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![](./templates/Morpheus/images/blue/hdr_left_post.gif) | Obtaining The Rights To The Zulu Dawn Film ? | ![](./templates/Morpheus/images/blue/hdr_right_blue.gif) |
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Coll
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Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 1:00 pm |
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Sheldon
No problem !
I know you have mentioned several aspects of Zulu Dawn over many topics, but could I ask, what you think could be done, were the film to be placed in the right hands, to improve its quality, sound, and overall appeal, for the wider audiences ?
Also, perhaps a subject not to your liking, but I'll ask anyway, which is about the Zulu Dawn script, as is, the one we all mostly know of and read.
In your view, using this script as the basic structure, what could be taken away or added, regarding the dialogue and action ?
More scenes, maybe more in the way of details ?
If you had the finances available for what you had in mind, and the choice of present actors, what do you feel you could do to raise Zulu Dawn up the ladder, from where it appears to be placed now ?
I'll understand if you wish to give this question a miss.
Thankyou
Coll
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Peter Ewart
Joined: 31 Aug 2005 |
Posts: 1797 |
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Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:40 pm |
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Coll
I'm sure Sheldon will come up with a more technical answer than mine regarding the possible improvement of that film, but I'm sure most would agree that not a lot would be possible without starting all over again!
For example, it is difficult to see how any messing about with the sound, the screen (wide, big, small or whatever) the various effects, the script or even adding �100M to the budget could even begin to rescue it from its appalling reputation. It is there for all to see - it is just the most appalling effort imaginable at telling the story of the Battle of Isandlwana or even the onset of the Anglo-Zulu War. It does not even distantly resemble that battle - indeed it probably resembles Hastings, Waterloo or the Charge of the Light Brigade as closely as it resemble anything that happened in Africa in 1879.
There were plenty of talented actors in the cast and lots of spectacular scenery - just a shame about the film itself! Is that because of the script, the director, the terrible theme music, the running out of money, the puzzling appearance of Taras Bulba, the complete absence of even a loose connection with what actually happened - or what? Who knows? Certainly it was nothing to do with sound, screen or any technical shortcoming that could be remedied by a little tinkering with available modern technology.
I think, Coll, that if a film about Isandlwana is ever to be made (again), then whoever makes it will want to start with a blank sheet of paper and begin all over again. They will definitely want to get as far away from Zulu Dawn as they possibly can. The film, the name, everything about it. It was a film based on a little paperback story of doubtful quality, and it certainly showed. It makes Davey Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier, look an authentic heavyweight of cinema history. I'm not even sure that it wouldn't have been laughed out of the old Saturday morning flicks by a couple of hundred nine year olds.
I remember having to have two or three goes before I could drag myself through to the end even once. Perhaps if someone had shot that chap Lancaster right at the beginning we'd have been spared the very worst of it, but rather than tinker with the film with modern computers or such-like, why not launch an appeal for every available copy to be recalled so that they could be buried or burnt - after being speared by a stake right through the middle first, of course?
We could start the appeal on this thread. After all, it would be a very, very good cause! I'd even suggest you as the recipient of the recalled copies, but could we trust you to do your duty, Coll?
Peter
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Coll
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Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 11:38 am |
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Peter
Thanks for your detailed long reply.
Methinks, though, you are bluffing. Could it be that you are a secret Zulu Dawn fan, trying to deter others from obtaining memorabilia from the film, by pretending it truly is an awful presentation of Isandlwana ?
There is a lot could be done, not with the film perhaps, but the script itself, although, as you say, what Zulu Dawn was/is, may put people off the idea permanently.
Historical portrayals ?
Don't even ask me what I feel about Mel Gibson's William Wallace !
Yes. I'd be the guardian of everything related to Zulu Dawn, safe in my protection, until, like a phoenix, it rises from the ashes, fresh and anew !
My duty is to defend it, not destroy it !
It'll be back !
Coll
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Sheldon Hall
Joined: 01 Sep 2005 |
Posts: 377 |
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Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 3:47 pm |
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I think Peter rather overstates the case against! I'm not sure even its reputation is as "appalling" as he makes out. This is from an email I've just received from a reader of my book: 'I saw "Zulu Dawn" in the theatre, probably in 1980 or early 1981 in Toronto. The final Zulu assault, on the wide screen, was one of the most intense sequences I have ever seen, it literally took my breath away. But as fine as that movie is, it lacks something that "Zulu" has.' So not everyone thinks it's a complete disaster! I've even met people who think it's superior to "Zulu". They're wrong, obviously, but every POV has its defenders...
As for Coll's questions, I've not read the ZD script, though I have read the paperback novelisation (by Cy Endfield), which contrary to Peter's comments was adapted from the film and not the other way around. As my contribution to another thread suggests, I'm not much in favour of fiddling with films once they're completed. A remastered widescreen, stereo DVD would be nice, though, and a remake would be - well, interesting at least (but not very likely).
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Peter Ewart
Joined: 31 Aug 2005 |
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Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 8:44 pm |
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Sheldon's got a point - I did like one or two attractive scenes. However inauthentic, some of the gallavanting about in front of the cricket pavilion on the PMB Oval was fun, and the crossing of the Buffalo (albeit backwards) was an attractive scene, as was the move off towards Isandlwana on the 20th. And there's a brief, pretty scene where Crealock sketches on the 22nd, if I recall correctly.
However, the film had already lost its marbles long before that, although one can't blame the nauseous Irish navvy for everything. And once the fighting started, where - anywhere - is there a resemblance to the battle? I can't see one.
Am I the only one who expects Burt Lancaster to break out at any moment with The Bricklayer's Song?
Pete
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