Musings on Movies and Music

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.

This entry was posted in lesbian unicorns, movie talk, music, videosBy Pat137 Responses

100 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 1:11 PM | Permalink

    I can only say that I pray if a movie is made its not compiled into one movie, but paid the dues of the fantastic novel that it is.

  2. Verónica
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 1:18 PM | Permalink

    I really love the choice of Neil Patrick Harris as Bast. That would be amazing, the only problem I see is I will always link Mr. Harris with Barney Stinson and it would be really weird watching Barney playing a Faerie hahaha

  3. David.H
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 1:26 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat
    I looked it up and found that they were Cecilia Siqueira & Fernando Lima

    According to

    http://www.dublinevents.com/events/concerts/cecilia-siqueira-fernando-lima-20may.php

    Their details are as follows:
    Ph: 0863367879
    Email: [email protected]
    This may be out of date though.

  4. Valarya
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 1:45 PM | Permalink

    They are otherwise known as:

    Duo Siqueira Lima

    website: http://www.duosiqueiralima.com.br/

    myspace: http://www.myspace.com/duosiqueiralima

    I’m sure there’s plenty of contact information for them there.

    On your other musings, I bet Edward Norton is completely capable of adapting to at least one of your characters, even if it’s a small part. And while I too love Johnny Depp, it’s hard to picture him in a NotW role. :\

    Since you keep up with the works of GRRM, have you seen the casting for the HBO Game of Thrones series? :D

  5. Captain Joe
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 1:59 PM | Permalink

    That is some crazy good music. I see what you mean, Pat. Cheers for the link.

  6. Ken
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 2:01 PM | Permalink

    I used to work for a large book chain and the first day that the Da Vinci Code came out Dan Brown stopped in to sign. As he was signing all 120 copies we talked about what would happen if he sold the movie rights. He claimed that he would never sell the rights until he retired the characters as he had heard some horror stores about what Hollywood had done to some friends who were authors. I joked, “What if they offered millions?” we both broke out laughing. We had no idea what was coming. :-)
    He now starts every appearance by telling the audience that if they want to sue he has forms in the back room.
    As for picking the right actor I would say you should commission Peter Jackson as he did a fine job with the Tolkein books.

  7. Claire
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 2:07 PM | Permalink

    Thanks for that video, Pat! It definitely made my morning. :-)

  8. Taylor G.
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 2:24 PM | Permalink

    Cecilia Siqueira and Fernando Lima are from the brazilian music institute. The contact info for there is
    Center for World Arts
    235 McGuire Pavillion
    University of Florida
    Gainesville, FL 32611

    Tel: (352) 273-0521

    E-mail: [email protected]

  9. Anonymous
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 2:45 PM | Permalink

    Total Awesome-Sauce.

  10. Anonymous
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 2:58 PM | Permalink

    Stop effing around and finish the damn book !!!!! LOL!!

  11. Brian Walseth
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 3:02 PM | Permalink

    I still remember the original troupe scene from any movie – Bergman’s the seventh seal http://www.criterion.com/films/173. I think that any movie should do deference to the Kvothe’s love and loss, yet Hollywood inevitably will remove the BEST parts (scouring of the Shire anyone???) in favor of huge scenes. Or remove them in their entirety e.g breaking of the star sapphire in Eragon. Don’t do it Pat!

  12. kaptmrgn
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 3:07 PM | Permalink

    I think you could satisfy all your needs for modern day troupers with one stop: Cirque Du Soleil. If you have never seen any of the shows, check them out. They are truly amazing!!!!!

  13. K. L. Howard
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 3:07 PM | Permalink

    Neil Patrick Harris?
    *Googles*
    My word! It’s Dr. Horrible!!!

    Personally, I don’t want to see The Name of the Wind made into a movie for a long, long time. I’m sure Hollywood would make something that vaguely resembles the shell of the book, but it could never beat the book in amazing quality. Choose your production company wisely.

  14. Jean
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 3:10 PM | Permalink

    Denna should be played by Katie McGrath, currently of Merlin fame. She looks like what would be the product of a union between Kiera Knightly and Rachel Weisz. For Kvothe – that’s tough. You need to find someone pale, lithe, with fierce green eyes and red hair. Dye jobs and contacts just won’t do. Legolas had such weird eyes, and blonde isn’t Orlando’s color. I would have liked Robert Pattinson for the role if he weren’t such a prat in Twilight. And Neil Patrick Harris will always be Doogie Howser, MD in my book!

