Memoirs of Hadrian

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Reza
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Post by Reza »

Penelope wrote:It's going to be a very, very tricky novel to adapt to the screen: not only is it direct and upfront about Hadrian's homosexual love affairs but the novel takes place entirely within Hadrian's mind, his ruminations about power, love, ambition, religion, etc. A straight-ahead historical epic--Ben-Hur, Gladiator, etc.--won't work.
As long as they don't go the route of Alexander as far as the homosexuality angle is concerned. It probably will go that route if Hollywood is involved!
Penelope
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Post by Penelope »

Um, well, not actually. Hadrian's Wall is mentioned only briefly in Yourcenar's novel; the primary focus is on Hadrian's rise to power and his relationship with Antinous, and thus, geographically, the locations would be Italy, the Balkans, the Middle East and Egypt.

It's going to be a very, very tricky novel to adapt to the screen: not only is it direct and upfront about Hadrian's homosexual love affairs but the novel takes place entirely within Hadrian's mind, his ruminations about power, love, ambition, religion, etc. A straight-ahead historical epic--Ben-Hur, Gladiator, etc.--won't work.
"...it is the weak who are cruel, and...gentleness is only to be expected from the strong." - Leo Reston

"Cruelty might be very human, and it might be cultural, but it's not acceptable." - Jodie Foster
jack
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Post by jack »

What gets me is that they'll be shooting the film in Morroco (from what I've heard) when the main anchor of its subject is about his wall. A wall seperating Scotland from England.

If done right it should be interesting. Though I do long for the day when we have a movie telling the story of the Highland Clearences.
Penelope
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Post by Penelope »

Actor Daniel Craig to Play Bisexual Emperor

Daniel Craig has signed on to portray a bisexual Roman emperor in an upcoming film, reports Ireland's Daily Star.

Hadrian, who ruled the Roman Empire from 117 to 138 A.D, allegedly had an affair with a teenage Greek boy, Antinuos, while married. [Note: not "allegedly"; it's a historical fact.]

British filmmaker John Boorman reportedly is cowriting the screenplay, adapted from the Marguerite Yourcenar novel Memoris of Hadrian, and plans to direct the film, reports the United Press International.

British production company Handmade Films has signed on to finance the film, according to Variety.com, and has a budget of between $50 million and $60 million. (The Advocate)
"...it is the weak who are cruel, and...gentleness is only to be expected from the strong." - Leo Reston

"Cruelty might be very human, and it might be cultural, but it's not acceptable." - Jodie Foster
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