the book is circulating through the family and I'd love to be able to just sit down and watch the story on a Friday night to relax. It's such an amazing story that this has the potential to be really great - if they don't make it cliche.

[BelleSnowyOwl]

I haven't read the book, but Rachel McAdams is one of my favourite actresses, so I really want to see the movie.

[HedwigOwl]

Originally Posted by ginger1

One of my favourite books of recent years, The Time Traveler's Wife has been made into a film, directed by Robert Schwentke, and will be released in November 2008.

It is based on the bestselling story by Audrey Niffenegger (if you haven't read it yet - do - it's amazing!) and stars Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams.

It is an intense, moving, and magical story. I hope "they" do it justice.

Any thoughts from those who have read it?

I haven't read it yet...I meant to and then forgot. So thanks for the thread, I'm going to read it next.

I know what you mean about whether or not they will do the film adaptation well. Do you know who's directing it?

[ginger1]

HedwigOwl - the director, Robert Schwentke, made Flightplan in 2005 and is at the moment undertaking to direct Conspiracy of Fools (possibly starring Leonardo diCaprio?) - amidst much argument, as it is based on real events, and which some say should not be made into a movie.

There are many many problems with turning Niffenegger's book into a movie, but I remember Flightplan as being really quite weird, almost claustrophobic, and I think Schwentke did a good job of directing it, so perhaps he will be able to handle the complexities of Time Traveler's Wife.

I'm not sure - but hopeful!

[goonie102]

Wow Sounds Interesting

[REMEMBERALL]

I have been waiting YEARS for this movie! I remember way back in the day when Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were married, they bought the rights to make the movie and well ..
but finally the time is almost here! I just wish it was ready for summer release instead of the fall.
I too wonder how they are going to make this non confusing for the movie audience.. I read this book 2 times, I plan on re reading it again before the movie comes out.

[goonie102]

Originally Posted by REMEMBERALL

I have been waiting YEARS for this movie! I remember way back in the day when Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were married, they bought the rights to make the movie and well ..
but finally the time is almost here! I just wish it was ready for summer release instead of the fall.
I too wonder how they are going to make this non confusing for the movie audience.. I read this book 2 times, I plan on re reading it again before the movie comes out.

I Agree Summer Would Be Better

[HedwigOwl]

Originally Posted by ginger1

HedwigOwl - the director, Robert Schwentke, made Flightplan in 2005 and is at the moment undertaking to direct Conspiracy of Fools (possibly starring Leonardo diCaprio?) - amidst much argument, as it is based on real events, and which some say should not be made into a movie.

There are many many problems with turning Niffenegger's book into a movie, but I remember Flightplan as being really quite weird, almost claustrophobic, and I think Schwentke did a good job of directing it, so perhaps he will be able to handle the complexities of Time Traveler's Wife.

I'm not sure - but hopeful!

Thanks for the info. I've started reading the book -- it's an intriguing read so far -- but I really don't see how they're going to translate this one into a film properly. I guess we'll find out!

[goldensara]

The Time Travelers Wife is also one of my favorite books. It really touched my heart (not to mention made me cry) and I think if its approuched in the right manner it can be a terrific film. I'm a little scared about Eric Bana being Henry, he is much more rugged than I imagined Henry to be...
Rachel McAdams is an ok actor I suppose. The main thing that worries me is the plot like some people have mentioned, it is so convoluted and complex that it can be really easy to mess it up with the transition to film. Plus the book is so long! What parts will they cut out? Will they do a voice-over narration or just straight forward filiming? Will they start with Clare as an old woman or from the beginning?

[rwwoman]

Wonderful wonderful book, I just can't picture Eric Bana as Henry though, I imagine Henry to be taller and thinner, more of a Christian Bale type maybe. Unfortuantly I always see Eric Bana as a comedian rather than a serious actor as that's how he started out over here.

[freelantzer]

I recently saw this trailer and was intrigued. Haven't read the book, but the movie looks like it could be really good. I'm not usually a fan of sappy romances, but this doesn't look like one of those--looks like something I might like. Hopefully they pull it off. Will probably wait to read the book until after I watch the movie, though.

[ginger1]

I saw the trailer as well, and I've started to get really worried.

