Fincher to Direct "Black Hole," Based on Charles Burns Comic

[andy khouri]

"Fight Club" and "Zodiac" director David Fincher is attached to the feature film adaptation of Charles Burns' Harvey Award-winning graphic novel "Black Hole."

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=13060

[Tobias March]

Fantastic news!

[Sean Walsh]

Oh drat. I thought this was a remake of the ol' Disney movie starring Maximilian Schell..... :-/

[StoneGold]

Oh drat. I thought this was a remake of the ol' Disney movie starring Maximilian Schell..... :-/

Was thinking the same thing.

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/5/5a/180px-Robot_v.i.n.cent.jpg

[Jared]

Me three. And really, I think David Fincher could do a kickass remake of that. I've never heard of this graphic novel.

[ultramandingo]

........ robots with painted on eyes and voiced by slim pickins ! it would work better animated - pixar style - the chuck burns version i mean

[berk]

To those of you who've read the entire thing, which I haven't - will they be able to fit all that into one movie? Just that the book looks pretty thick on the shelf. I only read the scattered issue here and there, and don't remember too much of those, so I couldn't say, myself.

[Armless Penguin]

To those of you who've read the entire thing, which I haven't - will they be able to fit all that into one movie? Just that the book looks pretty thick on the shelf. I only read the scattered issue here and there, and don't remember too much of those, so I couldn't say, myself.

I've never read it, but man, Zodiac was nearly three hours long (and great!), so I don't suspect it'll be much of a problem.

[GRANT!]

To those of you who've read the entire thing, which I haven't - will they be able to fit all that into one movie? Just that the book looks pretty thick on the shelf. I only read the scattered issue here and there, and don't remember too much of those, so I couldn't say, myself.

I think so. It reads pretty quickly despite the page count.

[Pól Rua]

This SHOULD be awesome. Unfortunately, cruel experience has taught me never to underestimate Hollywood's ability to screw up a sure thing.

And as someone who saw the Disney science fiction thing at the movies.
This should be a fuckton better. And not one of your sissy imperial ones, either. I'm talking metric, baby!

[Tobias March]

To those of you who've read the entire thing, which I haven't - will they be able to fit all that into one movie? Just that the book looks pretty thick on the shelf. I only read the scattered issue here and there, and don't remember too much of those, so I couldn't say, myself.

I see no reason why it can't. There's a central murder mystery, an escalation in the progress of the disease and a group of the victims forms and then disbands.

I reckon they can cover that in a couple of acts.

[Ryan K]

I feel like someone just punched me in the stomach.

On one hand, Fincher is an excellent choice to direct this.

But then, no one should direct this. In my opinion it pretty much a perfect comic and any adaptation is probably just going to water down the material. I'm skeptical that anybody could translate this well. OK, I take that back, I'd be happy if David Lynch directed it.

And the fact that Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary are writing it just depresses me more.

I'm sure attempts will be made to keep the symbolism and everything Burns created, but I can't help but think the end result will look something like a generic horror film with one big metaphor elevating it past drive thru schlock. Pessimistic, I know.

[Tish-the-Scorpion]

Was thinking the same thing.

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/5/5a/180px-Robot_v.i.n.cent.jpglikewise...

[king mob]

I feel like someone just punched me in the stomach.

On one hand, Fincher is an excellent choice to direct this.

But then, no one should direct this. In my opinion it pretty much a perfect comic and any adaptation is probably just going to water down the material. I'm skeptical that anybody could translate this well. OK, I take that back, I'd be happy if David Lynch directed it.

And the fact that Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary are writing it just depresses me more.

I'm sure attempts will be made to keep the symbolism and everything Burns created, but I can't help but think the end result will look something like a generic horror film with one big metaphor elevating it past drive thru schlock. Pessimistic, I know.


It is a perfect comic but Fincher is one of the better mainstream American directors around, plus Gaiman should ensure a certain authenticity in translating the comic to film after his experiences with Sandman. Avary is a good screenwriter as well and I'm sure they'll try to keep as much of the comic on screen as possible in Hollywood adaptations of any work.

