Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. President Jim Sullos and Cathy Willbanks interviewed
From TheReelBits.com June 1, 2012
This morning, we were delighted to be invited to be a part of a virtual roundtable to celebrate the DVD and Blu-ray release of Disney’s John Carter. President of Edgar Rice Burroughs Inc,James J. Sullos Jr. and archivist Cathy Wilbanks were on hand to answer questions about their involvement in the film, the maintenance of the archives, their role in the100 Years in the Making piece for the DVD/Blu-ray, the future of the properties and the legacy of Edgar Rice Burroughs.
From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes John Carter – a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). John Carter is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet.
We need to thank Disney for arranging this virtual discussion, Mango here in Australia for getting us access to the discussion and of course, Mr. Sullos and Ms. Wilbanks for their generous time and answers. The questions came in from a variety of sources, so let us know if you took part so we can link to you!
45 comments
Somehow we’ve circled right back to where we started….
Dotat Sojat wrote:
“fries you can have it just the way you want it ”
Suddenly I’m hungry for Burger King. I’m joking 🙂
On the serious side:
“Sullos, if you didn’t LOVE the adaptation you should NEVER have allowed Disney to have the rights.
By that logic, ERB would have regretted virtually every rights deal he ever did and so would 95% of all authors.”
Many authors do make rights deals but at the same time have lamented these deals later and even been critical of film versions of their work. ERB himself regretted his deals during the silent film days, especially when the company that made the first Tarzan of the Apes made a sequel without paying him. And if you think that’s rare, John Grisham has been critical of film versions of his work; Stephen King also has, even The Shining, despite being made by Stanley Kubrick, one of the most respected and admired directors in film history. He didn’t regret the deal but wasn’t happy with the film.
But the real question is has ERB Inc in the last few years ever admitted to making a mistake or being unhappy with an end product? I can’t believe that they were thrilled with junk like Tarzan and the Lost City or the WB Tarzan TV series or didn’t have second thoughts after selling the film rights to Pirates of Venus and it not going anywhere. I’ve never heard anyone from that company admit this.
Finally to clarify this, the reason I said Sullos would have to admit to making a mistake is that if he admitted that he thought John Carter was a bad movie and that Stanton botched it then he would have to explain why in the first place he went with them? Or why ERB Inc wasn’t more involved in the production? If he is the “guardian of the temple” as you mentioned earlier why did he just stand by and not offer input or even possibly put his foot down and say we want changes?
“Stanton has been extremely “gracious” in the aftermath of the debacle.”
Yeah in the “aftermath.” Why not before hand? Instead it took this film blowing up in his face, being abandoned and thrown under the bus by Disney, left by the critics who gushed over his previous work and failing to get the huge audiences of his previous work for him to suddenly become “gracious?” I’m sorry but that’s too little too late at this point. He should have been gracious-to the fans and to ERB-but he wasn’t so I’m sorry I don’t believe his graciousness. It’s just another act-like his “I’m a huge ERB fan” act.
MCR wrote:
MCR, that’s the part that I think fries some of our minds — that it’s just as simple as, Sullos, if you didn’t LOVE the adaptation you should NEVER have allowed Disney to have the rights.
By that logic, ERB would have regretted virtually every rights deal he ever did and so would 95% of all authors.
It just seems really naive to think that you can have it just the way you want it and if you don’t get it just the way you want it, then the whole thing was a mistake.
MCR wrote:
Stanton has been extremely “gracious” in the aftermath of the debacle. He never replied in kind to the vulture.com hatchet job which contained numerous demonstrable factual inaccuracies (including the whopper that in April 2011 when MT Carney “flew out” to the set to visit him he hadn’t shot the big CGI scenes she needed — when in fact he was shooting reshoots in LA when she visited the set); he has been extremely gracious to fans by supporting their “Last Trip to Barsoom”, by meeting and doing extended picture taking with them after the Hero Complex screening of Wall-E; and he has never thrown or attempted to throw anyone “under the bus” even though both Ross and Iger laid the entire blame on him, or at least never acknowledged that an iota of blame might deservedly go to the studio team who botched it part of the process. Both Ross and Iger blamed the failure entirely on the film itself and even you, I believe, acknowledge that blame gets shared by Stanton and the studio marketers.
Paladin wrote:
“Have we now come so far in this discussion that sincerity is no longer an option?”
That depends on whether or not that person has a stake in the film. Sullos isn’t just a normal fan or person on the street. Now maybe he did like the film but as pointed out he was at a Disney-sponsored event so we may never know. And if he didn’t would he ever admit it? That would mean admitting he and the company made a mistake selling the rights to Stanton and Disney. Plus as pointed out it just sounded bad that he thought this film was a faithful adaptation when it wasn’t. It came across that ERB Inc doesnt’ care about films being faithful, just as long as they make money. That I find disturbing and sad for a company that claims to be defending and honoring ERB’s past and work.
Also:
“And this only serves to make these endless nasty attacks against gracious folks like Stanton and Sullos ever more wearisome.”
OK I’ll admit that I was off track attacking Mr. Sullos since some of you have met him and found him to be a nice guy, even though I still feel his comments and actions open a door for a more serious discsussion of ERB Inc’s problems. But (WAIT FOR IT!!!) saying Stanton is “gracious.” Yeah sure. When has he been gracious? To the fans? We don’t exist remeber? He said that himself. To Disney? They fear him remember and when are you gracious to those who quake in their expensive suits at the very mention of your name? Probably the only time Stanton has been gracious is to himself and probably Lassiter for not kicking out the door after John Carter failed at the box office. OK I’ll wait for another lecture on being respectful.
What I find aggravating is that the relentless nature of these guys’ negative barrage causes certain folks to feel compelled to make excuses for someone who actually likes this film. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a point well-taken and well worth making that Mr. Sullos was a guest at a Disney meeting, but nonetheless, Mr. Sullos does not need excuses or apologies because he didn’t find fault with Andrew Stanton’s adaptation. I don’t know the guy, so granted, maybe he was just being tactful during the interview, but on the other hand, would it really be so horrible to think that maybe he was simply being honest? Have we now come so far in this discussion that sincerity is no longer an option?
Each time I saw this film, the more I found in it. As time passes, the more my regard for this film grows. I watch these new fan trailers coming out, and the more I wish JC were still in the theatres so I could go back to see it just one more time. And this only serves to make these endless nasty attacks against gracious folks like Stanton and Sullos ever more wearisome.
Spaceman Spiff, it’s all in the tone and the wording. All you had to say was that you disagreed. Implying that he is not familiar with ERB’s work is insulting to Jim and also shows that you are not recognizing PR talk. Faithful adaptation means different things to different people, especially in Hollywood. What do you expect him to say promoting the DVD? That he wasn’t happy with it and the film blew? You just don’t do that when you are promoting something. You put personal feelings aside and go for it. I’m pretty sure ERB would’ve been very gentlemanly in his answer to the same question as he seemed that way in everything I’ve read so far.
