I’ve talked before about my movie daydreams. It’s a fun thing to think about mostly because we haven’t sold the rights yet. That lets me imagine it the way I hope it will be, without any irritating reality getting in the way.
If a movie does get made, it will be probably be terrific in the traditional sense of the word. The truth is, the more I think seriously about who I would cast in the movie, the more I realize that I’m really not qualified to make those sorts of choices.
Sure sure, there are actors that I really enjoy and admire. But just because I like an actor doesn’t mean they’d be right for the movie adaptation of my book.
I think what a lot of people forget is that there’s a huge difference between enjoying a role an actor has played in the past, and being able to predict whether an actor will be right for a role in the future. I love James Marsters as Spike, But that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a good role for him in the book.
Casting is profoundly speculative. Predictive. Not predictive like poker. We’re talking weather forecast predictive. Voodoo predictive. Even with my caveman knowledge of the movie world, I respect the hell out of the casting directors who can do it well. And though I enjoy daydreaming, I haven’t fooled myself into thinking I could do their jobs.
(That said, I still stick to my choice of Neil Patrick Harris for Bast. That is an opinion that fire cannot burn from me.)
The same is true with cinematography. And special effects. And a lot of the other technical elements involved in working in film. Those are highly specialized skills and I would be an idiot to think I could do them better than the professionals.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying I wouldn’t want to be involved in the movie. I know the book better than anyone. I know the characters and the world. What’s more, I understand how stories work, and story transcends medium. Story trumps all. That’s where I’d be helpful.
Still, these days when I daydream about the movie, I don’t think about the big picture. It’s more fun for me to think of little things that would add to the movie. I like to think the powers that be would let me amuse myself with some small things in order to shut me up while they re-write the screenplay to turn Kvothe into a lesbian, shape-changing unicorn.
I think a lot about music in the movie. Not the score, mind you. That’s another specialized skill. What I mean is that I think about who we could put on stage when Kvothe is in the Eolian. I think about who would play the troupers from the early part of Kvothe’s life. I think about how cool it would be to have some really awesome musicians doing cameos in the movie.
I’m not talking about celebrity walk-ons, like Britney Spears. I’m talking about modern-day troupers. People who spend so much time making music that it’s practically a superpower.
I’m talking about people like this:
I want them in the movie. How could I not?
I just stumbled onto this clip, and I don’t know anything about the musicians other than the fact that their names are Cecilia Siqueira and Fernando Lima. They’re Brazilian. And they’re obviously awesome.
Extra minion points for anyone who can dig up some contact info on them. The Brazilian edition of Name of the Wind came out just a little bit ago and I’d love to send them a book.
Later all,
pat
P.S. There’s no news about the book. If I had news, or a release date, I would post it up in a blog.
No blog = No news.
137 Comments
That was a super fun post, Pat. Links. Musing. Then an awesome video!
I like it.
Pat, you should check out a band called ‘Bellowhead’. Their music is awesome and I always have them in my head when reading the book. Casting-wise, I think you Twilight-haters should let Pattinson off the hook. That was his first main role. It’s not like he had much of a choice anyway, he needed to something to jumpstart his career. He’s got a fantastic singing voice, can play many an instrument and has undeniably great looks which would suit red hair and support Kvothe’s look. Get off your high horses and realise he’s talented.
NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pat, you must understand that the film industry destroys books. this story must not become a movie until long after the series is over, and you MUST have control when it does. books like the Eragon series, they’re story massacred by filmmakers and nearly ruining the book series, the Harry Potters, most altered beyond repair,and the Wizards First Rule tv series, with the producers using theyr so called “artistic licence” to butcher a great book. most of these were made before the conclusion of the series, and the full scope of the story was lost by the screenwriters. the same would be for your book.
