Reamde discussion

Here's a newsflash: according to DeadLine.com, Reamde will be adapted into a TV series by Chris and Paul Weitz. They are known for work such as "About a Boy", "Golden Compass" and "The Twilight Saga: New Moon".

In general, a lot of such adaptations tend to go awry (at least, in my experience). Do you think this one will work?

1. No, probably won't work and, will focus on terrorist/homeland angle overmuch.

2. Should just pick either Snow Crash or Cryptonomicon for Stephensons screen debut. I would cry with joy.

Why pick the worst book Stephenson has written when he has written some of the best SF books EVER?

It's like Fox deciding to run all the Firefly episodes out of sequence and then wondering why it wasn't catching on.

I have to agree with all of you, but I'd still watch it. How could I not? I used to have dreams about being the screenwriter that brought Cryptonomicon to the big screen.

Yes, it would be a wonderful mini-series, if it stayed close to the book. The diverse story lines could appeal to a wide demographic. I agree with the previous comment that a focus on the terrorists would ruin the story.

I liked the book a lot, I think it would be a great limited run series, depending on who ends up making it. HBO, AMC, FX, maybe even Showtime could do it justice. If one of the big broadcast networks ends up with it though, I'd think not.

Wouldn't say its his worst book, but definitely the most mainstream and topical (Chinese hacking, terrorism, MMORGs) which is why I think it makes sense as a TV series. If it was done with the same production values as a top-tier cable show like Boardwalk Confidential, Game of Thrones or Homeland then it could be pretty spectacular.

I would fall down if they did this for Cryptonomicon, but I see that as a far harder sell to your average person. That would be stellar though.

I am not really into film adaptions of my favorite books. This one will almost certainly not be worth watching. It will probably be like Fox' series "24". Now, if they want to make a series on Cryptonomicon or Snow Crash -Ya I would have to watch.

So far, REAMDE is the only Stephenson novel I've read. As far as a TV adaptation, the only thing it has going for it is the buildup to the fight at the end. That would make a decent climax for a show/movie. Otherwise, I think the story is too diverse, and not necessarily visual enough (lots of shots of people typing at computers). I'd still go see it, though.

I just had a horrible vision of some inappropriately attractive actor being cast as Richard *snort* Or making Olivia blonde and blue-eyed for ratings UGH. Also, I'm a bit of a China hand, and I usually cringe whenever American shows try to do anything with China. Improperly handled, this could look like a schlocky CSI:Xiamen & British Columbia.

Last I heard Joe Cornish is working on a Snow Crash film. (btw, I loved the little joke in Reamde about Google Earth swiping their idea from Snow Crash)

Dave wrote: "So far, REAMDE is the only Stephenson novel I've read..."

Me too, although I am stuck at about 50% on Cryptonomicon, I hate to admit. :)
I'd love to see Reamde made into a film, or series better yet.

I think they could make it work successfully if they stay focused on the main characters. Follow the action. don't dwell on the stagnant parts or try to make it a political soapbox of some kind. The book has good characters, so if they bring them to the screen, it should work.

Honestly, this book read like a TV thriller more than any of his other books, so I figure it just might work.

Agreed. What Tim said...

Add me to the list of people who would kill for a good Snow Crash movie. I gave up on Reamde after it turned into a espionage story. If I wanted something like that I would have picked up a Ludlum novel.

Snow Crash would be spectacular. Agreed.

Reamde is terrible, so I don't think turning it into a TV series could make it any worse. In fact, I think it would be one of those rare instances where the movie/TV show is better than the book. The book is basically the script of an action movie.

I hope the TV series has as many product placements for Leatherman Tools as the book did.

I'm not being smarmy. The metal shop I work for provides parts for Leatherman.

Dana wrote: "I just had a horrible vision of some inappropriately attractive actor being cast as Richard *snort* Or making Olivia blonde and blue-eyed for ratings UGH. Also, I'm a bit of a China hand, and I usu..."

I kind of imagined Jeff Fahey in that role. Either that, or the guy who plays Walt Longmire. For Olivia I imagined Una Damon.

My biggest worry about a screen adaptation of Reamde would actually be the T'Rain bits. I've seen a few TV shows that try to incorporate MMORPGS and the results are always bad.

Jeroen wrote: "Here's a newsflash: according to DeadLine.com, Reamde will be adapted into a TV series by Chris and Paul Weitz. They are known for work such as "About a Boy", "Golden Compass" and "The Twilight Sag..."
I'm about 3/4 of the way through, and I definitely keep thinking, "This would make an outstanding mini-series if handled properly." Bring it on.

I love MOST of Stephenson's writing. Cryptonomicon hands down the best but Reamde a close second.

Crazy thing happened today : One of my users PC got a virus called "CRYPTO LOCKER". It encrypted all the files on there pc and gave them a countdown clock of 72 hours and a payment of 300 bucks or your files would be lost. People pay it and it unlocks. I think its time for me to get on a plane to China! RANSOM ware, wonder if they read REAMDE for the idea?

Ceasar wrote: "Crazy thing happened today : One of my users PC got a virus called "CRYPTO LOCKER". It encrypted all the files on there pc and gave them a countdown clock of 72 hours and a payment of 300 bucks or ..."

Good source of information here:

http://krebsonsecurity.com/2013/11/cr...

This will work out great if HBO or SHO do the adaptation. Otherwise, any of the mainstream networks will destroy it.

Tim wrote: "Honestly, this book read like a TV thriller more than any of his other books, so I figure it just might work."

I guess you never read Snowcrash