It’s just frustrating to some of us who enjoyed the movie and want to see sequels made to see a never ending stream of negatives that a casual observer may come across when researching John Carter and whether to buy the DVD now. All I’ve been begging of MCR (especially MCR, and MCR has been getting better), you and others is to tone down the negatives. I think that is what Michael is getting at, too. Gentler, less strident wording would help immensely. Then myself and others would give you a pass. You could have said, “I don’t agree with Jim saying it’s a faithful adaptation. As a big Burroughs fan I was looking forward to this film just as much as every other Burroughs fan but I was very disappointed in the result as it didn’t adhere to the book.” Nuff said. We get it. We feel your pain, and I doubt anyone would take issue with a statement liike that and I sure wouldn’t have included you in my complaint about MCR and Henreid. The rest we’ve heard before. You won’t see people defending the film continually here if you guys aren’t constantly making it look bad using really strident, over the top, emotional, and terse wording. Read it out loud and see what it sounds like. If it’s coming off too harsh, please back it down or come back later. Pretend it’s a work e-mail.
First, Regarding Mr. Sullos and Mrs. Willbanks, I made no personal attacks on them. I don’t know them and have no idea how well they do their jobs but I’m sure they’re good at it or they wouldn’t still have them. What I said was, “I honestly don’t know how the man responsible for taking care of ERB’s collection, a man who should be intimately familiar with Burroughs work, can say that this movie was a faithful adaptation of ‘A Princess of Mars’ because it wasn’t. ” Simple as that. I don’t think this film was a faithful adaptation and I don’t understand
how Mr. Sullos or anyone for that matter can. You may like the film, you may love the film and that’s fine but honestly, it’s not a very faithful adaptation. What it is is a very loose adaptation.
This comment that I made;
~~And Dotar Sojat, if you are actually who I think you are then your comment that you “Really welcome contrarian views” is bogus.~~
At the time I wrote that I thought that you were a certain person with whom I have had lengthy discussions about this movie. The ‘hate accelerator’ made me think that. Obviously I was mistaken and for that I apologize. I forgot a lesson I learned long ago,never assume anything.
Now as for this;
~~As for Spaceman’s points, he wrote that he had found these quotes:
~~So who is this dick over at dvd talk? Sounds like another yippity-yap Stanton hater.~~
~~I say we pour gasoline on them and throw in a match~~
~~Time to take your foot off the hate accelerator.~~
~~Do you think by constantly repeating yourself that everyone who enjoyed the movie will all of a sudden say “Wow, Henreid and MCR, you’re so right. From now on, I’ll email you and ask you what I should enjoy and what I shouldn’t” ~~
~~I have been commenting to morons all day.~~
He did so in an attempt to make it appear that I endorsed all these quotes and he used it to say that my claim of supporting respectful contrarian views is bogus because I allow those comments to go unchallenged, while I challenge you and him for your comments. The thing is — most of those quotes don’t come from this site. I honestly don’t know where he got “I say we pour gasoline on them and throw in a match” …. if that’s here somewhere, show it to me because I don’t agree with that, nor do I agree with “I have been commenting to morons all day” ….. are these in here somewhere?~~
Obviously I didn’t clarify myself. I never meant for you or anyone to think those comments came from this site. One of them did but the others came from one of the John Carter fan pages on Facebook. I meant for them to be an illustration of the overall attitude of the film supporters who are most vocal in their intolerance of those who don’t. And that’s really all I was trying to point out. The same people who accuse us of being rude and intolerant are just as rude and intolerant if not more so. I personally have never called anyone a troll, a hater, a ranting fan boy or any other derogatory name. I have however been called all those things.
Let me respond to this and the other thread while I’m still thinking clearly.
Dotar you wrote:
“Just take a moment and think twice, that’s all. when you write a comment here, it’s got a pretty decent chance of actually being read by ERB Inc; by people at Disney; even by Stanton.”
See I don’t believe that. Now possibly someone from ERB Inc might be reading it-after all it’s an ERB related site-but I highly doubt anyone from Disney or Stanton himself actually goes on these sites. Disney didn’t care about the fans before so why start now caring about them while Stanton-and yes this will be more of my “blame him” mindset-doesn’t care what we think. He didn’t before the movie came out and I doubt he even does now. I’m just saying I don’t think they do look or if they do they probably don’t care what I think or for that matter anyone else.
“I absolutely guarantee you if you visited that office one time you would never make such a statement. ”
Again I don’t know them. I don’t live in California nor have the money to visit. I’m sure based on your comments as people they are nice. But to someone who doesn’t know them how do I know?
“If you’re only going to do one — do the ECOF List serv email list”
I am a member of that and it does seem to be a big group of ERB fans who love him and his work. I did not know that Sullos or Ms Willbanks were members though but I have not responded personally. I guess I should at some point but I was waiting for the film to die down since as seen here any negative opinion of it may not get a warm welcome.
“As for fans-vs-Disney — what exactly is your advice to them as to how they should have handled Disney? Demand script approval? Do you seriously think that was ver an option? ERB himself couldn’t control Hollywood — there were 29 Tarzan movies made before he died — how many of them even got remotely in the ballpark of being an adaptation that would pass your standards? ”
Honestly, yes. In the case of ERB himself at the time writers did not have script approval. It was not a part of the contract when Hollywood bought a writer’s work. Also Burroughs himself decided it was easier for him. I watched a documentary on the MGM Weissmuller films and there was talk that after the silent film versions of Tarzan-which Burroughs found lacking and disappointing-it was just easier to sell them the rights to the character, not his novels. So he did it to avoid any more bad films based specifically on his works but also probably because he knew that it didn’t matter. He would get no say with regards to the script anyway. Now though most writers-or their estates-have this option. So yes ERB Inc could have-and should have-demanded script approval to protect their interests but also to make sure it was honoring ERB’s legacy-the one they claim to be protecting. I’m not saying it would have done any good-Stanton seemed hellbent on doing it his way no matter what anyone said or thought-but if anything there would have been some attempt to respect ERB’s work and have it treated right by the filmmakers.
As for my ballpark-none of them. How many got in yours? I’m not saying they were all bad movies-Tarzan and his Mate is a great adventure film in its own right, one of the best of the era-but as a faithful adaptation zilch.
MCR
I keep thinking that one day I will say something that causes a light bulb to go off in your head so that you’ll adjust the way you comment. For example — this comment, the one I’m responding to, is written in a completely reasonable fashion so take it a print out a copy and keep it handy. This is fine — you are disagreeing with me in a reasonable and responsible fashion.