If they only focus on the love story then they will have missed the most important part of the book - the shifting sense of time and location, the way that everything is experienced by two characters impressions of the same events. Yes - it is a love story, but it's so much more ...

[lcbaseball22]

I saw a TV spot during 50 First Dates on USA and first thing I did when I got online was watch the trailer! I haven't read the book so...

My first impression is a sort of cross between The Notebook and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- so this could be really really good!

The first film being for obvious reasons- Romance film in which the same actress (Rachel McAdams) stars. I actually just saw this for the first time last week and really liked it (8.5/10) I gave my brief review here- http://www.cosforums.com/showpost.ph...&postcount=876

And I was reminded of the 2nd film I mentioned due to the woman's love interest also having a strange genetic disorder. In that case not time traveling but aging backwards. Saw this film quite recently too (also 8.5)- http://www.cosforums.com/showthread....on#post5325671

That being said, the romance aspect could be too sappy and/or cheesy (common complaint of romance films, especially from male viewers who tend to be dragged to these films by women ) and the time travel concept could be difficult to grasp and is often confusing in films.

Oh, speaking of...I just thought of another movie link! Eric Bana also time traveled in the Star Trek film released earlier this year!

Anyways, the screenwriter has a tough job based on what I'm reading around the net, in adapting what sounds like a beloved best selling novel. The script is the most crucial element of this film, I think. The story has to make sense and feel genuine despite the sci-fi nature

As for the acting-

I've read the film was originally going to star Brad Pitt (the actor in the aforementioned Benjamin Button) and Jennifer Aniston (of "Friends" fame and who seems to do nothing but rom-com films now ) and I'm glad this isn't the case. I think Brad Pitt would have been alright and I'm beginning to think he's a terrific actor the more and more of his films I see....but not Jennifer Aniston. It'd be too much of an unfamiliar role for her (though I felt she did romance/drama pretty well in Marley and Me) and besides- Rachel is younger and sexier Attractiveness aside, I think Rachel McAdams is a very good actress and a great choice for the role. OMG, I just looked up what other films she's been in and I completely forgot she's the chick that plays Claire in Wedding Crashers! (AWESOME film, BTW) As for the actual chosen male lead, well...I think Eric Bana is a great actor but he seems too much of a "tough guy" for the role. Films I've seen him in are Star Trek, Munich, Troy, Black Hawk Down...none of those really translate to a romantic role Also, from watching the trailer and TV spots I feel a bit of a harsh tone of voice with that "tough guy" attitude coming through. I dunno, was that his personality in the book?

Oh yeah, almost forgot. I'm loving the songs in the trailer and tv spots! Anyone know if these are going to be part of the soundtrack?

Well, that's my initial thoughts. I could see it having Oscar potential like Benjamin Button but I could also see it a flop like The Lake House

I think I will wait and see how it's received. Unfortunately I don't have a girlfriend so if I want to see it, I'll have to watch it by myself

[AccioHP]

I read the book this summer and absolutely loved it!! I can't wait to see the movie as well. Like someone said on here though, the book was a little con fusing at times as to what year they were in. Hopefully they don't make it soo confusing in the movie.

[lcbaseball22]

Hmm, the early reviews aren't looking too great- http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/time_travelers_wife/

Here is one I just read:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertai...,5462732.story

He sums up his thoughts like this-

I left "The Time-Traveler's Wife" wishing it had been "The Time-Traveler's Mother."

[ginger1]

Well, the reviews have not been great. I've not been able to see it yet (Mods, can this thread now be moved to the main bit please, as it's "out") - but I have listened to some of the soundtrack - Mychael Danna has written a haunting score. It seems this movie has everything going for it - brilliant story, accomplished actors, all the cinematic tricks needed - why has it just disappeared off the radar? Is it just no good?

[LilyDreamsOn]

I saw it last night. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great, either. I found it slightly slow and boring at times. They changed the personalities of a couple of characters, and left out some poignant scenes in favour of fluffy romance ones. I can't see myself seeing it a second time.

[freelantzer]

I haven't been able to see it yet, either, Ginger. But after seeing all of the lackluster reviews, I think I'll wait for the DVD. Too many movies out now that I still need to see on the big screen.

[captain Sparrow]

I can't wait to see the movie, I've begun reading the book but haven't finished it yet... the book is so far really good and the movie trailer was amazing