  15. Anonymous
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 3:10 PM | Permalink

    I agree with what you said about how you’re a fan of Spike yet there wasn’t a place for James Marsters in the book. I personally think that Wesley would make a good Lorren though :)

  16. Theo
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 3:15 PM | Permalink

    You are on top of it. Dreaming about The Kingkiller Chronicle on cinema is a great way to pass time in a fun manor, yet, it’s good to know that you are thinking realistically.I personally think that if you were to sell your book to movie rights, you should wait a good while for cinematography to improve because I feel that your book is so visually stunning, no modern-day film technology could portray the indescribable scope of your novel. I get the warm fuzzy feeling when I think of Whedon picking it up as a Television Series. Hugely talented yet lesser known actors would be perfect If it were to be adapted to cinema. A good modern Film-Noir tone would be essential to your book in order to add to the epic scope your book contains.

  17. MAS
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 3:19 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat, thanks for the (non-)update on the book. Seriously. I kind of assume no blog means no news, but it’s nice to be sure.

    Remember, even though you may not hear (or read) about it often, most of your fans are waiting patiently for the next book. Take your time. Make it as good as you can. We know you’ll let us know when you have a pub date.

    And remember, after book 2 does come out, you’ll have about four to six weeks of peace. Then the turds will start showing up in the fruit loops again ’cause people will want book 3 immediately. :)

  18. Tomas
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 3:21 PM | Permalink

    Please make sure to use as few celebrity actors as possible. Not only are they too costly, they disrupt the experience. Sure, their names makes people go see the movie, but then they see, for example, J. Depp.. and in their heads they also see his other movies and characters.. instead of the character he’s playing in THIS movie. The first (well, fourth) Star Wars movie… Han Solo was Han Solo and no one else. See what I mean? All those faces were new, and made it easier to believe that they were real people in a real world, instead of famous actors playing one of many parts…

  19. Tomas
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 3:27 PM | Permalink

    .. and while it’s a good idea to study Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro… also take a look at Eragon to learn how to NOT make a fantasy movie from a book…

  20. Ragnvaeig
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 3:57 PM | Permalink

    Valarya is right–there’s a “contact” button on their .com.br website, in addition to more videos than just the one you found.

  21. Kate McC
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 4:11 PM | Permalink

    I can see Felicia Day playing Auri…

  22. Ashley
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 4:31 PM | Permalink

    I love that you tagged this entry “lesbian unicorns.”

    (I am also all for an NPH/Nathan Fillion reunion in this future moviefilm of yours. Fillion can play dark; he isn’t just a silly guy. Malcolm Reynolds is one of the darkest most badass characters ever created.)

  23. Cervezo
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 4:37 PM | Permalink

    Jake Gyllenhaal could make a good Kvothe…

  24. icarpenter
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 4:39 PM | Permalink

    Well, as long as it’s fantasy..

    I think the best actor for Kbothe would be a very young Robert Downey Jr.

  25. Brandy
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 4:57 PM | Permalink

    When Mercedes lackey graced CONvergence with her prescence, the movie question came up at her panel, with regards to the “Magic’s Pawn” series. She said she was afraid Big Bad Hollywood would rewrite it as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which put me in mind of your lesbian shape-shifting unicorns. Just what is the market these days for homosexual mesomorphs these days?

  26. Amanda
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 5:06 PM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    First, NPH as Bast is an inspired choice, and the musicians are glorious.

    Second, (and the reason I am posting, instead of quietly reveling in the awesome,) I know you like the Jim Butcher novels, and James Marsters, so in case you are unaware: James did the audiobook for Storm Front, and did it beautifully. I highly recommend it.

  27. J.M.
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 5:34 PM | Permalink

    Wow. Those two shred. Send them some books immediately. It looked like they were having so much fun doing that. Good stuff.