[mlcm]

Honestly, I'd rather see Fincher do something with a little bit more of a visual pizzazz - something like The Fountain....

[The Xenos]

Damn. I was hoping Fincher would next do the true crime comic book Torso.

[jesse_custer]

I'd rather see Fincher stay away from comics altogether.

[mlcm]

I'd rather see Fincher stay away from comics altogether.

Why do you think that?

[jesse_custer]

His most realized films, Seven and Zodiac, are Hitchcockian, and I have yet to see any comic that captures this quality, mainly because you literally see things happen in comics before they even occur in "comic book time."

[The Xenos]

How can someone on a comic book board be so close minded about comics? I suggest you start reading some better ones.

I don't know about Black Hole, but he was in talks to make Torso. That is a comic that is much more like Seven and Zodiac than any other comic book movie. Like Zodiac, Torso is a true crime story. In fact, if he did do Torso, it would help people rethink what 'comic book movie' means.

[the goddamn batman]

How can someone on a comic book board be so close minded about comics?

I think that question answers itself.

[jesse_custer]

How can someone on a comic book board be so close minded about comics? I suggest you start reading some better ones.

I don't know about Black Hole, but he was in talks to make Torso. That is a comic that is much more like Seven and Zodiac than any other comic book movie. Like Zodiac, Torso is a true crime story. In fact, if he did do Torso, it would help people rethink what 'comic book movie' means.

I wasn't being close-minded, man. I said "yet to see." And also, I'd appreciate it if you didn't condemn my taste in comics based on one post that you misinterpreted.

[mlcm]

His most realized films, Seven and Zodiac, are Hitchcockian, and I have yet to see any comic that captures this quality, mainly because you literally see things happen in comics before they even occur in "comic book time."

I disagree with you on this. Comic book "time" and film "time" are two separate things, whether or not the films are Hitchcockian. Regardless, both mediums have different pacing styles because they are different mediums. It's a testament to the director who has the visual and technical chops to adapt the material from one medium to another. Of all the visually innovative and technically proficient directors out there (Fincher, Gondry, Jonze, etc) I would rather see Fincher adapt a comic book rather than a non-visionary director like Adam Shankman or Shawn Levy.

[jesse_custer]

Comic book "time" and film "time" are two separate things, whether or not the films are Hitchcockian.

Yes, but the Hitchcockian orientation toward handling time is quite different from most directing styles. The major difference between "comic book time" and "film time" is one reason why so many comic book films have been failures ("Hulk" immediately comes to mind).

It's a testament to the director who has the visual and technical chops to adapt the material from one medium to another.

And Fincher hasn't proven himself in this regard. Remember, he will probably--I assume--work with a script that will have been written by someone else. Since I don't believe comic books lend themselves to the Hitchcockian effect that Fincher is so damn good at, I'm not sure if the writer will be as aware of Fincher's limitations as a director when he or she is writing a comic book movie script, as opposed to a mystery or suspense movie script. Yes, he's really good. "Seven" changed the way I looked at movies when I was a teenager, and "Zodiac" is quite powerful. But he is flawed and limited.

I would also rather see Fincher try a comic book movie before others, but that doesn't mean I think the subgenre can fit his strengths. But we'll see. Fincher surprises me on a semi-consistent basis.

[mlcm]

Who do you think is the best director to handle this material then?

[the goddamn batman]

But he is flawed and limited.


Maybe I missed it, but have you stated WHY he's flawed and in what ways he's limited?

Personally, I think Fincher is a fantastic director. I could easily see him doing Batman movies after Nolan...

I haven't read Black Hole, so I can't comment on Fincher's style working for or against the subject matter.

[Ryan K]

Who do you think is the best director to handle this material then?

Black Hole specifically?

David Lynch.

I know you weren't asking me, but in my mind Lynch would be a dream here. I would prefer someone who's past film work is a bit more abstract and less narrative driven than Fincher's.