Also, i think it is important that you do not think of any mainstream actors in any of the roles (although viggo mortenson would be a good old kvothe) because it is, as someone else has said, like the first star wars. harrison ford was han solo. not deckard from bladerunner playing han, not indiana jones playing han, he was han solo through and through.
i know this message is sort of angry and rambling, but ive seen too many books ruined, and i would hate to see The Name of the Wind so destroyed. It is very important that you wait to make a film until you KNOW that it will be PERFECT, just as you are taking your time to make sure WMF is PERFECT(dont rush, btw im very patient). its okay to fantasize, but do not get serious until the series is finished, even if you get offers for films.PLEASE DO NOT GIVE IN. your writing is too good to be disrespected by a bad movie.
Keep up the good awesome.
if you want to reply, im on facebook.
Hey Pat, I have something for you to contemplate if ever you do have your amazing book become a movie. It has to do, somewhat, with the score; more specifically, ‘The Lay of Sir Savien Traliard’. It is played twice in your book, both times you allude to the emotions it invokes. So, you have to wonder, when the time comes, if whomsoever the composer is will get the song just right. To be quite honest, I don’t think any composer could live up to the way you describe the song. However, I do so hope that the lucky composer can at least get close to the mark; with your supervision there may be hope yet. Well, I’ll leave you to dwell on that. May fortune smile upon you.
~Vinny~
May I also suggest the ridiculously talented and awesome John Skehan of the band Railroad Earth? He would fit right in with a group of “fantasy” troupers, and not only plays the mandolin exceptionally well, but also the Irish bouzouki, which has to be one of the coolest instruments ever. Here’s a taste of how great John is and how cool the zouk is:
http://www.archive.org/download/rre2009-09-05.mbho.flac16/Rre2009-09-0516bit05_vbr.mp3
That’s a tune called 1759 that John wrote, being played with Railroad Earth at Red Rocks last weekend.
I just discovered that there is a Reader’s Nook on Facebook. I don’t know…maybe you’ll like it. You could have a whole new place to post your recommendations. I don’t know…maybe it’s completely useless.
Hello, I really loved your book, he is one of the better books I’ve ever readed, and it’s awsome…
My name Yago, but you can call me Harries, I’m from Brazil…
I’m very sorry, but here your book is not a sale top, but you still having a few fans (like me)…
Good luck and pay attention because this new book have to be as perfect as the first…
Sinceraly,
Harries…
by the way some news from here:
oyagomedeiros@yahoo.com.br
don’t worry u can write in english
Guy Pearce would be a good Kvothe in my opinion. He’s got that lean-build/sharp-jaw/crazy-hair combo.
When you choose him for Kvothe, I expect a signed copy of the next book. ;)
Coolest part about that video was when they did the fingering for the other person! I don’t play guitar so I might be overestimating the type of skill and concentration that involves but it would be damn near impossible for me to pull off.
Other added bonus of the video is all the other video links. These comments have become an awesome procrastination tool and I am always in the need for one of those.
As far as acting I’m not so great at projecting roles but one that I think could work well for old Kvothe is Paul Bettany. I have always enjoyed him and he comes pre-equipped with the red-hair complection.
I am recruiting fans of your book at a furious pace these so keep up the good work!
Also, are there any hints available for your not for kids Children book? I am looking forward to having that help ease the pain of waiting for more Kingkiller Chronicles.
Thanks from the Great White North
Brendan
I would love to NEVER see a Name of the Wind movie. It could be epic, for all I know. But I would have to not see it, ever. I’ve never seen a movie made of a book that really captures the true essence of the story.
That said–Howard Shore OWNS for the score. End of story. =]
I’m gonna have to co against the grain here and suggest T.J Thyne as Bast. He’s short, compact, light complected, witty and merry, but he can also be serious, menacing or even threatening when require. Thyne is a fantastic actor.
And I’m gonna throw out the name David Boreanaz as either Cinder or Haliax. Boreanaz makes an awesome villain.
Funny thing is, I went out for dinner the night after I read this and my server looks exactly like I pictured Bast to look like. And I mean exactly the same, it was so weird, I think I gave him the creeps by staring at him too much lol.