    As far as movies go, I guess I’ll throw out one cast suggestion. I think Robert Duvall would be a great Abenthy. I would say Burgess Meredith, but alas, you can’t have too much of a good thing. Finish the series though before you let anyone touch the books, if you even do. I remember you talking sometime ago about your love for Pixar and that NotW would be in good hands there. I think that would be pretty cool. They make some amazing films.

  28. Martin Seeger
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 6:03 PM | Permalink

    > No blog = No news.

    I think it’s human nature to ask, ask and ask again. In 1973 my parents drove with us to greece, thats about 2.000+ miles (without stopover) from northern germany. We were about 500 yards away from home, when my brother and i started inquiring “Are we there yet?”. I haven’t changed much since :-).

    Luckily you linked some books lately… Smart move: give your readers some occupation in the meantime. Works fine for me….

    CU, Martin

  29. An Albino Druid
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 6:43 PM | Permalink

    I agree with J.M.

    While I would love to see an accurate motion picture rendition of the Name of the WInd, I deffinately believe the entire Kingkiller Chronicles should be published and well read/adored by all before a movie should be made.

    But I trust you, Pat. I am pretty sure that we all do.

  30. Ry
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 7:35 PM | Permalink

    Please dear god DO NOT MAKE A MOVIE OF THIS! It would utterly ruin it! There is not one film adaptation out there that does any sort of justice to the book. Not one. People may argue this or that, but such a stunning story as yours would be utterly killed by a movie. I respect that you have your fantasies, but please dear god don’t go the way of so many other authors and kill your world!

  31. robinchun
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 8:26 PM | Permalink

    Daydream about a Director before actors..

  32. Chris
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 8:44 PM | Permalink

    @MAS

    You’re mighty optimistic, i suspect it will rather be something like 4 to 6 hours of peace before the first starts rambling about how the next book should be out like now :-)

    Cheers

  33. Anonymous
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 8:46 PM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    I love your work. I will give you two months to release the next book. If you fail, I will hunt you down and break your legs and duck tape you to your computer chair.

    -Much Love,
    Jennifer

  34. Anonymous
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 9:47 PM | Permalink

    Far be it from me to disagree with a man about the characters in his own book, but I’ll do it anyway. lol
    James Marster would play Elodin perfectly. He would be perfect at playing both crazy and menacing at the same time.

  35. Chelsea
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 9:54 PM | Permalink

    hey pat, I’m sorry if I’m spamming, but it’s for a good cause, so I hope you’ll bear with me. There’s this really great charity that does microlending to people in third world countries. The great thing is that your only lending the money, so when it’s paid back you can keep it for yourself or you can recycle it back into the system. Here’s a link to their website: http://www.kiva.org/

  36. Chelsea
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 9:57 PM | Permalink

    hey pat, I’m sorry if I’m spamming, but it’s for a good cause, so I hope you’ll bear with me. There’s this really great charity that does microlending to people in third world countries. The great thing is that your only lending the money, so when it’s paid back you can keep it for yourself or you can recycle it back into the system. Here’s a link to their website: http://www.kiva.org/

  37. Ben (sainttames)
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 10:06 PM | Permalink

    That’s interesting. I’ve totally always imagined Denna looking exactly like Natalie Portman

  38. andrew.hughes
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 11:10 PM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    I’ve just finished reading your book after, I have to say, a chance encounter in WHSmith.

    It’s rare that I get so caught up in a book, almost lost to it, like I did with yours. I spent most of my time imagining I was walking next to Kvothe on his journey, or behind when he was with Deena!

    I absolutely, hopelessly loved it…..right up until the end! It just stopped with so many unanswered questions, most obvious of all “what happens next?”. If your intention was to create a hunger for the next installment it worked!

    I so want this to be on the screen but not before I’ve read the next episode!

    As for actors, I imagine older Kvothe as a Jeremy Irons or the guy who played Strider in Lord of the Rings. As for the young Kvothe I’ll get back to you.

    Anyway, fab book (such an understatement!). Get on with the next one!

    Andy H

  39. Anonymous
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 11:53 PM | Permalink

    (andrew huges) Viggo Mortensen is Strider/Aragorn. i love him hes ace, i think its like Pats obsession with Felicia Day. I love him!! but yea i agree, i think he wud make quite a good older kvothe. i like the movie musing, its started my musing bout it. By the way Pat you’ve inspired me to stick at writing my own book :D love NOTW xx

  40. Michael H. Tritter
    Posted September 7, 2009 at 11:59 PM | Permalink

    Watching them play guitar makes me think I should either play mine more often – or never, ever again.