[mlcm]

Yes, but the Hitchcockian orientation toward handling time is quite different from most directing styles. The major difference between "comic book time" and "film time" is one reason why so many comic book films have been failures ("Hulk" immediately comes to mind).

And Fincher hasn't proven himself in this regard. Remember, he will probably--I assume--work with a script that will have been written by someone else. Since I don't believe comic books lend themselves to the Hitchcockian effect that Fincher is so damn good at, I'm not sure if the writer will be as aware of Fincher's limitations as a director when he or she is writing a comic book movie script, as opposed to a mystery or suspense movie script. Yes, he's really good. "Seven" changed the way I looked at movies when I was a teenager, and "Zodiac" is quite powerful. But he is flawed and limited.

I would also rather see Fincher try a comic book movie before others, but that doesn't mean I think the subgenre can fit his strengths. But we'll see. Fincher surprises me on a semi-consistent basis.

Honestly I still think you haven't clearly expressed why specifically Fincher isn't the right choice for this film. I am consistently impressed by Fincher, and Zodiac threw me for a loop stylistically. It's the work of a mature and self-assured filmmaker. Zodiac's style and Seven's style are very different, but still close enough to recognize it as Fincher. His seamless integration of CGI into Zodiac (you'd be surprised at how much was green screen) makes me wish he'd do something that was not so flat (even though the flat style matched the content of Zodiac - not a bad thing) and more visually dynamic - which is exactly why I want to see him do a comic book movie.

[jesse_custer]

Who do you think is the best director to handle this material then?

Not sure, haven't read the comic. But based on this page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Hole_%28comics%29

I can't say Fincher would be my first choice. Remember, Hitchcockian, Hitchcockian, Hitchcockian.

Now that I've read more about "Black Hole," I have to say Lynch sounds far more qualified and capable.

Maybe I missed it, but have you stated WHY he's flawed and in what ways he's limited?

Watch "Alien 3" and "Panic Room" for his flaws. I'm not going to touch "Fight Club" since no one agrees on that movie in the first place. As far as being limited, his two best films--"Seven" and "Zodiac"--rely on Hitchcockian elements. Remember, I didn't say he was a bad director, and all directors are usually flawed or limited in some way.

Honestly I still think you haven't clearly expressed why specifically Fincher isn't the right choice for this film. I am consistently impressed by Fincher, and Zodiac threw me for a loop stylistically. It's the work of a mature and self-assured filmmaker. Zodiac's style and Seven's style are very different, but still close enough to recognize it as Fincher. His seamless integration of CGI into Zodiac (you'd be surprised at how much was green screen) makes me wish he'd do something that was not so flat (even though the flat style matched the content of Zodiac - not a bad thing) and more visually dynamic - which is exactly why I want to see him do a comic book movie.

I have clearly expressed my primary concerns. You just quoted them. If you disagree, fine, but don't pretend as if I haven't said anything.

Here are a couple of other reasons I don't think "Black Hole" would suit him:

1. Realism works best for Fincher. Based on the aforementioned link, I can't say "Black Hole" lines up with this strength necessarily.

2. Subtle violence and macabre suggestion work best for Fincher. In "Seven" we never actually see the killer murder his victims, but we often see the effects. In the case of "Lust," it's the mere suggestion of a bladed dildo that makes the viewer uncomfortable, not the explicit image of the act. In "Zodiac" I thought it was very powerful when the killer was stabbing the victim in front of the lover. You could clearly see the blade entering the body again and again, but no blood was spurting. Contrast these powerful moments with the fight scenes in "Fight Club," which seemed awkwardly filmed at best. Not as powerful or creative.

To conclude, I don't think using green screen effectively means the director is absolutely right for a comic book movie. You have to feel it, man, not just show it. Again, I could be proven wrong, but this is my honest reaction.

[jessecuster3]

Not sure, haven't read the comic. But based on this page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Hole_%28comics%29

I can't say Fincher would be my first choice. Remember, Hitchcockian, Hitchcockian, Hitchcockian.

Now that I've read more about "Black Hole," I have to say Lynch sounds far more qualified and capable.