But can you not see the difference between the way you presented your argument above, and this one:
That’s inflammatory as hell and unfair. First of all, you didn’t get that n talking about the Therns threatening earth, he was referring to the pitch briefing he got from Stanton and Andrews in which they outlined the full trilogy. So for starters — you misread that, and he didn’t state is as clearly as he would have, had he been thinking that his audience was a bunch of ERB skeptics. But that’s the other thing, the context was a publicity junket for Disney — and you knew that — but you act if he should take the mic and start denouncing Disney and Stanton. That’s just not realistic or appropriate or in anyone’s interest. Beneath your surface layer of anger and all that, I think you understand that — but somehow you get triggered and you just can’t resist. Just take a moment and think twice, that’s all. when you write a comment here, it’s got a pretty decent chance of actually being read by ERB Inc; by people at Disney; even by Stanton. I mean, in your regular life when you are dealing with people face to face, I’m sure you don’t lob snark grenades at them — you find a reasonably tactful and responsible way to get your point across. I just wish I could get you to do the same thing here.
MCR wrote:
“Because in their eyes, ERB Inc is a business, nothing more.” You know — Cathy Willbanks sits at the same desk that ERB used to write novels at….their office is the same little bungalow that ERB built in 1926……they are surrounded all day every day by icons and artifacts of ERB and I absolutely guarantee you if you visited that office one time you would never make such a statement. They are emotionally invested and it takes an overload of cynicism to think otherwise if you have any actual interaction with them.
And you think they aren’t interested in what fans think? They are constantly in touch every day with lifetime ERB fans through things like the ECOF Listserv, the LA Suberbs, the Dum-dum planning, the ECOF planning…. here is the page from their website with all the fan organizations they coordinate with, and how to participate. http://www.tarzan.org/fan_clubs.html If you’re only going to do one — do the ECOF List serv email list. You just have to sign up and then everyday you’ll see anywhere from 2-3 to 10-15 messages going out about things having to do with ERB. Jim and Cathy are on that list. These are not movie fans – they are ERB bans (ECOF stands for Edgar Rice Burroughs Chain of Friendship). But I would alert you — they are a very gentlemanly group — they don’t’ indulge in flame throwing, they believe in being polite. They are united by their shared love of ERB and disagreements are handled politely.
As for fans-vs-Disney — what exactly is your advice to them as to how they should have handled Disney? Demand script approval? Do you seriously think that was ver an option? ERB himself couldn’t control Hollywood — there were 29 Tarzan movies made before he died — how many of them even got remotely in the ballpark of being an adaptation that would pass your standards? When I say they would be open to hearing ideas – I’m talking about valid ideas, like the point you made (I think it was you) about letting books go out of print; and things other people have said about being more pro-active in promoting the catalogue rather than focusing so much on “guardian of the temple”. I mean — those are legitimate concerns that can be discussed, and I assure you they are things that are on their minds and they’re trying to strike the right balance. But inputs from well intentioned, articulate enthusiasts are completely relevant — but not if you lob them in as hand grenades with inflammatory language, overt hostility, dripping sarcasm, and the like. Nobody responds well to that.
So … anyway, thanks for the peaceful communication. I feel like we’re getting somewhat more back on track here.
You know — what I really want for this site is for it to in some fashion make a difference to the future of ERB’s works. I’m not sure exactly how to make that happen other than to try and make it relevant, with meaningful articles and commentary. It won’t do that by just being a movie fan site, and I never imagined it to be that. But I think maybe the internet has this whole “fanboy/troll” war thing that gets passed one rom site to site and my efforts to break that cycle sometimes seem kind of futile. But I’ll keep trying, and I appreciate cooperation from all parties — contrarians and fans alike.
Dotar Sojat wrote:
“I’ll tell you why — contrary to what you guys say, I sincerely value a healthy exchange of ideas; I have never banned or blocked anyone from commenting on this site; I just want it to be carried out in a respectful manner and that’s the absolute truth of my position whether you believe it or not. ”
And I appreciate that. I really do. The problem it seems-and has been for a long time-is that not many other people do. I don’t mean to be rude or trying to start a fight but reading some of the comments made i don’t think they do. I also think it is interesting that so many of them accuse me and others of repeating the same things over and over. Well I could say the same things about them-their overpraise of this movie; the attitude that everyone I know loves it and the seemingly attitude of “what’s your deal” if you don’t. The gushing belief in Stanton (I know before you say it this story wasn’t about him but they were defending his movie so in a way it is). I said before there is this herd mentality and I do believe that. I could probably make a benign statement that I just didn’t like this film, that I felt that Stanton messed up adapting the novel and there would still be people who just do not want to hear it.
I also agree though Henried and what he wrote. ERB Inc hasn’t done that good a job upholding his legacy in the past few years. You said it would be a great topic and that you’re sure Sullos and Ms. Willbanks might appreciate the insight. Would they? I mean if came down between listening to a fan offering suggestions-no matter how good-vs Disney giving them tons of money who do you think they’re more likely to side with? Disney because in their eyes ERB Inc is a business, nothing more. That doesn’t mean they are bad people or they aren’t doing their best. It’s just that there has been no attempt to reach out to the fans and let them know they are working on their behalf to promote ERB.
Finally I do agree-sending the Therns to Earth is a lousy idea. That said I don’t agree with your statement that you wouldn’t be “incensed and outraged at a change like that” just because filmmakers change things. I mean if it that’s a bad idea say it, don’t just beat around the bush because you’re trying to play nice. I know that’s a balancing act here but at the same time just say it and get it off your chest. I’m sure I failed the politeness test so tell me how I did next time.
Henreid …. thanks for letting a little air out of the balloon……one thing I didn’t bring to your attention way back at the beginning of this thread, but perhaps should have — you thought Sullos’ reference to what happens in future episodes betrayed a lack of knowledge of the books; what you didn’t understand, I gather, is that ERB Inc folks were briefed by Stanton and Mark Andrews on the full trilogy, not just the first installment. So when he said “and by bringing in some of the storyline from the second Mars book we jumped into the future about what the Therns sinister plans are for Earth” — I think he was referencing the 2nd and 3rd movies — not the books. (Granted, he misspoke by saying “book”……or he was misquoted by the interviewer.) Either way, I’m 99% sure he was referring to what he learned from the Stanton/Andrews presentation, not referring to the content of ERB’s The Gods of Mars.
And by the way … just as an aside …. I’m not a fan of the Therns having evil plans for Earth. Trying to connect it up to Earth turns it into just another alien invasion movie. Part of the beauty of ERB was leaving Earth behind and caring about Barsoom without having to relate it to Earth to make it seem like there was “more at stake”. That said, I haven’t seen exactly how it’s planned, and unlike some of those around here, I’m not incensed and outraged at a change like that. Film-makers are going to change things. That’s what they do. It’s not paint by numbers — they ALWAYS make changes that bother the “faithful”.
Furthermore, I’m sure they are very nice people and I understand the Dotar Sojat response more because you have personally interacted with them. I’m sure they care very much about the property, but all we have to go on is what they said in the article and the actions of the company. Both of which contain some silliness. That is all.
