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Post by thed0ct0r on Mar 5, 2005 0:41:34 GMT
Several years ago I was thrilled to hear about Pendragon's War of the Worlds. The 9/11 hiatus gave way to a proper 1890's England version. I was holding out for the little guy. I've been waiting since I was a child (now 31) for someone to do a version set in its original period. I ignored the cheap website, the other quite laughable project and every piece of information that seemed to indicate it just wasn't going to happen. Then Spielberg’s version came to light and I knew it would be something spectacular! When suddenly Pendragon FINALLY updates their site, makes "press release" and offers new stills from the production. I WAS THRILLED! But over the coming months that little something at the back of my mind that just wouldn't stop bothering me. Something didn't add up.
Shot on HD? It might work (look at 28 Days later and Blair witch).
Same actors & crew from Chrome? Ehh. I'm a little sceptical since the only semi-established actor (Katie Thompson) who originally auditioned for the part was not in it. If she was so great then why not>? Something tells me it may have been her choice.
Still can't get past the dreadful website.
Then the teaser is released. Wow. Absolutely terrible. Just terrible.
Then the message from the cast. My friends STILL are still making fun of it. Why are they pretending to be British? It's like they think it would give the film more clout.
Then the delay of the trailer on the day of its release! (Yeah I know I've heard that one already).
Then the trailer IS released. WHOA! The only redeeming scene is the lead up to tripod. The rest was just awful. Hasn't anyone noticed that scream sounds "sampled"? It's the exact same scream twice and sounds like a horse!
Then the promise of world wide release, a better version of the trailer, theatrical trailers, TV trailers, millions of dollars spent, 'English Patient', we're in 8 figures, blah blah and nothing nothing nothing!
So here I am - about to confess to the web that yes - I'd made a mistake. I've made plenty.
I believed this guy was the real deal - not a film-maker wannabe. I believed this guy was telling the truth about everything he said. I believed this was going to be a great film.
I've admitted my mistakes, Tim. Will you? Or will you just blame then on someone else.
Like the Hollywood that doesn't support the little guy. Like the press that doesn't have time for someone who's not part of the big movie/moneymaking machine. Like the computer used to create the special effects isn't as good as you'd hoped. Like your Asian distributors dropped you so it's no longer a world-wide release. Like your budget was so strained from maintaining the state of the art production values that promotion and even a decent website were just not possible.
Don't treat me like a fool. I was only napping and I just woke up.
Sincerely, Common Sense
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Post by thed0ct0r on Mar 5, 2005 0:51:50 GMT
Just ignore that intro (Yes it does but I'm stepping up to the plate!). I had something different in the subject field at the start of my rant and forgot to take that out! ;D
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MarkG
Full Member
Posts: 116
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Post by MarkG on Mar 5, 2005 0:56:02 GMT
Well, they both look like poop, IMHO. However, '28 Days Later' was DV, and 'Blair Witch' was Hi8: HD has four times as many pixels as DV (and effectively about six times as many as the XL1 they used for 28DL) and Hi8 is even worse. Assuming the movie was shot on HD rather than DV, that's not necessarily a problem in itself... Lucas is using it for his latest 'Star Wars' movies, for example.
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Post by Lensman on Mar 5, 2005 1:14:51 GMT
Like your Asian distributors dropped you so it's no longer a world-wide release. An interesting conspiracy theory, but if their Asian distributors dropped them, Pendragon wouldn't have needed to re-do the trailer at the last minute, now would they?
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Post by Lensman on Mar 5, 2005 1:15:54 GMT
Just ignore that intro (Yes it does but I'm stepping up to the plate!). I had something different in the subject field at the start of my rant and forgot to take that out! ;D You can edit your own posts, D0ct0r. Use the "Modify" button.
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MarkG
Full Member
Posts: 116
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Post by MarkG on Mar 5, 2005 1:18:01 GMT
Well, if you believe that the Tsunami excuse was real and not just an attempt to justify a poorly-CG-ed trailer.
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Post by dudalb on Mar 5, 2005 5:58:32 GMT
I supported Hines intially because I have always wanted a period versiion of WOTW, but I had some skepticism about him pulling it off because it is a huge project for a small filmaker who has never had a film in major release to do, but the last few months have convinced me we are dealing with somebody who is working at a less then professional level. It less then Four weeks before the film allegedly opens, and no Advertising, No promotion, no nothing from Pendragon. Pendragon refuses to name who is the US and UK distributors. An interviewer who after interviewing Hines contacted most of the major Indie film distributors in the US drew a blank in his inquires. Not to mention the incredible shrinking budget of the film. This is an amateur level operation, folks. Even if Hines has made a decent film, no one except the hardcore Wells fans will see it because of the way he has screwup the promotion and marketing, and has more then likely not even found a distributor. And I am afraid the amateurism will extend to the Film itself. I will supend judgement until I put my DVD in the drive, since that seems to be where the Hines WOTW i heading, but I am not hopeful based on the footage I have seen. Actually, the acting worries me a lot more then the SFX. The SFX can be improved but the performances he is stuck with.