I very much agree with what many have expressed here already — making a movie is dangerous, even if successful. No actors can live up to the images conjured when reading, and they destroy so much. I was lured into watching Harry Potter and it nearly destroyed the whole book series as far as I’m concerned (maybe even for Rowling, as the last few books never really recaptured the magic of the first ones.)
If the pull of the screen is too great to resist, I also agree with others about waiting until the series is completed, and using unknown actors. Most known actors act too much, and generally lack the gravitas and authenticity required, especially in these kinds of films. Once producers enter, chances are it would become a costume film for young adults like most others in the genre. (Someone mentioned that 95% suck. If you could point me to the remaining 5% I’d be very grateful.)
Thanks for a great book — I am now reading it a third time and really enjoying it. On a minor note, I am happy to see a teenage hero without all the teenage whining and irritation.
Finding your book just because it looked like a cool cover on the Amazon best seller list will always be the luckiest of finds. I bought it because I was bored and had nothing to read. I had never heard of you. I don’t follow books and authors as well as I follow movies. Maybe I’ll get lucky like that some other time with something else. Right now I’d call the movie “Let the Right One In” your competition for blind finds and The Name of the Wind as an experience is much better than watching that film as much as I love it. Thanks.
After this many comments, I wouldn’t expect anyone to pay attention to this but I’m gonna jump in and go against the public opinion on Bast (and possibly duck while I do it). While I adore NPH, with his phd in horribleness, he’s not my picture of Bast. My picture of Bast is Trent Ford http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0285913/
Just stumbling across him in small parts on various shows, I always think he’s fantastic at what he does.
Also, the fear of a movie not living up to a book must be acknowledged but when a book is as good as NOTW, I think I would like to see the attempt made at least to bring it to the big screen, if it could be done as well as LOTR, it would just add to the joy of a fantastic story.
Hi,
I’m not sure if anyone has posted the Brazilian Duo official website or not (cuz I’m lazy at times and stopped reading past the 12th post)
http://www.duosiqueiralima.com.br/
You’ll have to click for the English version in top left corner. Once it opens in English the contact button stands alone to the right (under the title).
Anyway, GREAT doesn’t even begin to cover your book or your skills as a writer and storyteller. I wish you best of luck on your second book. Please take your
time writing because I want it to worth my while (but don’t get lazy Mr.)
~~~ Now a ‘forever fan’
I’ll put myself forward for the role of Denna. Or anyone. I’ll be the person who crawls around behind you, worshipping you.
Just promise none of the cast of twilight will be in the movie.
Please don’t let the scyfy channel have it.
if you do a film version, please dont let them butcher it like they did with Eragon. also might be a good idea to wait till all 3 books are done.
While I love the idea of NotW being made into a movie, I just don’t think anybody could do Kvothe justice. His character is just too complex. That said, if it is made into a movie, I agree with NPH as Bast.
Hi Pat (and the rest of Fantasy-reading fans)
I must say that I have been reading lots of fantasy-books, as I hunger for a new journey in a fantastic world. I’m Belgian, one of the smallest places in the world and I finished ‘The name of the wind’ two minutes ago. I loved it. That’s why I was looking for the second book and I ended up here. Sad to here about the frustration and all the addition things that keep you away from the most important things: your life and the book. I was a bit sad to read about your comment on an ancient book – compared to the modern world now – as ‘Lord of the rings’. Fantasy had to start somewhere…
A movie will reach more people, but a book touches the readers-heart.
Good luck with everything you’re doing!
And may the world and beyond inspire you…
Greetings from Belgium!
Melina
Hi Pat !
I agree with the others… Wait
until the last book is released.
And how about Freddie Highmore as Kvothe, James Rebhorn as Lorren, and Philip Seymour Hoffman as Elodin ???
Hello Mr. Rothfuss!
Just writing to show you 2 Guitar players i find really impressive.
These are the 2 persons i thought about when i dreamt about someone who could play like Kvothe..
