"Sweet mother of Preston Tucker!"

[rogueslayer452]

++ Furthering evidence of Russel T. Davies being, well, anything but forgiving of what he did with Torchwood. I never had much of an opinion of RTD before this, though his comments seem to be less compassionate or understanding and more of the douchenozzle type. But I'm kind of conflicted here. On one hand I appreciate the honesty he gives and not letting fandom influence his decisions, on the other hand he just doesn't quite get it or understand fandom as he so claims he does and seems to be answering the questions with this rude tone, and is seen rather pretentious and standoffish than supportive and understanding. All I can say is there could have been a more tactful way of addressing these issues about Children of Earth rather than insulting the fanbase that didn't like it, just saying.

++ MULAN LIVE ACTION TEASER-TRAILER! A Starlight International Media Group production, based off of the actual legendary tale of Hua Mulan, not the Disney animated movie.








It's kind of funny seeing everyone's comments and reactions about this new live action film for Mulan being done, thinking it's a remake of the animated version never-minding the fact that there's been various films and dramatized versions of the tale of Hua Mulan long before the Disney animated film popularized the story (having just finished watching the 1964 opera musical Lady General Hua Mulan, an interesting telling of the story might I add). I'm just kind of loling at people going "is there gonna be singing?" or "what about the dragon?" or anything that is going to compare the live action to the animated movie. I just want to respond: "research motherfuckers, have you done it?" Because I am mean like that. XD

The original story shares the same basis for all adaptations of course, a young woman takes the place of her father in battle for twelve years before returning home and then revealing to her comrades that she was, in fact, a woman. The poem/ballad of the story itself is quite beautiful. Don't get me wrong, I loved and adored Disney's Mulan and thought it was a perfect story to be inspirational for young girls (discarding the sequel because wow, did that suck), but this film seems to indicate more of the times of war and the strength Hua Mulan used to join the forces of men in such brutal times. I think Zhao Wei is the perfect choice to play the role of Hua Mulan, let's just hope the movie does the story justice as the trailer shows.

Interestingly though, why is Vitas (a popular Russian singer) in this movie, looking very much out of place when watching the trailer? I don't even know, and I don't know if I should care.

++ Getting into a new fandom: Middleman, all thanks to the DVDs and the little tidbit that I hope is true that if there's enough DVD sales of the first season they'll renew the show? Am I hearing that right? If so, that's amazing and I'm crossing my fingers that it works, because that means this could yet be another method of getting an almost-doomed series prevented of cancellation! *g* And really, Middleman is HILARIOUS.

Comments

[rawthorne.livejournal.com]

I hear you on the Torchwood thing. I've been reading his comments and they just seem mean-spirited to me. I appreciate good TV when I see it and character death can often be a feature of that (handling a moment so tragic as a character's disappearance can make or break a show) but in my honest opinion, Torchwood doesn't meet the standard. Never mind that the whole thing was a cheap plot device to get Captain Jack to leave. Never mind that they had to break him to justify ending the series.

This is the fourth character death in the series - of a main character. It's random and bizarre. The emotional impact of characters disappearing has waned by now. It's like a Stephen King style suspense thriller that is suspenseful throughout. We're exhausted.

As for Mulan... my first brush with the legend came through Maxine Hong Kingston's Woman Warrior book and I can't see anyone better than Vicky Zhao Wei in the role. I'm looking forward to this a lot.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the killing off the majority of the main characters really isn't the best way of going about the emotional response from the audience. Of not the good emotional response, anyway. I also appreciate character deaths when they aren't done in the way RTD has been doing them, mostly at random. He should be prepared for that kind of reaction, since he's so keen at watching the responses from fans when something is "uncomfortable" as he says. It is rather exhausting, I agree.

Zhao Wei definitely looks to fit the role perfectly. I'm also looking forward to this version quite a bit. :)

[sigrun.livejournal.com]

I don't really have a horse in the race regarding Torchwood &, by all means RTD could be handling it better, but people were ready to hang him before he even opened his mouth so he can't really win either way. While I don't agree with everything he's saying, he has raised some good points... but, like I said, I'm not that emotionally invested in the whole thing. :/

The Mulan movie looks amazing! Do you happen to know when it's coming out, so I could keep an eye out?

When The Middleman was airing, it was the only show that I was actively watching. I loved it so. :(

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

True. There are points he made that weren't that bad, him pretty much defending his creative stance which I kinda respect in ways. But he really should think before answering those kinds of questions in interviews, or at least reposition himself before speaking. I see both him and some of the hardcore fanatics of the show kind of butting heads with their stubbornness here, and this interview just added more fuel to that fire that was already burning since CoE aired.

It's said the Mulan film was going to be released sometime in 2010, though there's been talk about it being released this Christmas.

Middleman is just hilariously fun. :) Do you know if those rumors of it possibly getting picked up if the DVD sales are good are true? Because I really do want more of Matt Keeslar being adorkable.