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Post by flynnsixtysix on Mar 5, 2005 9:59:49 GMT
nice capsule summary doctor...
The horror for me is that IF this is as gash as it's stacking up to be then it's going to make the 'authentic WOTW' another 'Heavens Gate'.
Put simply it means that no one will dare to touch this work again for at least 20 or 30 years until the stigma of this piece of half-baked show pony has gone the way of Bug Wars and the rest of his unintentionally camp and comedic output.
I still don't understand who gave him the money without at least asking him to guest direct a 30 minute episode of T J Hooker to proove he can even cut a scene. I am for the little guy but why couldn't he cut his teeth on something less valuable.
This is like asking the guy who painted your garage door to go and 'touch up the cistine chapel' for his next job...
Our civilisation just doesn't have a thousand works on the scale of Well' WOTW's to be able to allow ham-dram drama queens to rubbish in their self-obsessed ego driven quest for personal glory.
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Post by themotile on Mar 5, 2005 10:10:48 GMT
You totaly right there Flynnsixtysix, if this is half as bad as I suspect it to be nobody will try another authentic version for a long time so as not to be associated with Pendragon Pictures.
That is the real travesty in this debacle.
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Post by flynnsixtysix on Mar 5, 2005 10:22:40 GMT
I think I'm actually now going into shock over this thing. The hideous scale of the thing is finally sinking in.
Man I am so demoralised...I don't think I can go on even pouring my energies in analysing how appaulingly this whole thing has been handled. I may have to stay away from the pendragon thing. If there was such a thing as 'movie court' this guy would be in the dock right now..
I'm off to Total Recall - I need this nuts erasing from my memory.
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Post by themotile on Mar 5, 2005 10:24:31 GMT
Yeah, they will remember it for you wholesale, mars is nice this time if year....
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Post by flynnsixtysix on Mar 5, 2005 10:38:01 GMT
It's over - go home - there is nothing left to hope for - the dream is gone - it's trashed - artscam inc won your hearts and minds - your value system has been burnt out with schlock and awe - your heart has been mined like some 1897 western mining town and all there is left is a dusty ghost town - these last few posts are like the occasional bits of tumbleweed blowing through - PP WOTW RIP.
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Post by Gerkinman on Mar 5, 2005 12:50:34 GMT
i feel saddened
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Post by thed0ct0r on Mar 5, 2005 13:04:47 GMT
To Flynn and Motile,
I used to be 'hardcore' Hines. Really. And I thought you guys were being mostly unfair. But now my eyes are open. No one - I repeat - NO ONE puts a movie out and messes it up this badly unless....
Well look at ED Wood. He actually believed he was making great movies. Tim seems to suffer from the same problem. I cry every day at how well it's coming together?? My film is gorgeous? Whoa! There's something wrong here!
Thanks for keeping it real, guys.
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Post by jeffwaynefan on Mar 5, 2005 13:07:14 GMT
Does anyone know a number for a decent carpentor, were going to need to widen the door frames ;D ;D
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Post by RustiSwordz on Mar 5, 2005 14:40:08 GMT
This is the downside though isnt it. The hardcore fans slowly turning against the little guys because of lack of facts.
I think PP needs to sort itself out with the press side of things.
Either confess they are in trouble or give us concrete proof of their product is up and functioning.
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Post by flynnsixtysix on Mar 5, 2005 14:51:52 GMT
Thanks doc...were all in this together, man. All fans together.
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SEAN
Full Member
Posts: 146
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Post by SEAN on Mar 5, 2005 14:59:04 GMT
Even my goodself, (and I personally think I'm a pretty upbeat, optimistic kinda person), has rapidly become apathetic to the circus that is Pendragon Pictures "version" of H.G. Wells The War Of The Worlds.
I no longer rush upstairs as soon as I get in from work to boot up the internet, an instead potter about and puzzle about who ate the last piece of cheese in the fridge.
Apologies about that. My brain is fried at the moment. There is loads of cheese in the fridge and I am just talking rubbish.
Ok. Nice.
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Post by RustiSwordz on Mar 5, 2005 15:24:33 GMT
War of the Worlds or mouldy cheese... mmmm Mouldy Cheese gahhhhhhh...
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Post by thed0ct0r on Mar 5, 2005 15:40:25 GMT
Oh yes. And RustiSwordz. I tip my hat to you as well. Rusty, Flynn, Motile.....you guys have been the most objective posters on this board. I salute you.
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