Thursday, June 7, 2007

Movies About Writers


My friend Julie sent me the link to this new product from Powell's. Powell's Books is creating short films about writers and their work. The first one in the series is about one of my favorite writers, Ian McEwan, and his new book On Chesil Beach, which is obviously on my list. Sounds like really expensive advertising, but I'll bite. The copy is intriguing: "More expansive than traditional readings, the project aims to generate spirited discussion about great new books and their impact on readers' lives." There's a trailer that I quite liked--it did make me want to see the film, as trailers should. And when I clicked on the button to see where to find screening locations, it was encouraging to see that the film will be shown or sponsored by really great independent bookstores around the country. It will also be available on DVD. Could be interesting...

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

hi! just read the new ondaatje -- would love your opinion if you read it. i didn't love it, that's for sure, but after reading such glowing reviews, feel i'm missing something. beautifully written, though.

Gentle Reader said...

jen--that's funny, I was just going to order the ondaatje. Do I just not get him? Because I always feel a little like I'm missing something when I read his work. I always feel his writing is gorgeous, lyrical, but not emotionally engaging, but maybe it's me. But I'll read the new one and let you know what I think :)

julie said...

I loved "In the Skin of a Lion", but didn't make it though "The English Patient".

Gentle Reader said...

julie--I haven't read In The Skin of a Lion--do I need to put it on my list?

Anonymous said...

Oh that is neat! I heard an interview with Ian McEwan on NPR and now I really want to read On Chesil Beach. I'm still on the fence about his books but I have high hopes for Chesil Beach being the one that makes me a fan :)

Lotus Reads said...

I saw this (Powell's) advertised in the latest "Newyorker" and was going to check it out...looks pretty neat. I have read "On Chesil Beach" and would be very interested in learning what you think of the book once you've had a chance to read it.

Gentle Reader said...

iliana--I think I heard that interview, too! I became a fan after I read Atonement. His earlier stuff was a little dark for me, but I also enjoyed Saturday. I hope On Chesil Beach turns it around for you! Hope I like it too :)

Gentle Reader said...

lotus--I just saw that ad, too! I'm looking forward to hearing what you think about On Chesil Beach, too :)

Anonymous said...

How neat! Thanks for linking to it - I love that Powell's is behind it and that the films will be shown at indies. Sadly, no showings for this one in Georgia. :(

Gentle Reader said...

lesley--but fortunately they will be available on DVD, who knows, maybe even on Netflix!

Anonymous said...

I've always been surprised how little media publicity surrounds books and authors and I guess people are now trying to improve their coverage. It will be very interesting to see if this catches on.

Gentle Reader said...

litlove--it does look like a pretty good publicity gimmick, doesn't it? I say anything that might make more people read the book is good. Well, almost anything...

Kelly said...

Interesting

Unknown said...

And who lives in Portland? Walking distance from Powell's? When are you coming to visit?

Gentle Reader said...

myutopia--well, could be interesting, if they're any good...we'll see!

sue--walking distance, eh? I'd come to Portland just to see you, of course, but Powell's is an added incentive!

Bellezza said...

I will never, ever forget his book Atonement. Also, Saturday was good, but not as powerful as Atonement to me. That book made me feel emotions which no other book has caused. Except possibly The House of Sand and Fog.

Gentle Reader said...

bellezza--I totally agree about Atonement--it was an amazing book. Saturday I really liked, especially after it sat with me awhile, but it didn't pack the same kind of emotional punch. So I look forward to his new one, which I just ordered...

BookingAlong said...

Hi,
My book blog is bookingalong.blogspot.com but I can't seem to get my "identity" to switch over when I post (sigh).
I love your blog site. Maybe we could link to each other. Check mine out, just had the unique experience of interviewing an author for an onnline chat, for a web community. A bit....strange but definitely upped my learning curve, quickly.