I’m out of it for a little while and everybody gets delusions of grandeur!
I’ve gone well out of my way on many occasions to express my respect and even envy for those who love the film, so it’s a little precious that some think my direct quotation from the article is ‘hate’ or somehow ‘trolling’. (Khanada, my last post praised your precious Purefoy, does that count for nothing between us?!?)
BobJ, I’ve gotten a little punchy lately, and will make a concerted effort in the future not to be repetitive, but I’m pretty sure I’ve never made a personal attack or insulted anyone here.
My post was merely pointing out Jim’s extraordinarily poor choice of words in responding to questions about the fidelity of the adaptation with references to the Therns having plans for Earth. It was a strangely flash-card way to answer those questions, and in terms of mind-boggling PR speak, it reminded me of Mitt Romney taking credit for the successful auto bail-out because he opposed it.
I’m sure they work really hard, and they do care about the business. But that comment, and the rest of the article reeks a little of caring *only* about the business – of leveraging the ERB properties for whoever has the money to do something with them. That can be admirable in keeping the flame lit, but it’s not especially discerning.
When they do have a problem with something, it’s, say, comic books that accurately depict the costumes but don’t earn them any paper rectangle$. The ERB, Inc. problem with the ‘pornographic’ depictions of Dejah Thoris have nothing to do with ERB (or his literary description of the character) and everything to do with the salable (technically un-salable) non-nude ‘Disney’ image of the character, and the fact that they don’t get any royalties from this particular use of a work in the public-domain.
Not trying to be mean-spirited, just on-topic. And I don’t hold the over-the-top condemnation of my post against the site – after all you are in the respectably precarious position of keeping a relationship with these people. I understand and would expect nothing less.
I wonder if adding a smiley face to the post would have made the friendlier, bemused tone come across? 🙂
Man, do I love a good Burroughs debate with passionate people.
PS:: Caught the Blu-Ray tv spot with the killer ‘VISIONARY SCI-FI EPIC’ text about 10:44PM EST in a bar on Thursday, but I didn’t know the channel.
I swear, there could be a forum about puppies and rainbows and there would be trouble. The kitten brigade would show up to troll.
MCR, Henreid, Spiff – you do know you are free to start your own website bashing the hell out of the film and Stanton, don’t you? The thing is, I wouldn’t show up day after day to repeat the same tired complaints and insults and then have the nerve to act surprised when people have had enough and fight back. I think Dotar has been patient and accommodating to all of your posts – a lot of other websites would have banned your IP addresses by now. I sincerely wish you could bring contrarian views to the site without being so insulting or just repeating the same thing over and over.
I won’t get into the grapeshot and canister line of fire, but will make a comment about great books and great movies. Watchmen was an excellent graphic novel that made a boring movie because they tried to be faithful to the whole intricately developed novel. There are countless other examples. I applaud the outstanding adaptation of what we all know is a classic novel (or novels if you want to include all eleven) with John Carter. They took a difficult and highly involved plot that would NOT HAVE WORKED AS A MOVIE, and came up with a variation that IMHO created a classic Adventure/SciFi film that stands with Jason and the Argonauts, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Star Wars, Raiders, etc. as one of the most original, classic, and amazingly fun films in history. It’s easy to diss John Carter, and pile on, as so many have done, but at the end of the day, it stands as a truly remarkable achievement. I applaud everyone involved and of course those who manage ERB’s legacy. I sincerely hope we are surprised by some ballsy new Disney management that see’s the true potential of the John Carter franchise, and the amazing-ness of this movie, and against all odds green-light those sequels.
I noticed that what I had written previously on this page was quoted by Spaceman Spiff [“~~Do you think by constantly repeating yourself that everyone who enjoyed the movie will all of a sudden say “Wow, Henreid and MCR, you’re so right. From now on, I’ll email you and ask you what I should enjoy and what I shouldn’t” ~~”]
No, I don’t think that Spaceman Spiff, Henreid, or MCR have no right to their opinion, but c’mon! We’ve heard it all before. What is the point of coming into every thread and and saying how Stanton raped John Carter? WE KNOW YOUR OPINION ALREADY and your constant grousing isn’t going to change the enjoyment others have had from this movie. But it sure makes opinions of you as trouble-makers far more ingrained. Honestly, I’ve seen this all before at Sci-fi conventions. Pathetic girls walking around in clothing as provocative as they can get by with without getting arrested to try and get a bunch of fat pimply fanboys to go crazy over their nakedness. Smug people at dealers’ tables with t-shirts declaring their opposition to every institution that they think is holding them down. Loudmouthed Star Trek fans telling Star Wars fans that Star Wars isn’t Sci-fi and Star Wars fans telling Star Trek fans that Star Trek lacks a sense of fun. Con security guards who love flaunting their “authority”. And the name dropper who says “Oh yes, I was talking to Stan before he died … Stan … you know … Stanley Kubrick ” when in reality he may have seen him once and yelled at him “Mr. Kubrick, I loved A Clockwork Orange. Will you notice me by looking over this way?”
Look, I’ve read your comments before. I know what you think. I even have considered some of your points but still love Stanton’s John Carter and feel that it is enough like the John Carter I loved as a kid to be considered to very spirit of the books and I’m personally satisfied that enough remains of the original to be considered very faithful in some respects and close enough in others to where I found it highly enjoyable. Now, unless you have something new to say other than “Its not what I wanted… Its not exactly like Burroughs in every respect and anyone who disagrees with me is profaning Edgar Rice Burroughs’ name”, give it a rest. You’ve got the attention you wanted but you’re getting as tiresome as the “name dropper”, “the smug comic book dealer” or “the sexpot girl who enjoys a bunch of fawning teenage nerds tripping over their tongues at her” at Sci-fi conventions.
If you don’t like my tone or the tones of others who are simply tired of your constant grousing, Try not starting off by suggesting Sullos and Willibanks are fake Burroughs fans who have “never read ERB’s works”. You don’t like being insulted and gripe about us doing it? Stop being so insulting yourselves!
And by the way, the Johnny Weismuller version of Tarzan isn’t what I would have wanted either, but Tarzan & His Mate is still the definitive Tarzan movie that even an entirely faithful adaptation of the first two novels could never match. For some reason that movie captured the wildness of Tarzan’s jungle, the sexiness of Jane, and the fun of a Burroughs novel like no subsequent attempts at bringing the Jungle Lord have done. There is something good to be said for going after the spirit of a Burroughs creation rather than the balls-on literal page by page adaptation.
MCR wrote:
Where do I begin? And why? I’ll tell you this as preamble — people ask me all the time, why do you put so much energy into answering people like MCR and Henreid, and Speaceman Spiff. I’ll tell you why — contrary to what you guys say, I sincerely value a healthy exchange of ideas; I have never banned or blocked anyone from commenting on this site; I just want it to be carried out in a respectful manner and that’s the absolute truth of my position whether you believe it or not.
