PROMETHEUS / MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS

[GDT]

I have been interviewed about this lately and wanted to post my two cents about this:

Prometheus started filming a while ago- right at the time we were in preproduction on PACIFIC RIM. The title itself gave me pause- knowing that ALIEN was heavily influenced by Lovecraft and his novella.

This time, decades later with the budget and place Ridley Scott occupied, I assumed the greek metaphor alluded at the creation aspects of the HPL book. I believe I am right and if so, as a fan, I am delighted to see a new RS science fiction film, but this will probably mark a long pause -if not the demise- of ATMOM.

The sad part is- I have been pursuing ATMOM for over a decade now- and, well, fter Hellboy II two projects I dearly loved were not brought to fruition for me.

The good part is: One project did... And I am loving it and grateful for the blessings I have received.

Onwards.

G

[Gundam_Ez8]

I actually posted a thread on IMDb yesterday about how the new International trailer felt VERY Lovecraftian. That snake-alien just gave me an Elder Things vibe for some reason, despite being different both biologically and in aesthetic, but maybe it's just that sense of a horrifying discovery.

I just hope the film is rated R.

Rothman recently did an interview where he swore up and down to the fans that not a single frame would be cut, even if it gets an R-rating, but that guy has such a horrible reputation among renowned and respected directors, that it's hard to take his word without a pinch of salt.

EDIT: Whoa whoa whoa, why would this result in the potential permanent demise of 'At the Mountains of Madness'? If it turns out that 'Prometheus' flourishes financially and critically, wouldn't that actually entice studios about the potential of Mountains?? Plus, if 'Pacific Rim' is a huge hit for you, as well as Universal's 'Battleship' hopefully flopping, which is now looking likely with the emergence of 'Avengers' staying power, you would think that they would end up knocking down your doorstep.

[GDT]

Same premise. Scenes that would be almost identical.


G

[Hellmistress]

I too am delighted and content that we have PR to anticipate and enjoy after the sadness of ATMOM. There is no doubt about that. I have to admit that my excitement level is rising daily.

But i must also say that although I am no judge of studio politics and don't have the inside track on these things that you do, I admit that I will carry a torch for ATMOM in my heart. I know Ridley Scott's PROMETHEUS will tap once more into the dark sci-fi we've been missing for a number of years, but I hope - vain hope that it may be - that it will re-awaken audiences to a genre that has been sadly ignored these past years, and that the studios may look once more with favour upon a project that challenges the mind and feeds the soul.

It is said that things ain't over until the fat lady sings - and as this ol' fat lady can't sing a note to save her life, I'm sure you'll forgive me if I keep that ATMOM-shaped place warm in my ticker for the forseeable future, and sadness be damned.

All the best, dear G, and we look forward to PACIFIC RIM and everything that follows.

HM

[Gundam_Ez8]

Same premise. Scenes that would be almost identical.


G

Yeah, but it seems like Hollywood has a fetish for trying to duplicate film's that are successful--just look at the aforementioned 'Battleship.' We all know that was only made because of the success of 'Transformers.'

I think 'Mountains' could still happen--I really hope it happens. I'll be pulling for you, man. God knows that if I ever had the opportunity to chase after a dream project like that, I would really want it to happen.

But getting back to my point... wouldn't you agree that films like 'Skyline' and 'Battle: LA' mainly happened because of the success of 'District 9'? Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if DC tries to emulate Marvel, building up to a Justice Leauge film after they see the booming success with 'Avengers.'

But I don't know... I don't work in that industry. As much as I'd like to, I don't know if I'd have the skin required to deal with the rejection of something that I would love to see be made.

If there's anything we as fans can try to do to help--be it a petition, a campaign, something to try and get the studios to listen, I'll gladly lead the way.

[GDT]

Both movies seem to share identical set pieces and the exact same BIG REVELATION (twist) at the end. I won't spoil it.

G

[Gundam_Ez8]

Both movies seem to share identical set pieces and the exact same BIG REVELATION (twist) at the end. I won't spoil it.

G

Well, I own the novella, so I think I know what you're getting at.

Do you really feel like this is the end for 'Mountains'? I hope you won't give up getting it made.

I also hope that 'Pacific Rim' serves as some sort of consolation for 'Mountains' not being made--at least for the time being.

[tinlun]

Any possibility of getting overseas funding instead of being just Hollywood-funded? Like a co-production of movie studios from 2 (or more) countries?

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Oliver Stone made a movie about George W. Bush and that was partially funded by Emperor Motion Pictures (whom I was once associated with). Perhaps that could be a strategy you can consider.

Oh, and since "Battleship" is already out in theatres across Southeast Asia, I can confirm (through heresay, I haven't actually seen this movie yet) that this particular flick is actually not that bad. Just needed a little more Liam Neeson. "Avengers" has been screening in cinemas across Asia and the UK since last Thursday.

[jina]

i remember reading ATMOM when i was 17 and having SUCH an amazing time reading it, and I was so excited about Prometheus, now I kind of feel weird that it went like that...

But it's nothing compared to how excited i am to see Pacific Rim...

[SirDennis]

Oh Guillermo, I am so sorry this has happened to you. And we understand why you would not want to pour your heart into a film only to have it be be called a copy of something that came before (cf. Gundam's post about Hollywood).

In any event, as you say, Pacific Rim is no small consolation. It will be mighty and magnificent, genre bursting and unique. It will set the bar high for any would be imitators. Its success will not rest on spectacle nor quickly dated gimmickry, but on that special brand of awesomeness that you infuse into everything you touch.

Ridley Scott needs a hit right now and Prometheus may be it. You have so many more years ahead of you (statistically speaking of course) -- who can say what the future holds?

In the meantime, may you (continue to) be blessed.

SD

(FWIW, I'm intrigued by the idea of you doing a Western, or perhaps something set in any of the following: Spanish-American War, the American Civil War, or even The War of 1812 (something involving Tecumseh would be especially nice, though this would have been the year to release such a film).)