Battleangel

Ellison Blasts Spielberg’s War

SF writer Harlan Ellison blasted Steven Spielberg’s efforts to film H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds in comments to SCI FI Wire at Enigma Con at the University of California, Los Angeles. “What annoys me is that Spielberg is such an egomaniac these days that it has to be ‘Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds,’” the outspoken Ellison said in an interview over the weekend. “No, you puss-bag. It’s H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds, and it wouldn’t kill you to put his f–king name on it.”

“That shows his arrogance. It’s like Disney. Disney didn’t write Snow White or Robin Hood or Bambi, but it’s ‘Walt Disney’s universe.’ It’s the universe according to frozen Walt.”

Ellison said that he has little interest in seeing remakes and added: “We live in a society that values less and less the original.”

Source: Sci Fi Wire

Good point. As for the quality of the actual film who knows. Personally I feel Spielberg has been slipping lately. Which may not be due to Spielberg himself, but as Ellison hints, rather the projects he helms. And the contemporary culture. A good craftsman without good materials is no craftsman at all.

About calling it “Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds” I don’t know if it’s Spielberg’s idea or some PR genius. Regardless of how arrogant it may be, it’s a bad omen. The reasoning behind this must be that the movie lacks in some regard and therefor needs Spielberg’s name in order to sell. I’m sure they have “research” that tells them that. Just like having “X” in a title usually sells more seats.

Update: Having said that, I still think it was a superb movie and that my concerns were unfounded.