Now — to answer you. First, look up to the top of this article. It is not about Andrew Stanton. It is about an interview given by Jim Sullos and Cathy Willbanks — an interview whom a sophisticated movie viewer like yourself knows is clearly a publicity junket arranged by Disney for the express purpose of selling DVD’s which we as fans of Edgar Rice Burroughs want to happen for all the reasons I’ve enumerated a thousand times previously, regardless of whether it is a perfect adaptation or not. You and Henreid attacked (yes, attacked) Sullos and Willbanks for comments supportive of the film without cutting them an inch of slack for the context (a publicity junket), circumstances, etc. So this thread and the emotions you guys whipped up had nothing to do with Stanton and has everything to do with what was perceived as an undeserved attack on Jim Sullos and ERB Inc.
As for Spaceman’s points, he wrote that he had found these quotes:
He did so in an attempt to make it appear that I endorsed all these quotes and he used it to say that my claim of supporting respectful contrarian views is bogus because I allow those comments to go unchallenged, while I challenge you and him for your comments. The thing is — most of those quotes don’t come from this site. I honestly don’t know where he got “I say we pour gasoline on them and throw in a match” …. if that’s here somewhere, show it to me because I don’t agree with that, nor do I agree with “I have been commenting to morons all day” ….. are these in here somewhere? Where? It’s possible because the way this site is set, once you’ve had a comment approved you aren’t moderated any more and your comment goes up without moderation — I don’t see every comment before it goes up. But I personally can’t find these provocative comments that he’s using to support a claim of “bogus” against me. If they’re on the site, tell me where they are and I will react. And yes — I did say to you “Time to take your foot off the hate accelerator” which is pretty mild, isn’t it? I don’t hear you complaining about that, and I don’t’ think it was out of line.
As for: “I suspect-and I’m probably wrong-its that they hold the same viewpoint as you do-that this movie was great and Stanton could do no wrong.” Come on, MCR, how can you keep repeating something you know to not be true? We have had too many substantive exchanges about where I come down on the adaptation and to say that I am in the “Stanton can do no wrong” camp is just intellectually dishonest. I’ve been called out by the people who do feel he can do no wrong for first of all supporting the rights of those who hold contrarian views to be here and have their say — in a civilized way. Secondly I’ve gone on record about many of the choices that I would have made differently and you know what they are. I’ve posted negative reviews including one just the other day that you commented on. So how do you get off making a statement like that — unless it’s once again not a sincere statement, but one meant to inflame?
Fine, if you’re going to just blunder in and throw a hand grenade at somebody half the commenters here know and respect, don’t expect people to not respond, and vigorously, to what they perceive to be an unfair and unjustified attack. You reap what you sow. If you had made your comments in a more reasoned fashion, you would not get the heated response you object to. There’s a reciprocity to it all — don’t you see that? And you’re almost always the instigator, the one who throws the first punch, or hand grenade.
You know what’s really, really sad about this? I think that a civilized discussion/debate about the role of Edgar Rice Burroughs Inc is an EXCELLENT topic for discussion here, and potentially an extremely meaningful one. I think it’s not off limits to cite what may have been mistakes in the past and to talk about what can be done going forward to make ERB Inc the most effective steward of ERB’s legacy that it can be. I think Jim Sullos and Cathy Willbanks would be very interested in the reasoned, measured thoughts of passionate ERB fans, and such a discussion could actually help the future of ERB’s works. But that good will only come of it if the participants can find it within themselves to have a respectful, reasoned discussion that starts from the acceptance of the idea that the ERB Inc folks are doing their best; that the situation as seen from their perspective may be different than you see it from the outside; and that it’s possible to disagree without being disagreeable. So what you’re doing when you guys are just so bitter and vitriolic and over the top is that you’re actually killing the possibility of a meaningful dialogue in a situation where meaningful dialogue is possible. Mind you, (because you always veer off to Stanton), this is not about Stanton, this is about ERB Inc and the future of ERB’s materials.
Are you capable of respectful dialogue? Do you have something meaningful to say(I think you do)? Do you have suggestions for improvement and reasonable criticisms? All of that is okay and welcome. But if old patterns hold up, what will happen is you will launch your critique with a tone that says you have all the answers and the people who are actually doing the work are fools or idiots — how could anybody be so dumb as to make this or that decision, or do this or that thing? And once you do that,hopes of a useful dialogue are dashed. I’m not saying you actually use the words “fools” or “idiots” — I’m saying that your typical manner of criticizing carries with it a subtext clear as day that’s the subtext and that’s why you get the kind of response.
MCR, I’m really asking you to learn how to debate respectfully. If there is one thing I would like the site to become it’s a forum for people who care about ERB to voice their opinions but because I/we are actually engaged in trying to support the ERB legacy (meaning we’re engaged with ERB Inc, we’re engaged with Disney, we’re engaged with other producers trying to get ERB stuff done) … it means that rather than throw hand grenades and chortle about the reaction it gets, — offer serious and mature criticisms. You won’t be called a “troll” for doing that if you do it in a respectful way — and if you do make your points in a respectful way, and somebody calls you a troll, I’ll be the first to defend you.
Dotar Sojat wrote:
“What I object to is rudeness, personal attacks, and disrespect.”
Not to sound disrespectful or rude but really? I think it’s interesting that I’m called out-or others who hold contrarian viewpoints-for being rude, yet as Spaceman points out the defenders of this movie-and Andrew Stanton-can call us trolls, tell us to get lost and in short pretend that we are sad people who shouldn’t voice an opposing viewpoint and not get called out for the same infractions. Why is that? I suspect-and I’m probably wrong-its that they hold the same viewpoint as you do-that this movie was great and Stanton could do no wrong. Its easy to let people who share the same opinion slide but those who don’t have to be criticized or told they’re being rude.
Also with due respect to Mr. Sullos and Ms Willbanks-or Stanton for that matter-I don’t know them personally. I’ve never met them so all I have is an outsider viewpoint. And that drove my comments about the two of them (Stanton is another story entirely)-that to this outsider they are failing in protecting the legacy of a man the claim to respect and are working to protect. It has nothing to do with them personally, just an observation. I know that doesn’t justify in your and other’s eyes attacking them but again I’m not in the inside.
I
If I remember correctly, the folks at ERB inc were pitched the whole three movies by Andrew Stanton, not just the first. So they, lucky people, know where the story is heading (“Earth is next”?). Hopefully, we’ll know some day.
