Thursday, April 12, 2012

Extra Credit Blog Post! - What board game SHOULD be a movie?

Are there any board games (or the like) out there that you think could be inspiration for a feature length film? Why? What would that film be about and look like? How would a filmmaker stylistically or plot-wise reflect aspects of the game? 

Please keep in mind that this is NOT an opportunity for you to make a joke, though certainly the film could be a comedy. Real thought and consideration should be put into the idea (still 300 word min) for actual extra credit points - but it is worth 100 points total!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Who Dun It? Who made a board game into a movie...and why?

Yes, Hollywood will adapt anything, including board games. Whatever you think about this tendency, the one thing to consider with Clue is it inherently has narrative elements in it already: character, a dramatic question, scenes of confrontation (and possible conflict). It also relies heavily on a particular narrative genre. So it doesn't seem quite as crazy as possibly some of the other game to film adaptations.

What are your thoughts on the approach that the filmmakers took to bring this game to life on the screen? How did they handle the content (characters, story, tone) and how did they handle it cinematically? How would you have done it?  Please remember with your writing to be specific and fully explain any examples, and make sure you are writing analysis and not just opinion.  Here are some resources you may want to check out:

NY Times Review from when the movie was first released.

A fan site dedicated to the movie. Though the film did NOT do well at the box office, it has gained a bit of a cult following.

Original Post is due by Tuesday, April 17th. Comment on at least two others by April 20th.