    Reading that you mentioned lesbian unicorns again makes me wonder when my mail will arrive.

    But that’s probably just me.

  41. superwench83
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 12:08 AM | Permalink

    I so agree about how just because an actor is good in one role doesn’t mean he’ll be good in the one you might picture him in. I’m involved in theater, and every time I cast a show, the people I’ve acted with time and again–people who I think will fit a role perfectly or not fit a role at all–constantly surprise me.

  42. Dave
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 12:29 AM | Permalink

    What about Daniel Craig as a older Kvothe? Anyone but that twit from twilight is ok

  43. Taur Ohtar Sereg Wethrin
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 1:30 AM | Permalink

    Someone said something about Johnny Depp not fitting in this book at all…But I have to point out that he would make an excellent Trip.

  44. An Average Grad Student
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 1:38 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat

    As it happens, I am Brazilian as well (from the same state as Fernando & Cecilia, actually). I see that other people have already dug up their website and myspace page; so what I will do is offer my services in translating anything you would like in their website or whatever from Portuguese… if you ask real nice ;-) If you need to write them or something, I can also make the Portuguese version of what you want. And all for a promise that the 2nd book will be as awesome as the first!!

    Let me know…

  45. An Average Grad Student
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 1:39 AM | Permalink

    By the way, I’m back in Brazil. Thanks to the delay in the second book, I was able to finish my PhD on time :-D

    Thanks!!!!!

  46. Anonymous
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 2:15 AM | Permalink

    Ah, casting is hard. I *hated* the LOTR movies – nearly all the characters looked very different from how I had imagined them and I felt that Jackson favors excessive overacting as a general style. Also, too much mountain-range fetishism. And I say that as someone who generally is very fond of nearly any fetish I’ve ever encountered.

    I’d imagined Bast as someone closer to Zac Efron (http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee136/suwarnaadi/Zac-Efron-2.jpg, except imagine darker hair). Harris is great and sure could act the part pricelessly, though. Loved him in Dr Horrible. OMG – really, if you could get Joss Whedon to direct…

    Katie McGrath as Denna I could see. Not 100%, but close.

    And I’d have suggested Felicia Day as Devi instead of Auri, but, hey, in all fairness, both would work.

    One totally inappropriate request – if there ever is a movie and you wield some influence – could you throw it towards casting lots of unknowns instead of known stars? I’ve seen that work real well a number of times in the past. No mental aliasing between characters, and cheaper talent (or better actors due to a wider pool at the same cost).

    On second thought, I’d much prefer a seven-season television series to a condensed two hour movie.

    And the question of music – very, very tough. Best movie music scene I saw so far was the opera scene in 5th element. And getting the music scenes for Kvothe & troupe right would be quite the challenge.

    Thank you for popularizing the Limas. Wow. “Augenweide” :)

  47. Laura
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 2:42 AM | Permalink

    I agree that unknown actors would probably be best. However I do believe James McAvoy would do a wonderful Kvothe. He has done many different roles and I love them all. Would you have the actual actor sing though?

    I am happy you mentioned the new book, even if it is no news news. I visit the blog almost daily looking for any update.

  48. Phil
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 2:46 AM | Permalink

    http://www.duosiqueiralima.com.br/english/index.php

    Duo Siqueira Lima
    E-mail: [email protected]
    http://www.myspace.com/duosiqueiralima

    found this at the above address. i really hope they let you help with the little stuff. if they make a movie that is. hope this helps.

  49. Steven Weyerts
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 3:22 AM | Permalink

    That lesbian, shape-shifting unicorn sounds awesome. Where can I get one?

  50. peggy38
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 4:25 AM | Permalink

    I would love to know how they started with that. I can almost see it starting with him teaching her how to play.

    There just has to be a good story to it, dontcha think?

  51. SonomaLass
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 4:27 AM | Permalink

    You mean Kvothe isn’t a lesbian, shape-changing unicorn? Oh no, I thought I had the twist in the next book all figured out.

