Alas, bustiers don't make blockbusters
Adaptations of 19th-century novels don't always make popular movies
By Stephanie Snipes
CNN
(CNN) -- In today's fantasy-obsessed entertainment world, rocket ships and slimy aliens keep audiences in eye-popping awe, while classic novel adaptations with phony European accents and ultra-tight bustiers seem to have others reaching for the NoDoz.
The 1800s have been poorly served by the movie world. Take "Jane Eyre" or "Wuthering Heights." They were critically successful ("Heights" even brought home an Oscar) -- but weren't box office hits.
Sadly, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Moviegoer aren't drawn to the age of pantaloons and corsets. Which makes me wonder...why do studios keep trying?
Hollywood's newest attempt at classical wit and impeccable manners comes in the form of "Vanity Fair," director Mira Nair's ("Monsoon Wedding") adaptation of the famed William Makepeace Thackeray novel of the same name.
"Vanity Fair" tells the story of Rebecca (Becky) Sharp, a woman from a poor background who sets her sights on high society life. Sharp, played by "Legally Blonde" alum, Reese Witherspoon, uses charm and cunning to climb her way up the social ladder.
From where I'm sitting, "Vanity Fair," like Sharp, has quite the uphill battle. For one, the film spans two decades -- often a tough pill for moviegoers to swallow --especially when the characters don't seem to age a day.
Second, adapting a beloved literary character like Sharp for the big screen is dangerous -- and fans of the novel risk disappointment from Nair and Witherspoon's interpretation.
For decades, these two problems have plagued period films.
So, does this movie have a chance?
Eye on Entertainment polishes its monocle and takes a closer look.
Eye opener
Historically speaking, trouble surrounds adaptations of great novels. Take the aforementioned "Jane Eyre," Hollywood produced many dismal interpretations of the Bronte tale (the Emmy-winning 1970 TV interpretation staring George C. Scott aside).
Likewise, moviegoers stayed away in droves from "Mansfield Park," "Madame Bovary" and "Pride and Prejudice." The proof of this is in the box-office. The three films combined pulled in less than $20 million -- total.
Compare that with this summer's "Spider-Man 2," which grossed over $100 million in the first five days of its release.
One must-have films of this genre need in order to have a shot at box-office success ... star power.
In 1996, Gwyneth Paltrow, fresh from her success in "Seven," delighted viewers with her portrayal of "Emma," playing a young lady who takes pleasure in meddling with people's personal relationships.
Another success was 1995's "Sense and Sensibility," again brimming with top talent. The film about two daughters left penniless after their father's death starred Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson. Not to mention the directing genius of Ang Lee ("The Ice Storm").
So, in the end, it really is a crapshoot. With Witherspoon leading the cast and a strong director in Nair, "Vanity Fair" audiences may be able to look beyond the accents and horse-drawn carriages to see something special.
If not, well, we'll discuss this again next year when the newest adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice," starring Keira Knightly, hits theatres.
"Vanity Fair" opened September 1.
On screen
"Black Hawk Down" heartthrob Josh Hartnett stars in the thriller "Wicker Park." The film tells the story of an investment banker (Hartnett), who becomes obsessed with a long-lost love.Rap stars Eve and Queen Latifah star in "Cookout," a comedy about a man who signs a $30 million deal with the New Jersey Nets. Keep an eye out for "Sopranos" alum Vincent Pastore and SNL graduate, Tim Meadows.On the tube
After an eight-year run, comedian Drew Carey and his band of beer-drinking, football-watching buddies sign off. The series finale airs at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.Sound waves
Alan Jackson's new album, "What I Do" (Arista), comes out Tuesday.Paging readers
Apprentice winner, Bill Rancic gives writing a try in his debut novel, "You're Hired" (HarperCollins). The 32-year-old "game show" winner claims to have the key to personal and professional success. The book is due out Tuesday.
