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From Spartan to Pirate

Department of Trailers for Animated Shorts Based on Subplots in Graphic Novels Being Adapted as Feature Films / Daniel Carlson

Trade News | February 16, 2009 | Comments (16)

Zack Snyder’s upcoming Watchmen looks to be as visually literal an adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ comic book as you could want, but that doesn’t mean they got everything into the movie. Case in point: The comic within the comic, Tales of the Black Freighter. Snyder realized at a certain point that he wouldn’t be able to incorporate it into the film, which is a shame, but he’s also gone the extra mile and overseen an animated short film based on the pirate story, and it’s set for DVD release March 24, a couple weeks after Watchmen hits theaters. It also features the voice of Gerard Butler, who didn’t become a household name until starring in Snyder’s 300, so you have to figure Butler did the short because he basically owes Snyder until forever. Here’s the trailer:


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Comments

I'm conflicted over whether I should watch this movie and all the related clips, or read the comic book first. If I try to read it first, it's going to take forever and I might never get around to the movie. I know someone who would watch V for Vendetta with me-should I try that and see if I like the style?

Posted by: Sabrina at February 16, 2009 10:37 AM

Take the plunge, Sabrina, and read Watchmen.

Not feeling the anime style of the Black Freighter. Doesn't gibe with the comic-style of the material enough, and becomes distracting. Glad to see it wasn't completely left out of the movie experience, though, as much of the sub-plots in Watchmen were so integral to the whole tale...

Posted by: malikvlc at February 16, 2009 10:44 AM

I don't think one would necessarily condition you for the other, but I think they're both good books and the V movie was pretty good too, so go ahead and watch it anyway.

However, one can read comics really fast and two and a half weeks isn't too long to read it and digest it for a few days. You don't wanna put down the book and directly go to the theater, makes for a disconnected experience.

That trailer's a little overly heady but I still think it's neat that they're doing it. Apparently some of "Under The Hood" is live action.

And oh wow! There's a friggin movie of the comic itself I hadn't heard of yet.

http://www.amazon.com/Watchmen-Complete-Motion-Digital-Blu-ray/dp/B001QFYLKS/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1234799189&sr=8-3

Perhaps I'm supposed to consider it cynical, but I like that there's a bunch of stuff all over different media coming out right now. It's fun! I don't have to buy any of it to complete a story or anything. I'll see if my library'll buy the "Film Companion" book.

Posted by: Jay at February 16, 2009 11:00 AM

This is all so ambitious. I really like that Snyder has turned what could've been a boring marketing campaign into this series of sneak peeks and outside material.

Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at February 16, 2009 11:34 AM

I agree. I've really been enjoying all of the material that's been coming out. They are really doing everything they can to give folks a sense of the Watchmen World.

The movie may not succeed, but I really don't think it will be because of lack of effort or understanding/"getting" the material.

Posted by: Forbiddendonut at February 16, 2009 11:57 AM

I have arrived at a decision. I will watch V and read The Watchmen once either Cannonball Read is over or I've completely given up on it.

Posted by: Sabrina at February 16, 2009 1:43 PM

Actually, has anyone done "Watchmen" for a Cannonball Read review yet?

(if so, don't know where that fuckin book review is, mate. There's a lot of 'em about!)

Posted by: Jay at February 16, 2009 1:47 PM

Comic books don't count towards Cannonball, Jay. But I was about to go down to the library, want to join me? It'll be a wild time.

Posted by: Sabrina at February 16, 2009 1:50 PM

Actually, has anyone done "Watchmen" for a Cannonball Read review yet?

I would have, but the rules state no graphic novels/comic book trades.

Hmm, still might put something up though.....

Posted by: Vermillion at February 16, 2009 1:58 PM

In the ghettoooooooo......

Posted by: Jay at February 16, 2009 2:25 PM

Oh! I just found out that it's constructed like the book, in that it goes in and out of street scenes of the kid reading it, and Snyder said that it's designed to fit back into the movie, so he plans to make an extended cut with it.

Posted by: Jay at February 16, 2009 11:10 PM

All right, you Pajibians, you forced me to do this, and you've brought this on yourselves....

(Ahem...)

This Is FREIGHTAAAA!!!!

Posted by: TheUpsetter at February 17, 2009 1:12 AM

Even if that graphic novel/comic book trade is counted in Time's 100 best novels?

Posted by: grendel at February 17, 2009 6:18 AM

They simply turn their heads and look the other way, grendel.

Posted by: Jay at February 17, 2009 6:21 AM

I'm sold.

Posted by: chenry at February 17, 2009 10:36 AM

Right on! The Black Freighter story was wonderfully frightening to me. I can't wait! Sabrina, you should definitely give Watchmen a go. It's a very quick read.

Posted by: MissNev at February 17, 2009 2:28 PM