The Screwtape Letters (the Movie)

[Josh]

I just read that there is going to be a movie version of the Screwtape letters produced by Walden Media (who's doing the Chronicles of Narnia) and directed by the guy who directed "Amazing Grace" (He's also directing the Voyage of the Dawn Treader). Can't remember his name off the top of my head.

Screwtape would be a difficult film to make well, but some of the discussion online about how the film might be conceptualized sounded promising, and Douglas Gresham (Lewis' step-son) will be working closely on the project, so that's a great sign.

[christopher]

I loved that book...it ought to make a good film.

[robin]

I loved the book as well. It will be interesting to see how the movie plays out.

[b]

who's playing Screwtape?

[Josh]

They haven't casted yet.

Any suggestions anyone?

I personally really like the voice of Screwtape on my audio version... he's played by the British actor Joss Ackland (I think I have the last name right)

[paul]

Greetings, I think it would be very difficult to make this a good film. When I reflect on the first time I read this book, I was captivated. In my "mind's eye", I could see the inexperienced, young nephew demon sitting in a high backed chair with his Uncle leering over his shoulder, guiding him this way and that. Conceptually, this would make a much better screenplay, but how many people can say they saw at least one play during the past year...

[Josh]

You're right... it seems very difficult.

I think for a movie, perhaps focusing the visuals on the human Wormwood is targeting and on the physical world, with voice-overs of the demons as well as barely perceptible appearance of elements of the spiritual realm might work best.

Too much visualizing of demons is bound to get either cheesy or too dark for the tone of the book, not to mention any visualization of demons in a movie kills a lot of the mystery and real horror of the demonic.

[krhagan19]

I say lets have it be a Disney Pixar endeavour with Tom Hanks has Wormwood and the ghost of Michael Jackson as screwtape.

[Josh]