Watch "Alien 3" and "Panic Room" for his flaws. I'm not going to touch "Fight Club" since no one agrees on that movie in the first place. As far as being limited, his two best films--"Seven" and "Zodiac"--rely on Hitchcockian elements. Remember, I didn't say he was a bad director, and all directors are usually flawed or limited in some way.




Yeah and noone though Doug Liman could do an action movie after making Swingers, but damn, if Bourne Identity wasn't amazing. Or maybe after watching Evil Dead movies if you thought Sam Raimi had the skills to do Spider-Man as good as he has, especially after a crappy Darkman.


You haven't even read Black Hole and think you know anything about it? Let alone who should direct it? How about you go read it and dial down the annoying film school rhetoric.

[stealthwise]

I don't think that Fincher will do a bad job per se, although if I had to choose someone to direct Black Hole, it would probably be Guillermo Del Toro.

And yes, Jesse_custer should probably read the actual comic before he makes any prescriptions about who should direct it. :)

[jesse_custer]

Well, for one thing I thought "Swingers" was an unfunny bore. So from my perspective, Liman found himself with "Bourne Identity." (By the way, I thought the two sequels were better, but Liman laid the groundwork, no doubt.) And I also thought "Darkman" was more thought-provoking, better directed, and more emotional resonant than any of the "Spiderman" films.

I see what you're saying, however. But remember, I never said it was impossible for Fincher to do a good job.

You haven't even read Black Hole and think you know anything about it? Let alone who should direct it? How about you go read it and dial down the annoying film school rhetoric.

I admitted my limited knowledge of Black Hole, so how about you knock off the annoying fanboy racket. The point is that based on what I've read about it thus far, it doesn't sound like a Fincher movie but a Lynch movie. Also, none of what I've said is film school rhetoric. I've never taken film classes. I've just been watching movies for a long time and have read a lot about them and their creators. These are my personal observations, not general rhetoric generated by a broad school of thought.

[jessecuster3]

I admitted my limited knowledge of Black Hole, so how about you knock off the annoying fanboy racket. The point is that based on what I've read about it thus far, it doesn't sound like a Fincher movie but a Lynch movie. Also, none of what I've said is film school rhetoric. I've never taken film classes. I've just been watching movies for a long time and have read a lot about them and their creators. These are my personal observations, not general rhetoric generated by a broad school of thought.

There is no fanboy racket here. I just think you spouting essays about how "horrible" Fincher is, is about the most hypocritical thing I have read on CBR.

[jesse_custer]

I never said Fincher was "horrible." On the contrary I said:

Yes, he's really good. "Seven" changed the way I looked at movies when I was a teenager, and "Zodiac" is quite powerful.

It seems as if you're making this personal somehow. I'm sorry I offended you so much with an opinion.

[mlcm]

Not sure, haven't read the comic. But based on this page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Hole_%28comics%29

I can't say Fincher would be my first choice. Remember, Hitchcockian, Hitchcockian, Hitchcockian.

Now that I've read more about "Black Hole," I have to say Lynch sounds far more qualified and capable.

Watch "Alien 3" and "Panic Room" for his flaws. I'm not going to touch "Fight Club" since no one agrees on that movie in the first place. As far as being limited, his two best films--"Seven" and "Zodiac"--rely on Hitchcockian elements. Remember, I didn't say he was a bad director, and all directors are usually flawed or limited in some way.

I have clearly expressed my primary concerns. You just quoted them. If you disagree, fine, but don't pretend as if I haven't said anything.

To conclude, I don't think using green screen effectively means the director is absolutely right for a comic book movie. You have to feel it, man, not just show it. Again, I could be proven wrong, but this is my honest reaction.

Sorry, I wasn't clear on the green screen thing. What I meant by that wasn't simply the use of green screen, but the ability to use the green screen (or any visual tool) so effectively and skillfully. Fincher has proven himself adept at using different technologies (CGI, film, matte paintings, the Sony Viper), so I confidently assume he can keep up with emerging film technologies and different film languages (ie digital film)

Maybe I'm being dense here, so I'm going to try and say what you're argument is. This isn't snarky or anything. The argument is that Fincher's best ability is to emulate Hitchcock, and from what you understand of "Black Hole" (s you haven't read it), it's not Hitchcockian, so therefore Fincher isn't the best choice?

