About a Boy (2002). Directed by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz; written by Peter Hedges, Chris Weitz, and Paul Weitz, based on the novel by Nick Hornby; starring Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, and Rachel Weisz.
Yeah, High Fidelity and About a Boy are two rock-solid adaptations, and I can say that without even having read them. Then there's Fever Pitch (the American remake), which I would much rather read for a first time than watch for a second.
Apparently the rights to A Long Way Down were bought by Johnny Depp, and that's supposed to be in the works.
Then there's his newest book, Juliet, Naked, which sounds ready-made for an adaptation: "The book is about a reclusive 80s rock star who is forced out of isolation when the re-release of his most famous album brings him into contact with some of his most passionate fans."
RC, the original Fever Pitch or the remake? I've only seen the remake...so I'm assuming you're talking about the original with Colin Firth. ;-P
I agree, Pat, and it's becoming apparent that it was one of Hugh Grant's last performances as well. I haven't seen anything he's done recently but it's looked like he's just mailed it in for the last five years.
"No, no, see that's where you've got it wrong - I really am that shallow..."
ReplyDeleteIf its possible, this movie actually improves on a really kick-ass book. Pity they haven't adapted more Hornby novels by now...
Thanks for the Wednesday smile.
Yeah, High Fidelity and About a Boy are two rock-solid adaptations, and I can say that without even having read them. Then there's Fever Pitch (the American remake), which I would much rather read for a first time than watch for a second.
ReplyDeleteApparently the rights to A Long Way Down were bought by Johnny Depp, and that's supposed to be in the works.
Then there's his newest book, Juliet, Naked, which sounds ready-made for an adaptation: "The book is about a reclusive 80s rock star who is forced out of isolation when the re-release of his most famous album brings him into contact with some of his most passionate fans."
Thanks for posting this - I feel like this film is totally uner appreciated -- Hornby adapts so well. I love Fever Pitch too.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of "About a Boy" too. It's one of Hugh Grant's best performances.
ReplyDeleteRC, the original Fever Pitch or the remake? I've only seen the remake...so I'm assuming you're talking about the original with Colin Firth. ;-P
ReplyDeleteI agree, Pat, and it's becoming apparent that it was one of Hugh Grant's last performances as well. I haven't seen anything he's done recently but it's looked like he's just mailed it in for the last five years.