    I’ve been following GRRM’s casting news about the HBO series adaptation of his Song of Ice and Fire series, and I agree that it’s kinda cool to speculate just on faces and past performances. However, you are right, there are people who are experts at that. They won’t always get it right (your weather analogy is dead on!), but they will do a better job than most laypeople (no matter what said laypeople think).

    Obviously selling the film rights would be awesome for you, but I hope you can negotiate some creative control, so you don’t end up as unhappy as Ursula LeGuin was when they messed up the casting of Earthsea.

  52. peggy38
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 4:32 AM | Permalink

    I second the motion re: Peter Jackson. Regardless of where a person comes down on the question of how well or faithfully he translated LOTR to the big screen, there is little doubt that his movies were as far from suck as could be. They represented a total sea-change for a genre with a something like 95% suck rate.

    Pat, you have to start sucking up to Mr Jackson like right now. Why waste time? He did a brilliant frikin job casting LOTR. I think he would probably dig your book too.

    So what are you waiting for? Send him a copy too.

  53. Blah
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 5:30 AM | Permalink

    This may be (read: ABSOLUTELY IS) my obsession with Doctor Who manifesting itself…but I’ve always envisioned the older Kvothe as Christopher Eccleston. He does the weary-and-hardened-but-can-still-completely-waste-you very well. And while I’m at it, I firmly believe David Tennant is the perfect Elodin.
    Neil Patrick Harris as Bast? Patrick, I never think you can keep transcending your own magnificence. BUT SIR YOU DO.

  54. Nathan
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 5:34 AM | Permalink

    Movies never remain completely true to the book. Look at Harry Potter. A lot is removed and a lot is changed and altered. I would challenge you to do your best to keep the movie (if ever made) relatively similar to your book.

    ..and keep Spielberg’s grubby hands out of it. I heard he orginally wanted to make the Harry Potter movie an animated film with Haley Joel Osment as the voice for Harry Potter. Ugh.

    Learn from Spielberg and don’t be so rigid or inflexible in your thinking.

  55. Caleb
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 8:34 AM | Permalink

    I wholly agree with you idea of casting Neil Patrick Harris as Bast! That would work in a scarily good way..

  56. An Albino Druid
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 8:43 AM | Permalink

    You know… now that enough people have replied to this post with so many actors of definate fame but questionable talent, I think I will add a little bit to my last comment.

    First: Wait on the movie. You, yourself, have stated how the books are constantly changing. I believe that one of your proposed “final drafts” of NOTW didn’t have Auri in it. You are a genius, and some of your best work will come at a moments notice as you are walking down a grocery aisle. Wait to do a movie until all the story is finished and published. We don’t want any conflicting events or interests to be conveyed in film!

    2. I would be honored to play Kvothe. In a few years (the time that I am assuming the Kingkiller Chronicles will be complete), I may have grown into quite the young man. A young man sanze the hair red-as-flame and ever-changing green eyes of endless depth, of course, but most likely a man who is too young for so many lines remaining on my face.

    I may not be an actor now… But I know how emotion works, and I know I live my character every day. I like to think I am getting good at it. Who knows? In a few years…

    Just a few, short years…

    Respectfully Yours,
    An Albino Druid
    Drowning my Reality in bottles of Fantasy since 1992

  57. Anonymous
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 11:02 AM | Permalink

    No blog = no news
    No news = good news
    No blog = good news?

    This logic is flawed

    Janus

  58. Susanne
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 11:23 AM | Permalink

    I love speculative casting! But then, I have it easy. My golden rule of thumb is: Put Alan Rickman in it. You win.

    And have it directed by Guillermo del Toro. Can you imagine how beautiful the thing would look? *happy place*

    While I adore NPH, isn’t he a bit too old to play Bast? No offense, but I keep thinking of Bast as a lot younger…

  59. Ella
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 1:43 PM | Permalink

    There’s music I always imagine as fitting right in at the Eolian – a band called Akoustic Odyssey. They have a lovely sound…website is http://www.akousticodyssey.com/ and you can listen to the music there as well. Only problem is they’re Australian…

  60. Gamete
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 1:47 PM | Permalink

    Whenever I read the scene where Kvothe plays in the Eolian, I can’t help but think of John Butler.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMpiPpuU9aU&NR=1

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsnFvEQYJPU&feature=related

    If I were doing it, I’d have him playing the lute in place of the Kvothe actor.