For those who doubt that “John Carter” is bringing in new readers: TA-DA–meet one! I grew up reading all manner of comics, Jules Verne and the Hardy Boys books but never once touched ERB, since I wasn’t the least bit interested in Tarzan and unfamiliar with John Carter Of Mars. The minute I heard last year that Taylor Kitsch was to play the title character, I bought a compilation with the first five books and dove in. So yeah, even if you didn’t care for the movie (and, of course, I’d say you were NUTS!), you can’t deny that it is bringing new readers into the ERB fold. (Cathy and Jim are fine people and responsible caretakers of ERB, Inc, btw…so lay off).
For those who claim to detest Stanton’s efforts oh so much, I sort of feel sorry for you. Don’t get me wrong–I’m a mega-fan of several other genres, just as some of these responders are of ERB’s works, and I know from first-hand experiences how hard it is to watch the mishandling of something you love. I felt that way about Universal’s financial/creative disaster that was “Thunderbirds” in 2004, and many long-time fans of the series and critics alike were caught frothing at the mouth long before ever seeing that film from the moment they heard the plot. It certainly wasn’t what it should have/could have been, nor what the core of the fandom expected. But you know what? I went in with an open mind, accepted what I couldn’t fix about it, lamented what was missing and appreciated what director Jonathan Frakes did well—and, here’s the key: I enjoyed it for what it was and I still do almost a decade later. Luckily, with Stanton’s “John Carter,” I wasn’t sure how the story would translate to the screen, so I walked into the cinema ready to be enthralled…and I was. Thirty-one screenings later and I am STILL enthralled. I have a blast sitting there reliving that amazing roller-coaster ride and each time it actually gets better! Is it exactly what’s depicted in “A Princess Of Mars?” Obviously not. Would you really want it to be? No. (Well, I’ve read missives from a few horn-dogs who wanted everyone to run around nude, like that was going to happen in a Disney film, but I digress). Remember what happened when Chris Columbus recreated “Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone” word for word on the screen and every critic on both sides of the pond cried that it was exactly that and nothing more? THAT’S why Stanton had better sense than to do it that way. (Plus there’s that sequel thing that directors are forced to deal with these days on every franchise film)…
What I’ve taken away from these two similar cinematic experiences above is that movie studios–which are basically run by insurance companies and banks–do not want directors to take risks when ridiculous amounts of money are involved, which forces filmmakers down “safe” paths which purists won’t like. That’s life. At the end of the day, these are people’s livelihoods at stake—hundreds upon hundreds of craftspeople, directors, producers and actors. All of the whining and griping of critics and fanboys often stands in opposition to the views of the rank-and-file filmgoer who doesn’t have a degree in film history and never read or collected every issue of a print series of anything. “I don’t know about art, but I know what I like,” as it’s said. So while I can appreciate that the know-it-alls know what transpired in the John Carter Of Mars novels, I’ve spent the last few weeks sitting in second-run movie theaters filled to the brim with happy viewers who are clapping, cheering, laughing and giving Andrew Stanton’s “John Carter” ovations at the end of each screening. I think their Presidential Flash Cards trump those dog-eared copies of “A Princess Of Mars” and the lofty opinions of a couple of rude and obnoxious fanboys any day (and I’ll bet those bean-counters at Disney think so too).
Rebecca wrote:
That is one of the many problems of context that the attackers here don’t get. Yesterday morning they were picked up by a Disney driver, driven into the studio, and sat through a series of “virtual round-tables” with journalists from all over the world, all under the watchful eye of Disney publicists. There will be a time for hard-edged commentary, this was not it.
My final comment for tonight:
It’s ironic that in all the brief but busy history of this site, nothing has ever gotten my goat like this one. Jim and Cathy are a couple of real, sincere people doing their best and the ugliness of the commentary is not justified.
It’s okay, though — here’s the truth. No comment has been deleted, no one has been banned. But the tolerance is not limitless.
I expect people to be respectful — that’s all. No point of view is off limits, but respect is not optional.
Spaceman Spiff wrote
SS my record in welcoming contrarian views speaks for itself. There is no intolerance of divergent opinions and you know it, because almost all of your 22 comments here have been contrarian and you haven’t been called to task for it. What I object to is rudeness, personal attacks, and disrespect.
Spaceman Spiff wrote
Why would I voluntarily post this if I was looking for nothing but comments supportive of the movie. You are really off base, Spaceman. http://thejohncarterfiles.com/2012/05/an-interesting-and-well-articulated-negative-review-of-john-carter/
Wow, this thread has fully diverged from the article. What I am excited about is
1. Jim and Cathy are really cool….FACT
2. More ERB literature is being adapted for film as we speak
3. Their work is featured on the DVD /Blu-Ray (100 years of John Carter)
(had to stop typing for a second… JC commercial on ABC, has white apes, 8:40 Pacific time)
4. They seem to hold no ill-will toward Disney for the marketing disaster that befell the property that they are doing so much to protect
5. More people of all ages are reading ERB due to John Carter… meeting more of them everyday.
What I wonder about is how many of their responses were colored by the fact that they are doing PR for Disney? I must say that I was a little surprised by some of their comments regarding that they were happy with all of the changes that were made by Disney. I suppose when you are talking to Disney you are going to keep everything on a positive note. I wonder if that’s how they truly feel? Hopefully I’ll run into them at the grocery store and find out.
P.S. Regarding all of the disagreements on this thread… we all have a divergence of opinions as to what should and should have not been done with the film. I don’t mind respectful discussion, it just hurts a little when you know the people who are being criticized (Jim and Cathy), especially when someone questions if they have even read the books…. that’s just mean.
Dotar Sojat wrote:
“I really urge you to ease off. I really want you to be part of the dialogue here but you keep pushing the boundaries so much……man up and figure out how to get your point across without being disrespectful.”
Fine I’ll will ease off. The funny thing is what I was going to respond with Spaceman actually covered in pretty good detail. While I appreciate that you want me to be part of the dialogue Spaceman is right in some cases-some people who just can’t seem to fathom that this movie wasn’t perfect or that everyone is not a Stanton fan doesn’t want to hear a dissenting opinion. And they respond just as vicious and with the same level of disrespect. But I’ll ease off just to keep the peace.
Thanks for pointing out this interesting interview. I’m very interesting in the maintenance of the ERB archives, so it was nice to have an opportunity to hear those folks weigh in on their role in the 100 Years in the Making piece for the DVD/Blu-ray. I’m looking forward to watching that segment., As is the case with many of the fans, the future of the properties and the legacy of Edgar Rice Burroughs is important to me. Not only as regards the possible sequels to the current film, but also in light of possible Tarzan efforts and perhaps even some of the less well known tales. There were a lot of good nuggets hidden in that dialog and I’m delighted that the John Carter Files brought it to my attention!
Kevin Sanderson,
If I misinterpreted what you said then I apologize. You like the film, that’s fine you can like it all you want. I don’t hate the film but I was very disappointed in it. It could have been much better(in my opinion) If it had stuck closer to the source material. Now, and I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I have had to write this in response to people who support this film after being accused of being an inflexible purist, I am not talking about a word for word, absolute 100% accurate adaptation. However almost every element of this film was rewritten. All the characters, the plot, the landscape and geography even the locals. Now that is my opinion of the movie. There were too many changes.