First one is called “One String Willy” and you can see him here :
One String Willy
This choice is mainly because of his capacity to play something melodic with only one string ^^
And the Other one is the well known John Butler.. just listen to him playing Ocean here and tell me how you feel :
John Butler – Ocean
This second choice is just a matter of feelings.. I’ve never felt like this when listening to any other song!
I’m all in for Joss Wheadon as director. He absolutely rules when it comes to creating believable characters and settings. I’d love to know your favourite cast (even though you’re right about picking to be a difficult job). If I ever finish my novel (highly unlikely) and it would be made into a movie, I could never let anyone else chose the actors.
Loved your book, by the way, and can’t wait for number two.
Dear Mr. Patrick Rothfuss…
I love the idea of NOTW being made into a film but please by the all powerful mercy of the god(s) do not turn it into the legend of the seeker……
it was a disappointment…especially on the casting part….
thank you….
Sincerely,
Your fan from Borneo
Nicholas Joseph
neil patrick harris as Bast????
i need to read the book again while listening to how i met your mother….
probably going to be Legend wait for it Dary
I just wanted to drop in and talk about Andy McKee in case no one has mentioned him yet.
I really enjoy his music and its all acoustic and a little non-traditional/experimental.
I’d love to see him in the movie, if only a random performer on stage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddn4MGaS3N4
See you at Daisho! ;)
- Kasumi
One thing blankets all else in my mind when people mention a film of The Name Of The Wind, and that is that it MUST be kept extremely close to the book in order to capture at-least in part the brilliance of your writing.
Thats my first post to you Pat, just want to say extreme uber <3 and if your looking for an actor to play anyone or anything(even an inanimate object) and want some random nobody stranger…I CALL SHOTGUN! :D
Hello Mr. Patrick Rothfuss,
I have a simple word of advice/caution! Eragon was an excellent book but the movie was a horrible depiction of it. Make sure if you sell the rights it is to someone who has shown they have been able to do damn good work in the past. I think your book deserves an awesome director/producer.
While the accordian isn’t exactly a period insturment, I felt this would be a good throw out post for general music acomplishment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0Bn4m6dQbI
this is my list of actors that should enter in this movie! :)
say what you think about that… please :)
University Kvothe – CHARLIE BEWLEY
Old Kvothe – VIGO MORTENSON
Bast – ORLANDO BLOOM
Chronicler – YAN MCKELLAN
Denna – NATALIE PORTMAN
Kvothe’s father – HUGH JACKMAN
Kvothe’s mother – CATE BLANCHET
Abenthy – BERNARD HILL
Simon – ORLANDO BLOOM
Auri – GEMMA WARD
Fela – SCARLET JOHANSON
Ambrose – JAMIE CAMPBELL BOWER
Kilvin – JOHN MALKOVICH
Elodin – JOHNNY DEPP
Hemme – CHRISTOPHER LEE
say what you think about that… please :)
Bast = Adam Lambert.
Seriously.
I know it's a tiny bit too late to comment, but I could just imagine Kvothe and Denna doing the guitar thing xD
I know this is a ridiculously late post, but if Name of the Wind was ever made for the big or even silver screen, you MUST check out David Tennant for Elodin…i mean seriously, he is without question perfect for it!! check out him out as Doctor who…amazing ability to portray eccentric yet terrible, young yet old!! O and also, love love love the idea of Neil Patrick Harris as Bast…genius!! muchos love xx
Oh, I think it'd be such a rich complement to Music and to everyone who contains an ounce of the talent it takes to create it if Sting were to play Bast. The Bast I saw in my head while reading The Name of the Wind had many Sting-like qualities.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paco_de_lucia
check him out on youtube – he may have been Kvothe in a former life…
Um… so I love Pat & I’m totally obsessed (read: in love) with Kvothe and the whole world he’s created… but Doogie Howser? As Bast? Really? *shaking head* Uh-uh. It’s Colin Farrell all the way. Check out “In Bruge” and then tell me he wouldn’t be awesome as Bast. As far as Adult Kvothe, I’m rooting for Kevin McKidd of “Rome” fame. Dude can sing & play guitar, too! How far can that be from a lute, right?