  61. merus
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 3:32 PM | Permalink

    The realistic tone of the whole movie casting thing is nice to see. I doubt Kvothe will become a lesbian unicorn, but movies tend to excise everything that isn’t required to set up the ending even if it means killing sequel hooks. Personally, I don’t see Auri and the underthing surviving the movie making process, being scenes that don’t advance the plot and take time away from the “main” narrative, and are also somewhat expensive to film.
    The big problem with a film version of Name of the Wind is that Kvothe’s most obvious motivation, discovering more about the Chandrian and getting some closure, doesn’t get very far. The movie version would either have to pay that off by having Kvothe finding something in the library that leaves the audience satisfied, or have movie-Kvothe not find out anything about the Chandrian until a later movie. Trebon would probably not yield anything, rather than yielding the cryptic clues we get from the book.

    (The risk with unknown actors is a) stars help a film get made and deliver free publicity and b) sometimes they’re unknown because they’re not very good.)

    Honestly I’d prefer a series or a game to a movie. But mostly I’d prefer the other books. (So would my mum, incidentally — I gave her The Name of the Wind and she loved it, and was very upset at me when I told her the other two weren’t out.)

  62. tjun
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 4:36 PM | Permalink

    I agree with MAS and I definitely support Jennifer’s plan…

  63. Geoff
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 5:09 PM | Permalink

    Youve got one badass beard! Just had to put that out there ;)

  64. box464
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 6:49 PM | Permalink

    If a movie is made, you must have these two in the troupe! Anyone that can do a Baroque version of Highway to Hell deserves some recognition.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPEJdm7O_AU

  65. An Average Grad Student
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 7:53 PM | Permalink

    What about these other beauties from Brazil? Playing Mozart’s Alla Turca in the rythm of Brazilian Choro, with Guitar, flute and mandolin (you have to watch till the end)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqaD27L2YiY

    I vote for them too!!!

  66. An Average Grad Student
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 8:24 PM | Permalink

    Found a better version than the one above. Watch this one instead!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MomN3kGs7mU&feature=related

  67. An Average Grad Student
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 8:38 PM | Permalink

    Finally! Pat, when you posted that video, it reminded me of another one – I just found it. You can skip the first 2 minutes, since it is mostly rehearsals and it is in Portuguese… but I guess you will want the second guy from the right to your movie as well! He fingers the mandolin and makes the cords in the violin at the same time in a very hard song (brasileirinho).

    I promise this is the last one I post!! Sorry for the avalanche of videos :-)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srhRs5zGtbU&feature=related

  68. nickphillipps
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 10:26 PM | Permalink

    Edward Norton would be awesome as Elodin.

    Kvothe would be a nightmare to find an actor that could do the character justice.

  69. Anonymous
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 10:59 PM | Permalink

    Please please please PLEASE dont make a movie. It wouldnt be nearly as good as the book and I would be sad.

  70. Marco
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 11:28 PM | Permalink

    Thanks for the progress update.

    Small comments like the one you left are appreciated.

  71. Jason
    Posted September 8, 2009 at 11:52 PM | Permalink

    I think that Patrick Rothfuss should play the role of Kilvin.

    Hey. If Stephen King can do it so can you.

  72. Anonymous
    Posted September 9, 2009 at 2:52 AM | Permalink

    please finish book 2 & 3 before thinking about the movie. You need to gather for audience before moving it to the big screen. Books are always better anyway.

  73. boomstick
    Posted September 9, 2009 at 4:08 AM | Permalink

    Pat- watch a movie called “Hide”
    They shot it on a shoestring budget. If directors like that can make that good/disturbing of a movie with a little money, they could certainly make a kick-ass one with a big budget.

    Movies are a directors medium. Director,director, director…

    By the way I think I would make a great Kvothe.