The problem is those who like this film don’t want to discuss these differences of opinion. Most don’t even want to hear(i.e. Read)them. We are called trolls, haters, morons, we are accused of being unable to recognize good cinema when we see it merely for expressing an opinion.
I saw one thread on one of the Facebook pages where someone tried to engage the members in speculation about who they would have chosen to play the leads if Kitsch and Collins had been unavailable. He only got one or two serious responses. No one else would even consider thinking of ANYBODY else playing those parts. I get the impression that what they want is one big Andrew Stanton love in and dissenting opinions about their “perfect” movie are decidedly UNWELCOME.
As I said they seem to be more intolerant than those who don’t like the movie, much more so in fact. I happen to be a long time Burroughs fan and it irritates me when people try to tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about or just assume that I hate this movie or accuse me of something I’m not guilty of(Demanding a 100% accurate adaptation)and that I just need to shut up and go away.
Let me start off saying that I am a HUGE ERB fan. I have been since I was in fifth grade. I am in my 40’s. I do have a few issues with the John Carter movie. First is the Therns. They are way too powerful. Moreso then in ERB’s works. The way they floated down from their ship and seemed to have psycic abilities was a bit much for my taste. I also was not a fan of the tat work on the human Barsoomians. I would rather have had them be the Red Men that ERB described. Now, these are simple disagreements with the script and not a judgement on the movie its self. I loved the movie for what it was, an adaption of ERB’s works. A better adaption, I must say, then even ERB did with his Tarzan movies. It is not as faithful to the books as many ERB fans would have liked, but that does not make the movie bad. It was an excellent movie and I have watched it several times and will watch it again. I will also buy it when it comes out. Now, other then these small things, I like the direction Stanton went with the movie. Hell, he even started it out in total ERB style. Loved the beginning. As a whole, the script was very good and the cast did a great job with it. The scenery was very Barsoomian and the CG was fantastic. I am very grateful to Disney for the oportunity to see Mars as we always dreamed of seeing it. Great movie regardless of the things I did not like. Now, Disney, don’t leave us hanging. Give us the sequil that we deserve.
I didn’t say you were rude. I was talking about Jim and Cathy wouldn’t be rude and insulting in a Disney sponsored PR junket by saying what they might think if it was negative.
I don’t want you guys to be 100 percent supportive, but it sure would be nice if you (and more so MCR and Henreid) were more appreciative of how others feel about the film. After all, we like ERB, too and usually, most of us say so. We just aren’t as locked into what a movie of his material should be. Most movies take liberties and I and others like many of the liberties taken with John Carter.
~~if the people being negative would tone it down a notch or two and support this film.~~
Exactly how have I been rude? I expressed my honest opinion and I satnd by it. If you find it rude, that’s on you. Seems to based on what I’ve read here and on other pages that the people who support this film are over all much more rude than those who don’t. Examples,
~~So who is this dick over at dvd talk? Sounds like another yippity-yap Stanton hater.~~
~~I say we pour gasoline on them and throw in a match~~
~~Time to take your foot off the hate accelerator.~~
~~Do you think by constantly repeating yourself that everyone who enjoyed the movie will all of a sudden say “Wow, Henreid and MCR, you’re so right. From now on, I’ll email you and ask you what I should enjoy and what I shouldn’t” ~~
~~I have been commenting to morons all day.~~
What I see is a group of movie fans who are completely intolerant of differing opinions. And Dotar Sojat, if you are actually who I think you are then your comment that you “Really welcome contrarian views” is bogus. If however you are NOT who I think you are then I apologize.
~~The movie is out there and maybe there’s a chance of more ERB work getting done, other than Tarzan, if the people being negative would tone it down a notch or two and support this film.~~
Why should I support a film I think is completely off the mark. It is a poor adaptation and I personally would rather see a remake than a sequel. I do not hate Andrew Stanton but I do hate what he has done to this story and I think another director should have directed it and should direct any future entries. But it is as you say out there and we’ll just have to live with it. BUT we don’t have to like it and being Burroughs fans we don’t have to sit back and be quiet about it. This is an open forum but if all Mr. Sellers wants is a bunch of yes people who think Stanton is ‘the Genius’ who finally got Burroughs right then maybe he should turn his page into a private one. If you can’t handle a little criticism them maybe you are the ones who should go away.
Kevin Sanderson, well said.
MCR, Henreid, Spaceman Spiff – you do realize that Jim and Cathy were doing a PR junket for Disney? Do you really expect them to be that rude and insulting to their hosts if they disagree? PR 101 says to avoid negativity. It shows how much you don’t get and why you can’t get along with the other fans here.
There are those of us who do appreciate the original ERB material, and the classic art, etc., but we also appreciate the effort that the creators of John Carter put into the film. It’s done. It’s over. The movie is out there and maybe there’s a chance of more ERB work getting done, other than Tarzan, if the people being negative would tone it down a notch or two and support this film.
I’m not totally happy with what happened to Superman and Supergirl over the years, but I can appreciate the various efforts with their stories. Please learn some accomodation skills.
I for one am glad Jim and Cathy are safeguarding ERB’s works. I’m sure they are keeping the best interests of the legacy in mind and are waiting for the right deals to happen (or maybe they are working on some and we don’t know and they can’t say) for any currently unpublished works. If John Carter does spring to life in DVD sales, that could be the catalyst for more interest in publishers to get other ERB material out. Be positive and think of the possibilities instead of dwelling on negatives. Dwelling on negatives will not get you anywhere.
MCR wrote
That’s the really sad, sad thing about you, MCR. It’s not that you have adverse opinions — it’s that you don’t know how to voice them without being rude, arrogant, disrespectful, and personally vicious. People on this site are totally capable of entertaining diverse opinions — it’s there, on the record, in the comments. You insist on turning ugly and being personal, with arrogant sarcasm that eventually wears thin, and with personal attacks that go beyond a healthy exchange of ideas.
I really welcome contrarian views but you just don’t seem to “get” how to do it in a gentlemanly and respectful fashion.
ERB would never, ever act in the manner you do and if you admire him so much, why not take a cue from his wry, humorous, charming way of making his points rather than just being mean spirited and vicious.
At the end of the day, all my efforts to encourage a diversity of views will come up against the need for courtesy and mutual respect. You repeatedly test that boundary. I really urge you to ease off. I really want you to be part of the dialogue here but you keep pushing the boundaries so much……man up and figure out how to get your point across without being disrespectful. There’s a good heart in there but your vicious lip keeps obscuring it.
Dotar
Dotar Sojat wrote:
” These are two very dedicated people who are working their asses off every day. To suggest that they don’t care or aren’t serious-minded is really just selfish on your part. Time to take your foot off the hate accelerator.”