[sigrun.livejournal.com]

I'm probably not the best person to ask about the latest developments, but the last I knew it looked like The Middleman was quite dead -- as a television show. I know they're working on a comic book to wrap up the show (The Doomsday Armageddon Apocalypse)& that the creator has already moved on to another project for the time being (the upcoming Day One tv series, which may or may not run longer than 13 episodes), so the future looks doubtful. :(

You've seen Matt's episode of Dollhouse, right? Mmm, his arms. <3 (Though, yeah, it was a definite change, seeing him all psychopathic & all.)

[lotuseyes.livejournal.com]

Mulan! Admittedly it was the disney movie that got me started on the whole thing (which I lovingly own in VHS, DVD, collector hardcover book, the Art of Mulan...um...yeah) but I have since read snippets of the epic poem that inspired it and I still love it. This makes me happy in many ways!

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Me too, but the more I researched the more I learned of the origins and I think it's just absolutely fascinating. I just can't wait for this movie to be released. :D

[lotuseyes.livejournal.com]

ps:

Dear RTD,
I'm sorry you'll never be as cool as Joss Whedon and that Joss Whedon manages to kill off his characters with far less fan outcry and resentment. Not to mention--he's not a jackass when explaining things to fans. Learn tact and diplomacy.

And for the love of God if you're gonna work on a show that has two hot guys kissing quite often DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE APPEAL THIS HAS FOR THE AUDIENCE. We smack a bitch down when we don't get out yaoi-love, or worse, we get it and then have it rudely taken away.

No love,
The Torchwood Fandom

not that I have any actual vested interest in Torchwood, but I did like Ianto and Jack together. They were cute. I like cute couples. Killing half of a cute couple makes me not want to watch their relationship develop.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

This, so much. I don't mind if he has some words to say regarding what happened in Children of Earth, which he did start off defending his position at first, but then he went off with his jabber about fans that didn't like it and quite frankly, it was then when I started seeing him as being that douche everyone says he acts in these interviews. Never minding the other interview he did when he pretty much said anyone that didn't like him killing Ianto should watch Supernatural ('cause you know, it has two hot brothers and all, never minding that there's actual mythology in the show and all of that), as though the emotional relationships between the characters and the attachment the fans have with them meant nothing.

He is definitely no Joss Whedon in that regard, because at least when Joss kills off a character the impact actually means something to the overall story, and for the audience as we continue to grieve for those characters long afterward. I mean, we may say we hate Joss for doing that but in the long run we understand why he did what he had to do to move the story along in a natural progression.

RTD, I don't even know, he seemingly gets off killing main characters and then watching fandom explode. That is no way of viewing your works, man. Come on now.

[http://users.livejournal.com/radon_/]

Ooooh! Mulan! In Chinese! ♥ I don't think Zhao Wei has the gravitas to pull it off, though I don't mind having my opinion changed by the film. *g* And is it bad that I wish it was directed by Zhang Yimou instead? Because dear gods that man does GORGEOUS battle sequences (or films, for that matter).

lol dragon! If Mushu shows up in the live action film I'd die laughing. Same goes for the cricket.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

The only thing I know of Vicki Zhao is some of her singing, though I heard she does some great acting. I've seen some pictures from a few projects she was in, including Warriors of Heaven and Earth and she definitely had a warrior-stance going on there. I'll just wait and see how she does as Mulan to make further judgment, of course.

Oh yes, I agree about Zhang Yimou. He has done some gorgeous films, including of my absolute favorite, Raise the Red Lantern. Oh gosh, now THAT was beautiful. ♥

Hee, I doubt Mushu or the cricket will enter. This is more of the series telling of the story than the Disney version. XD

[aliasagent.livejournal.com]

That Mulan movie trailer looks pretty kickass. When will it be out? I'd be very interested in seeing it :D Are there any good movies/tv shows/etc one can watch about the story (that isn't the animated one ;)) if one wants to warm up? :)

As far as RTD goes, I don't know... I kinda haven't liked him for a while (or rather I've been pretty indifferent but leaning towards the negative scale) so I guess that... I don't know, it doesn't really come as a surprise. Gotta give him prompts though, for killing one of his (if not the) most popular character on the show. *has not read what he said in the link though*

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

It's probably going to be out by this Christmas/early next year, it seems. I don't know where it'll be released though. The only one I've watched fully is Lady General Hua Mulan which is an opera musical from the 60s, and there's also a Taiwanese dramatized series Hua Mulan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP9c2FmrE6U) that tells the story too, though I haven't found ones with English subtitles yet.

I kinda haven't liked him for a while (or rather I've been pretty indifferent but leaning towards the negative scale)

Same here. From his interviews and the way he responds to the fanbase he doesn't quite understand the means of discretion. There are ways to make his point without appearing like a jackass.

