Jules Verne Forum

<jvf@Gilead.org.il>

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec 19961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009

Re: Around the World with Jackie Chan?

From: Brian Taves <btav~at~loc.gov>
Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2002 20:14:29 -0400 (EDT)
To: Jules Verne Forum <jvf~at~math.technion.ac.il>

Date: Sat, 14 Sep 2002 16:16:05 -0700
From: harryhayfield~at~btopenworld.com
Subject: Around the World in Eighty...Kicks?
                                                     
>What next? A Chinaman playing Inspector Fix?

Harry, "Chinaman" has been regarded as a derogatory epithet since the
early 20th century ... your fellow countryman I.O. Evans recognized that
in his Fitzroy edition when he changed the title of "Les Tribulations d'un
Chinois en Chine" to the less accurate but more respectful "The
Tribulations of a Chinese Gentleman."

Besides, what is wrong with an a Chinese actor known for his stunt work
playing the athletic Passepartout? How many times has Passepartout been
played by a French actor? Certainly the best known, Cantinflas, was not.
Yet it scarcely damaged the 1956 film. By comparison, I don't recall
any concern that no Indian actor has ever played Captain Nemo.

Moreover, as I've written in *The Jules Verne Encyclopedia*, opening Fogg
to new cultures and perspectives on the journey is the subtext of the
novel. That is what changes his character, and certainly his encounter
and love for Aouda are key in that regard.

Like Ernie Sjogren, I look forward to what Jackie can do with the
character and story. He's an important international star who will bring
Verne to new audiences who probably would not otherwise know about him.
And, as RF Bagby has pointed out, at the very worst, it will only be one
of dozens of versions ranging widely in quality.

Verne is not the property of scholars and aficionados any more than such
authors as, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; he is a
cultural icon open to a multiplicity of uses. Remember the 80 Days
crackers sold in England a few years back? Similarly, filmmakers have the
right to interpret classic stories, such as Verne's, for their own times,
concerns, and stars; fidelity to the original text is only one standard of
judgement.

I'm glad to hear you saw the 1956 film broadcast in England. You might
want to read about some discoveries that explain some of the variations
from the novel; for instance, the aerial sequence was included to
demonstrate the use of this widescreen process in a relatively
uncontrolled environment. http://jv.gilead.org.il/taves/lcib/80days.html
There's a much longer version published in Journal of Film Preservation,
No. 56 (June 1998): 18-22.

Brian Taves
Email: btav~at~loc.gov

Disclaimer--All opinions expressed are my own.

On Sun, 15 Sep 2002, Harry Hayfield wrote:

> Around the World in Eighty Days Director: Frank Coraci Writer: TBA
> Producer: TBA Action Director: Jackie Chan Cast: Jackie Chan
> Production Company: Walden Media Release Date: Late 2003 Filming:
> Filming should commence after the completion of “Shanghai Knights”
> Language: English Plot: The film will be based on the famous novel by
> Jules Verne, but the script is said to have been altered from the 1956
> original starring David Niven, in order to suit Jackie. The new
> version will focus more heavily on the character of Passepartout
> played by Jackie, who after stealing a valuable Jade Buddha, seeks
> refuge with London gentleman inventor Phileas Fogg. The role of Fogg,
> made famous by Niven, has yet to be cast. The story set in the 18th
> century, is about Fogg who makes a bet with his club that he can
> travel around the world in 80 days. The revision has Passepartout
> teaching Fogg to open his mind to the different cultures he encounters
> en route, while at the same time defending Fogg from the hostilities
> he meets along the way. Special Note: Jackie stated “It's a film that
> I am interested in because it s educational and sends a positive
> message to the public. Each film I make has to be more exciting and
> challenging than the next. I like the idea of travelling to nine
> different countries to make this film. Travelling gives me an
> opportunity to learn about different countries.” Fogg an inventor?
> Passepartout a common Chinese thief? Fogg taking an interest in other
> cultures? Someone fan me down before I faint. This company is taking
> too many liberties. I'm going to write to them and point out that what
> they are proposing and what Verne wrote are totally incongorous.
Received on Tue 17 Sep 2002 - 03:15:44 IDT

JV.Gilead.org.il
Copyright © Zvi Har’El
$Date: 2009/02/01 22:36:11 $$