I’ll ignore the mob that has shown up since as usual it’s their opinion that people shouldn’t have opinions except for the ones that agree with them. I said it, deal with it.
As for your defense-I’m sure Mr. Sullos and Ms. Willbanks are sincere people who do their jobs as best as they see fit. That does not change the fact that there ERB Inc has made mistakes in the past and still seem to be making them. Among them:
Allows virtually all non-public domain Edgar Rice Burroughs books to fall out of print. Except for the ones that have slipped into PD none of them are available. Why is that-especially if this movie as some of you has claimed has created new ERB readers?
Sue companies despite having shaky grounds for it. I’m not defending Dynamite Comics and it did sound shady in the court papers what they did. That said the books their adapting are in public domain. Also I’m sure there have been people who became interested in ERB’s work because of them so why is that a bad thing? I guess because ERB Inc isn’t getting paid.
Putting support behind a director who in virtually every interview belittled ERB and his talent. I’m sorry but Andrew Stanton’s comments are not defensible and having Sullos and the company stand behind him is an insult to a man and a legacy they claim to be protecting.
Now I do hope they open more in the future and a few of the project I’ve heard about-a new Carson of Venus novel and even the book that retells Tarzan of the Apes through Jane’s eyes-sounds interesting and I hope they do pull it together and possibly future film projects (I did like hearing that a possible big budget Land That Time Forgot is being considered) will be improvements or they will be more involved. I said my piece, let the mob continue to rail.
I honestly don’t understand how the man who is responsible for taking care of ERB’s collection and archive, A man I would assume to be intently familiar with Burrough’s work, Could say that this movie was a faithful adaptation of ‘A Princess of Mars’ because it wasn’t.
The fact that he has no problem with how the Therns were handled and that including elements from the second book were a good thing tells me he has no problem with Burroughs work being pulled apart, dissected and rearranged.
As a huge Burroughs fan I was looking forward to this film just as much as any other Burroughs fan but I was extremely disappointed in the result. And NO Dotar Sojat, we are not hating just to hate. You need to change that record.
We have honest, legitimate and deep felt reservations about how every element in the story from the characters to the plot were rewritten to suit Stanton’s idea of what this story should be. Personally I didn’t want to see Andrew Stanton’s John Carter of Mars, I wanted to see Edgar Rice Burroughs ‘Princess of Mars’.
Jim and Cathy are exceptionally fine people. I’ll bet old ERB — wherever he may be — is delighted to have such a superb, professional, and dedicated team safeguarding his legacy.
OK I get it, you two (Henreid & MCR) are really pure ERB fans! Yippe! Perhaps you are the ONLY true ERB fans out there! Double Yippie (one for each of you)! But you have a strange way of showing it. So the rest of us out here may not be pure, but I suspect we enjoy ERB and related endeavors more than you ever will. Cutting people down, especially well-meaning people seems a poor substitute for really sharing opinions and interest in a subject.
I honestly don’t know how the man responsible for taking care of ERB’s collection, a man who should be intamently familiar with Burroughs work, can say that this movie was a faithful adaptation of ‘A Princess of Mars’ because it wasn’t.
The fact that he approves of the way the Therns were handled and that bringing in elements from the second book was a good thing tells me he has no problem with ERB’s work being pulled apart, disected and rearanged.
As a big Burroughs fan I was looking forward to this film just as much as every other Burroughs fan but I was very disappoimted in the result. And NO Dotar Sojat, we are not hating just to hate, you need to cange that record. We have honest, legitamate reservations about the way that every element of the book from the characters to the plot was rewriten to suit Andrew Stanton’s idea of what this story should be.
It was a pleasure reading the article. I love that ERB, Inc was supportive of the movie I fell in love with, John Carter. Every movie script adapted from a book has inclusions and exclusions from the source material. Movies are a visual experience and certain changes are inevitable. Book purist often are disappointed that the movie strayed from their own vision. But a movie is the directors vision and I believe Andrew Stanton did a fine job.
I’ve said it all before, these trolls need to just go,away. Why they have to lurke here and be so highly,irritating and redundant is just beyond me.
Now to the great news! So cool to read about the interview with ERB Inc! Off to read it now! And I can hardly wait for my BluRay to arrive!! WOOHOOLA!!
Gentleman, this shows a particularly low brand of schoolyard behaviour even for you. I have no idea why you continue to haunt the sites that we put so much time, hard work and love into – just as the fine people of ERB inc. do into their endeavours, but this crosses a line. You may think that you’re no more harmful than the old men muppet hecklers, but you’re not. They’re funny, you’re just spiteful.
Anything that can be said to Henreid and MCR has already been said. But then again, they’ve already repeated the same garbage over and over again on this page. Yes, we know! You want a page by page balls-on accurate adaptation or nothing at all. Talk about being cranky and contentious. Even among fans who have wanted this movie made for years and years, you’re in the minority. Get over it or come up with something new to babble about. Do you think by constantly repeating yourself that everyone who enjoyed the movie will all of a sudden say “Wow, Henreid and MCR, you’re so right. From now on, I’ll email you and ask you what I should enjoy and what I shouldn’t” ? Trying to be big fish in a small pond like all those pompous pontificators of Sci-fi fandom who drop the first names of directors and actors they maybe saw ONCE from 50 feet away doesn’t impress me and it doesn’t impress any of the thousands of fans this movie has.
I found the article enlightening into the personalities of President Jim Sullos and archivist Cathy Willbanks.I’m thankful for their determination to a) promote Burroughs’ works and b) preserve the hundred thousand items or so left for them to make sense of. I envy their work.
Henreid and MCR,
You guys are pretty mean-spirited. To go through a lengthy interview like that, cherry-pick your pet peeve, and just harp on in such a disrespectful fashion really does bother me. These are two very dedicated people who are working their asses off every day. To suggest that they don’t care or aren’t serious-minded is really just selfish on your part. Time to take your foot off the hate accelerator.
Darn! Henried beat me to it. I agree though-has Sullios or anyone at ERB Inc ever actually read ERB’s works? Or did they just not care as long as Disney’s check cleared the bank. That and I laughed when he said they had input early in the screenwriting process. What was it-just agreeing to everything Stanton wanted?
I also thought it was funny that the site used a cover from the Dynamite Warlord of Mars comics-the company ERB is suing-in the story. And the mentions of the Tarzan movies at least provides some news (a new live action film would be nice if it can erase the Weissmuller hold or avoid Stantonization). OK I’m done griping.
“The film exceeded my expectations because it included numerous action scenes that I wasn’t sure could be replicated on the screen and by bringing in some of the storyline from the second Mars book we jumped into the future about what the Therns sinister plans are for Earth.”
So glad you’re in charge of safeguarding the legacy, Jim.
Maybe try reading the book you are supposed to protect before you do an interview about it.