While based on the novel, Straczynski’s script stands alone as a classic in the zombie genre. Indeed, with the right cast and direction, World War Z could stand as one of the strongest dramas in the last decade. In a way, JMS added a new element to Max Brooks’ initial vision of a global zombie war. With The Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z, and the Straczynski script; Max Brooks’ tale is finally complete.
Personally, I'd shoot this as a sort of Citizen Kane of zombies, with a narrator essentially going around and setting up a series of flashbacks that tell the story of the horrible events of the Z-War, and it looks like Straczynski's doing exactly that. Personally, after Children of Men, I'm pushing for Alfonso Cuaron to direct this, but I'm certainly open to seeing any talented director's take on the material.
2 comments:
I liked the books too; not sure what I make of Brad Pitt being cast in the film, which suggests to me a re-write is a likelihood to support his inevitably bigger role. I like Pitt, and he's made some great films, but Brooks' novel had the potential to be the first Oscar-winning zombie flick (what? It *could* happen!) and while Pitt is a strong indicator of a quality film, his presence might mean a bit of a shake-up in the foundations that make the original text work. We'll have to wait and see.
Pitt's production company is producing the project but right now rumors of him taking a role are just that, rumors. That said, I think he would be a really good Todd Waino (spelling? -- I don't have the book handy right now) if he chooses to perform in it as well.
Also keep in mind that Pitt is perfectly willing to play supporting roles in movies like Babel and Snatch, so there's not really this huge danger of him making his role bigger than it has to be. Pitt's a savvy movie industry veteran who has been in very few true bad movies -- I doubt he'd get the opportunity to adapt such great material (and hire JMS to write the screenplay) and then fuck it up just for his own actor's ego.
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