  74. Greg
    Posted September 9, 2009 at 4:31 AM | Permalink

    Wow! That Brazilian duo is awesome. I don’t know if it helps you contact them, but I did find Fernando Lima on MySpace. You could try that.

    http://www.myspace.com/fernandolima

    (Crossing fingers and hoping for minion points…)

  75. sparkly_jules
    Posted September 9, 2009 at 6:15 AM | Permalink

    I think it would be better (and longer) as a mini-series, but then again, look what they did the WIZARD’S FIRST RULE. Or even ERAGON. Ugh.

    Please, please, no lesbian unicorns!

  76. Anonymous
    Posted September 9, 2009 at 10:12 AM | Permalink

    if there was a movie made, please let their budget be as big as the epicness of your book, which is pretty epic. And every minute of it worth every cent of that big budget.

  77. Amanda
    Posted September 9, 2009 at 12:10 PM | Permalink

    For perhaps the first time, I must disagree with the Great Pat…whilst I do think that NPH has the charisma and cheeky charm I see in Bast, I just can’t see him being menacing or threatening in any kind of way. Bast is mysterious and dangerous, and NPH…well, he’s just not! *laughs* NPH makes me laugh, but doesn’t warm my heart or make me afraid. He’s kind of plain vanilla, really. Bast is more mint chocolate chip, laced with a lovely fudge sauce. Mmmmm, fudge.

  78. Alexis
    Posted September 9, 2009 at 6:51 PM | Permalink

    Lesbian Kvothe sounds hot.
    Shape-changing Kvothe sounds awesome.
    Unicorns, perfectly nice creatures.

    Together, Agh! Agh! Ack! Pat why have you placed this terrible furry image in my head?

    :(

  79. Danica
    Posted September 9, 2009 at 7:56 PM | Permalink

    I agree with all of the “Eragon” comments. I probably laughed harder and longer at the line “I suffer without my stone…” than I have ever laughed in a movie theater before. And it was all downhill from there.

  80. Bonfiglio
    Posted September 9, 2009 at 8:38 PM | Permalink

    I would love to see a movie someday! I feel as though it has to be impossible for anyone, even Hollywood, to ruin a book as great as NOTW. Particularly if you are there with your hand in the movie making process. I just hope that if you have auditions for parts, you’ll let all of us fans know! I would love to try out for a role in your movie!

  81. John V
    Posted September 9, 2009 at 9:08 PM | Permalink

    Who could be put on stage when Kvothe is in the Eolian? Tommy Emmanuael.

  82. Anonymous
    Posted September 9, 2009 at 9:41 PM | Permalink

    If you get a movie contract read this!!
    Please do not do what eragon did. Stick to the story and try not to cut any important stuff out. Do what J.K rolling did and remain in control of the movie.

  83. RJM25
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 12:07 AM | Permalink

    GL with any movie deal. I’d love to see one, but TRY YOUR HARDEST to retain some form of creative control. I’ve seen so many authors trust the director/producer/bullshit artist, and then the movie or tv series turns out to be complete crap. And it’s almost always because the person in charge didn’t stay true to the story or the characters, and instead made it some sort of generic piece of shit.

    I give you Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series as example A. He trusted Sam Raimi to make a good series, and instead Sam sold it to ABC/Disney, who in turn churned out a generic fantasy series that isn’t even close to the book. And the changes they made sucked.

  84. jrcmarine
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 12:23 AM | Permalink

    Patrick,

    I just finished your book and was very impressed and especially glad to have found a new author to follow. My two favorites of the moment are Jim Butcher (Dresden Files) and GRRM. However if your readers are looking for another interesting character driven author I suggest Steven Brust and the Taltos series. It is an old and well established series that should keep them distracted and give you at least a week’s respite. My suggestion for Bast, though I do find the choice of NHP inpsired, would be a little known actor named Todd Louiso. He combines the right mixture of Puck from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the X-Men’s Wolverine. My pick for some other characters:

    KILVIN-John Rhys-Davies
    HEMME- Paul Giamatti
    ELODIN- Stellan Skarsgard
    SIMMON- Joshua Jackson

    I could think of many others but let’s see how we do with these first.

  85. Marissa
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 1:25 AM | Permalink

    Check out Ameranouche!!! the gypsy jazz band. They’re amazing and you would love them.

    Keep writin’. :)

  86. Mr. Campbell’s Soup
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 2:27 AM | Permalink

    The brazilian Duo Siqueira-Lima is amazing and they are so professional and very nice people.