[alexwhitman25.livejournal.com]

RTD is a gigantic douche. The death of Ianto really has little resonance as great storytelling when he continually kills main characters off left and right. His attitide towards fandom is so sanctimonious and pretentious. It's disgusting. His comments about go watch Supernatural just further pissed me off - um, sorry RTD the show is much more than just pretty boys.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

His comments towards Supernatural was the one thing that perplexed me. It's as though we watch the show merely for the pretty boys and not for, say, the plot or the story/mythology behind it all. I mean sure, there are handfuls of folks that only do watch it casually just for the shallow aesthetics, but the majority of us fans know that there's a deeper story running through the show.

Where a positive comment about the show could have been said, instead RTD went ahead and implied it as a general "fuck you" to his own fans that disliked what he did with CoE. That, in itself, is unattractive in a creator. I don't mind honesty, but when you disrespect the fanbase that is crossing the line.

[hanuueshe.livejournal.com]

THAT MULAN MOVIE LOOKS AMAZING!

You're watching Middleman? AWESOMESAUCE!

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

INORITE? I LITERALLY KINDA SQUEED WHEN I SAW THE TRAILER, I WAS LIKE "HOLY CRAP A MULAN LIVE-ACTION MOVIE THAT ISN'T AMERICANIZED? AWESOME!" :DDD

Middleman is just hilariously brilliant. Matt Keeslar is perfect in this role, and I'm loving the character of Wendy. :)

[angelich.livejournal.com]

To be honest, I admire RTD for not giving a shit about fandom. I'm glad he killed off characters, important characters, even though it breaks my heart. This is why I admire JK Rowling as well and I believe Stephanie Meyer will always be a wanna be (even tho I like the Twilight series, but she chickened out at the end of Breaking Dawn). Death is real and even if we'd want to keep our favorite characters alive, how does that help the story? Children of Earth was soooo good and I think keeping Ianto alive, in the way that story was playing out, would have lessened the impact. So... ya.

That Mulan movie looks good. Although I agree Vitas looks weird. But Vitas, for me, has always been a trainwreck that I can't look away from. Cause it's always like, omg that dude can't be singing like that! I wondering what happened to him though.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Part of me does appreciate his "I don't give a shit" look at things, I'd rather have creators do that instead of let fandom influence their creative directions. And in a way I respect his honesty about it all. But the way he phrases things and his attitude towards fandom as a whole...seems rather off-putting, you know? It's either you love it or you don't with him, and that's pretty black and white. Having character deaths can have that emotional impact and serve as a purpose for the story if done properly, though I think RTD is more kill-happy with his creations. With creators like JKR or Joss Whedon, where they have no problem with killing off characters, they understand that impact and while we may harbor some dislike because of it we understand their reasonings for doing so.

RTD may have had a reason for doing so with what he'd done, but it doesn't come off well in the reception nor in how he's explaining things, which is why he's on most fan's blacklist. I'm merely just indifferent to him at the moment, I don't outright hate him but I don't like him either. He seems more self-absorbed than anything based on this, and previous, interviews.

[calidreamin08.livejournal.com]

omg, i didn't know they made a mulan movie! *is excited*

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Doesn't it look totally awesome? :D I love the story of Mulan, so inspiring and uplifting about the strength and courage of women. Definitely one of my heroines. ♥

[calidreamin08.livejournal.com]

definitely!

[calidreamin08.livejournal.com]

lol, that icon was kinda inappro

[falsebeginnings.livejournal.com]

That actress looks perfect for that role. Also, I saw the pilot of The Middleman awhile ago and loved it but completely forgot about it. I totally need to watch all the episodes now and not just because I found Matt great eyecandy (when I saw him on Dollhouse I didn't quite recognize him at first but I remember thinking throughout the episode how good looking he was). It's too bad it got cancelled.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I'm still hoping there's a chance for it to be continued somehow, to be brought back in some form in either a televised movie/graphic novel/whatever because I think I did hear about the DVD sales going good they may consider those alternatives. I could be wrong.

Hee, everyone was going bonkers when Matt was on Dollhouse. I remember him when he was on the Rose Red miniseries.

[lodessa.livejournal.com]

I think that, people referring to is as "live action" makes people think the Mulan movie is connected to the you know non-live action one. Since live action is usually the default for movies.

I clearly need to catch up on Torchwood, so I can see the wank without spoiling myself.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

That is very true. Though when people think Mulan many will associate it with the animated version anyway, so heh.

I've only read what happened since I'm kinda-sorta watching it, but not really obsessive with spoilers or whatever for that fandom. But the wank has risen quite a bit recently. Yikes.

[lodessa.livejournal.com]

I sort of feel spoiled by the violence of the reaction. Knowing fandom, just that tells me too much. I intend to watch it when the dvds happen so I am trying not to spoil myself/be spoiler any more though.