Can we not simply take Alien3 out of the equation here? The film was done with so much studio interference that we could almost call it an Alan Smithee film. Also, in regards to Panic Room, isn't that his most Hitchcockian, from story level to the directing level? I think the flaws in Panic Room are story flaws, not visual flaws.

Now, for full disclosure, I haven't read Black Hole in its entirety. I have read bits but I am no expert on the source material. Personally, I don't think Fincher is the best choice for "Black Hole" but I would not rule Fincher out for comic book movies at all. I still think he's one of the best directors out there, flaws and all.

[ultramandingo]

........ Cronenberg circa early 80s would be perfect

[the goddamn batman]

but I would not rule Fincher out for comic book movies at all. I still think he's one of the best directors out there, flaws and all.

Man, I could totally see him doing Batman movies.

[king mob]

Not sure, haven't read the comic. But based on this page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Hole_%28comics%29




You really do need to read the comic to understand what point you're trying to make. Otherwise it's sounding just like you're taking a pop at a director for not doing what you want him to do.

Black Hole is a great comic, if this helps make Burns more popular and makes people read better comics than the usual superhero guff then I'm all for Fincher (who has shown himself to be a more than competant director, though David Lynch was made for the material) making the film.

[jesse_custer]

I'm not taking a "pop" at the director. Do you actually read all of my posts or just a few phrases here and there? I think Fincher is great, but based on my LIMITED knowledge about this story, it doesn't sound like it suits him.

[Reptisaurus!]

Honestly, I'd rather see Fincher do something with a little bit more of a visual pizzazz - something like The Fountain....

More.... than..... Black Hole?

Wow. What's the Fountain? It's hard for me to imagine somethin' much more visually engrossing than Burn's neato book.

Other than that, agree with Pol. This is a really good choice to make a movie about, but I trust Hollywood to League of Extrordinary Gentlemen it.

[the goddamn batman]

Wow. What's the Fountain?


Oi... really? Your Goggle-Fu must not be very strong.:p

[Reptisaurus!]

Oi... really? Your Goggle-Fu must not be very strong.:p

I care enough to type out a question, but not enough to sift through google results.

[Reptisaurus!]

And, OK, I'm admitting ignorance as a means of fishing for a confession from mlcm that he hasn't actually read BLACK HOLE, which I strongly suspect to be the case.

It's a poker player thing.

[the goddamn batman]

And, OK, I'm admitting ignorance as a means of fishing for a confession from mlcm that he hasn't actually read BLACK HOLE, which I strongly suspect to be the case.

It's a poker player thing.

Well, that's one thing.

I care enough to type out a question, but not enough to sift through google results.

If by 'sift' you mean click the first link... then, sure, I can understand that.



Wait... no I can't.:D

[mlcm]

And, OK, I'm admitting ignorance as a means of fishing for a confession from mlcm that he hasn't actually read BLACK HOLE, which I strongly suspect to be the case.

It's a poker player thing.

Hmm... you might try reading my posts. That'd be easier, I suspect.

[Reptisaurus!]

Hmm... you might try reading my posts. That'd be easier, I suspect.

Oh oops. I did miss the part where you flat out said you hadn't read it. (Which was already preeeettttty clear from the "visual pizzazz" comment.)

[mlcm]

Oh oops. I did miss the part where you flat out said you hadn't read it. (Which was already preeeettttty clear from the "visual pizzazz" comment.)

You're not kidding. I picked up the comic today and read it in two sittings. Man, it was really really really good. I loved the visual metaphors that run through the whole thing. This is definitely a story that's uniquely a comic.

After reading this, I think that Fincher could do this. While Cronenberg would be my first choice, I have enough faith in Fincher's skill to kick ass on this.