Part Eight: Of Literature & Film

Could you pick a favourite book?

I do not really have a singular favourite book, however there are a few number of books which I adore more than others.

The first is actually a novella, that of [the] Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. The story explores the duality of man, of the inherent good and evil within us all, and how those feelings and thoughts manifest themselves within us. From a purely psychological viewpoint, the story is a wonderful narration fitting the Freudian theories of the conscious and unconscious mind. Beautiful and deeply chilling, it really is an amazing read.

Before Lord of the Rings, came Tolkien's The Hobbit, ever the children's favourite. I first read it when I was eight, and it was quite literally like stepping into a fantasy world. The only other place I had really experienced the same was with the Narnia series, yet for me this was so much better.

Sticking with the childhood theme there are a number other children's books that I love - J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan, Charles Dodgson's (Lewis Carroll) Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, A. A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh and Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, but to name a few. I suppose childhood classics litter my favourites list simply because of the memories they bring back and the impact they had on me whilst I was growing up.

When it comes to American literature, my favourite novel is The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. A story of exploration and the search for freedom. It is a brilliant read for sitting under a tree during lazy summer afternoons. There are also a few other American reads that I love for the summer months.

Much has already been written of the beauty of The Catcher in the Rye, and admittedly it is often blown out of proportion for what it is. But it is simply one of the greatest coming of age stories out there, which for some reason I am always drawn to comparing to Jack Kerouac's fantastic journey in On the Road. I believe they are both books you really do have to read as you are growing up.

Books can show you the world from the comfort of your favourite chair. They can take you to places far away, to other lands, to other cultures, or even just to the places within you that you never knew existed. I am always wary of those who say they do not like to read, for to me, they are blind to one of the very things which makes us all human. That inescapable childhood thirst for wonder.


Straying away from the realm of fiction novels, I also happen to enjoy reading plays, even if I am not always able to see them performed. Shakespeare would obviously have to feature on this list somewhere, and my two favourites are The Tempest and Much Ado About Nothing. One a story of magic, exile and romance, whilst the other a charming romantic comedy. Reading or watching either really does make me smile.


If you were allowed to read only one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.

It was actually the first real (I am not sure whether that is the best of terms, however I hope you understand what I mean) novel I read as a child. Indeed the copy pictured above is that very same one. Whilst my mother used to read the Narnia series to me when I was younger, this was the first novel I read and completed by myself. As such, it would be rather fitting that it should be my last.

It is a book that for me is magical, in that it is the essence of childhood wonder and excitement. Of course, given that it was the first piece of literature I fell in love with, may have tempered my opinions, however I really do believe that it is a story all children should read. Even now, when I go back and read it once again, a flood of memories and emotions seem to well up inside of me, and it really is a wonderful experience.


What book would you most like to see made into a movie?

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.

There are actually a number of novels I would love to see adapted to film, however the one that stands out most for me in that respect is Heart of Darkness. Whilst I suppose Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now came close in its concept to the novella, I really would like to see the original setting and period of the story. There is something powerful to be said about the story, and indeed Kurtz's parting words of "The horror! The horror!".

From exploring the history and politics of imperialism, to exploring the very depths of the human soul, a film adaption would take a very talented crew. I feel that the director would have to have a clear sense of what interpretation they would like to portray, although I guess the most poignant adaptation would stay close to the ambiguity and complexity of the original story.

I have often imagined the opening close up shot of Marlow narrating the start of his tale, to the crew of the boat off screen. His slow opening dialogue would lead to the camera panning out, revealing the ship and quickly panning out and across to show a period London shrouded in fog. The legend of Heart of Darkness would be emblazoned across the screen in a scrawling cursive script, the black ink standing in stark contrast to the foggy London scene behind it.

The classical music that played softly at the opening would crescendo with the titular caption, just as Marlow mentions the name of Kurtz. The crescendo would then transform and dive into the playing of tribal drums, before coming to a complete silence. The silence would hit just as the camera which had panned up to the thick fog of the London sky, came down to a younger Marlow on the streets just outside the Company.


What are some of your favourite films?

Johnny Depp has always been one of my favourite actors, and as such I pretty much love all of the movies he has ever done. From Cry-Baby to Chocolat, from Don Juan DeMarco to Donnie Brasco, from Ed Wood to Edward Scissorhands, from Sleeping Hollow to Sweeney Todd. As one would also assume, I also happen to be a huge Tim Burton fan, and indeed he has to be one of my favourite directors.

On the note of directors, I am a fan of Alfred Hitchcock movies, especially those starring James Stewart. Rear Window is the obvious favourite, however I also love The Man Who Knew Too Much. I have watched almost all of the movies Hitchcock ever made, with exception of two of his earliest works, and still enjoy sitting down to enjoy them. Another director whom I admire would have to be George A. Romero, I am definitely a fan of zombie movies, and he really does make the best.

When it comes to animation, Hayao Miyazaki has to be the master, I absolutely love his movies. My favourites are Laputa: Castle In The Sky and Howl's Moving Castle. There is the beautiful charm of childhood fantasy, and the obvious beauty of the animation. He really is a genius in his work.

Other movies which I love include the likes of The Pianist, where I thought Adrien Brody was absolutely stunning. I also loved the chemistry between Robert Redford and Brad Pitt in Spy Game, where they fell into the role of master and student easily, indeed to the point that they could have easily been father and son. I really admire Edward Norton's skill, especially in American History X and The Illusionist. And The Great Escape also happens to be one of my favourite films for the Christmas period.

P.S. Be sure to join the Pay-It-Forward competition tag for the chance to win a little gift from me. Winners shall hopefully be announced tomorrow!

Currently playing: The Last Waltz - Oldboy OST

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