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NEWBERRY WINNERS-->MOVIES

My twerp Snarkey's Machine let me know that Jeff Bridges wants to make a movie of The Giver. Bridges would be great as the Giver, but it could be very bad if done heavy-handedly (picture clueless right-wing editorial writers saying, "This is what Obama's programs will lead to!) Also, how would they handle one of the big reveals (HIGHLIGHT TEXT BELOW TO SEE SPOILERS):

As you read the book, you gradually realize the people's lives are so regimented that they no longer perceive colors. I suppose you could film in black & white, which viewers who haven't read the book think is an artistic choice, but gradually realize that it's the way the world really is to the characters when Jonas starts to see colors. I don't know if that would work as well, though.

Speaking of Newberry Award winners, I've always considered A Wrinkle in Time unfilmable (everyone said the TV movie was horrible, so I didn't bother trying it), but some commenters on the WIT Facebook page suggested Hayao Miyazaki or Guillermo Del Toro for the job. Intriguing! I have a weakness for King of the Wind, the timely story of two Arab immigrants who face prejudice before finding success and happiness (OK, one of them is a horse, I had a phase). A live-action version of The Chronicles of Prydain seems plausible, with all the fantasy around lately. Alexander manages to make fantasy fun without being fluffy and he doesn't take things so bloody seriously (*cough*J.K.Rowling*cough*). New York Magazine has some ideas as well.


What Newberry Award winner do you think would make a good movie?

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