  87. Elder Bonnie
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 6:10 AM | Permalink

    When you mentioned a ‘modern-day trouper’, my thoughts fluttered immediately to Sting. I’ll admit, I imagined at least one or two Eolian musicians with his face or voice, seamlessly skipping through five different time signatures and styles in one piece as he likes to do.

    At least his ballads, anyway. They’re much more entrancing than his pop hits.

    He’s got one of those voices that makes me want to curl up on his chest and just listen to him sing.

  88. Allen
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 6:31 AM | Permalink

    nathan fillion as the owner of the eolian…

  89. Stefanie
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 7:09 AM | Permalink

    Someone mentioned Katie McGrath as Denna which is funny because I can’t help but seeing Bast as Colin Morgan from “Merlin”. But Neil Patrick Harris would be a great choice as well.

  90. Laura
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 1:48 PM | Permalink

    first off, i love spike! second, i think its a weird choice for bast as i pictures him dark and well-built, kind of like the guy from Assassin’s creed. third, a movie would be cool and i agree with getting Peter Jackson. last, how can you be sure the scene in the eolian will be included? it might be cut…ouch…though i think it is a necessary scene!

  91. Laura
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 1:57 PM | Permalink

    reading some of the other comments:

    ELODIN- Stellan Skarsgard

    seems a good choice to me!

    and NOTW and LOTR sounds similar when spoken.

    I agree Wesley would make a good Lorren

    and don’t leave all the movie-making to the ‘pros’ as they did butcher eragon…but i hated that book to my utmost core, the use of fancy words was just too much!!!

  92. Vae
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 2:18 PM | Permalink

    As you mentioned in your video interview, Depp (who is my single most favorite actor of all time) would make an amazing Elodin probably. And even though it wouldn’t be a substantial role, I think it would be really cool. And Ill bet you could get Ed Norton in there too. Seeing him do things as ranged as Fight Club and The Illusionist makes me think he could do something really special in there. And ya – Harris as Bast = awesome choice.

  93. wirelessrobin
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 2:47 PM | Permalink

    I totally agree with Thomas, should def be no name actors…. and look to Eragon on how NOT to make a movie! I’m getting ready to read NOTW again…can’t get enough of the book, gotta finish the Elantra series first.
    They’re good but nothing like NOTW

  94. Alicia
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 3:57 PM | Permalink

    I think Johnny depp would be pretty cool as Kvothe’s dad. He loves his music, so he’d be really into the research side of the role, and he does so many bit parts/ character parts that I suspect he’d like another small part, like taht one.

    Also, he’s damn pretty.

  95. Anonymous
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 4:11 PM | Permalink

    I enjoyed your book so thoroughly that I am a little nervous about it being put into a movie – I have rarely found a movie that was able to capture what an author has written. However, if you do decide to turn it into a movie Neil Patrick Harris is an excellent choice for Bast. :)

    Cheers

  96. Pat
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 9:02 PM | Permalink

    Allen: Oh lord. You’re right. Fillion would be a great Deoch. He’d be wasted in that relatively small part, but he would fit there…

  97. Anonymous
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 9:24 PM | Permalink

    Hello Mr. Rothfuss,

    It’s a long time that I hadn’t read such an interesting and exciting book as The name of Wind. I want to congratulate for it, cause I consider, it is an amazing history, that takes you ,while reading, to the fantasy world, where dreams come true. I was so identified, cause you relate every moment, everything so carefully, that make you feel inside the book, feeling pain, or being frightened when Kvothe felt. My congratulations and I hope that you consider to write more books like this one. I will recommend it to everybody cause it is marvellous, and also the author. Regards from Spain
    Conchi

  98. Anonymous
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 10:29 PM | Permalink

    Modern day trouper – Patrick Wolf!

  99. Anonymous
    Posted September 10, 2009 at 11:28 PM | Permalink

    What age does Bast look? I imagined him looking really young, maybe in his late teens.

  100. TPishek
    Posted September 11, 2009 at 4:46 PM | Permalink

    I’ve always thought that rather than making a single movie out of NoTW (with all the time constraints that would place on the plotline), the trilogy would be awesome as an anime series. That would rock my socks. But then, maybe that’s just me.

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