Director Mark Herman tells harrowing Holocaust tale in “The Boy in Striped Pajamas”
Writer-director Mark Herman on the set of “The Boy in Striped Pajamas.”
Jack Scanlon, left, as Shmuel and Asa Butterfield as Bruno in “The Boy in Striped Pajamas,” which opened Friday in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
From Monday’s Life section of The Oklahoman.
Film ”angle” inspired director
Book made director cry; he had to make ”The Boy in Striped Pajamas”
British writer-director Mark Herman felt driven to turn the gripping book “The Boy in Striped Pajamas” into a movie for a simple reason: it made him cry.
“Very, very few books do. And I just felt if you lift, you know, 20 percent of the emotion from the book onto the screen, then it would be a movie worth making. And I’d like to think that we’ve done that,” Herman said in a recent phone interview.
“But it was actually a unique angle that … (author) John Boyne had taken in the novel that attracted me most – not just another Holocaust movie or not just one through the eyes of a child but actually through the eyes of a German child. I thought was very intriguing.”
The story is told from the perspective of Bruno (Asa Butterfield), the sheltered and privileged 8-year-old son of a Nazi commandant (David Thewlis). When his father gets a promotion, Bruno reluctantly leaves behind his friends and the comforts of 1940s Berlin for a bleak house in the countryside.
His mother (Vera Farmiga) forbids him to play with the children on the strange nearby “farm,” where everyone wears striped pajamas, but boredom compels Bruno to disobey. Through the farm’s electrified barbed-wire fence, he strikes up a secret friendship with Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), a sad-eyed Jewish boy his age.
Neither Bruno nor Jack realize what the film’s audience knows: That the “farm” where Jack works and lives is actually a concentration camp designed to exterminate Jews.
“The beauty of the movie is its simplicity really. It’s a microcosm. I don’t think I’m the right person, I don’t think I’m capable of making a big, sweeping Holocaust movie. But this is very much a film about a family; the horrors of what’s happening is actually very much in the background. I suppose like all good horror movies, the monster is left hidden really until the very, very last minute,” Herman said.
After reading Irish author Boyne’s 2006 book, Herman decided to secure the rights and write a screenplay himself, realizing that movie studios probably wouldn’t take on such a sensitive project otherwise. Herman, who is best known for writing and directing the acclaimed British films “Brassed Off” and “Little Voice,” also served as the movie’s director and executive producer, working with David Heyman, the producer behind the blockbuster “Harry Potter” franchise.
“I knew from day one that the movie would live or die by the performances of those two 8-year-old kids,” Herman said. “We saw hundreds and hundreds of kids. With David Heyman being the producer … the lines for auditions were about 20 times longer than I had hoped.”
However, star Asa Butterfield, who previously appeared in “Son of Rambow,” was on the first tape he viewed. Herman then cast newcomer Jack Scanlon after testing his chemistry with Butterfield. Both exhibited an amazing natural talent for acting, he said.
Herman said he considers the harrowing and heartwrenching PG-13 tale, which opened Friday in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, a true family film that parents and older children should view together.
“There’s no violence on screen, there’s no bloodshed. They see a lot worse on the news I think than they see in this movie. I mean, obviously, it’s very upsetting. … But I think having your heart broken over a movie, over a fictional tale, is not a bad thing for any kid, and if it makes them want to learn more, then it’s a good thing,” he said.
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What to do in Oklahoma on Nov. 24
Today’s featured event:
Hear the alt-pop of Nada Surf at 7:30 p.m. today at Bricktown Live, 103 Flaming Lips Alley.
Go to www.nadasurf.com to learn more about the band. For more information on the show, call 288-1050.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
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Toast “Chinese Democracy” with Dr Pepper
Guns N’ Roses’ long-awaited album “Chinese Democracy” comes out today, about 15 years after Axl Rose first started working on it.
In honor of this occasion Dr Pepper is making good on the company’s wager back in March to give everyone in America a free drink if the long-delayed album came out before the end of 2008. “Chinese Democracy” has been the butt of dozens of such jokes over the years because it has taken so long.
This time, it looks like the joke is on Dr Pepper; all the traffic at www.drpepper.com from people cashing in on the bet had the company’s server moving at a crawl this afternoon. It took my husband about 30 minutes to fill out and submit the form for our free Dr Pepper coupons.
If you’ve got the patience or inclination to wait it out, the deadline to apply for your drink is midnight Eastern time, so 11 p.m. Oklahoma time.
It will be interesting to see if “Chinese Democracy” sells as many copies as Dr Pepper gets applications for free drinks. I’m betting not.
The only song from “Chinese Democracy” I’ve heard so far is “Shackler’s Revenge” on “Rock Band 2.” I wasn’t impressed, but I’m willing to listen to more, if for no other reason than to hear what’s has been cooking in Axl Rose’s noggin for all these years.
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BAM Column: Give the gift of culture
Handmade African dolls at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History’s store. (Photo by Paul Hellstern/The Oklahoman)
From Sunday’s Life section of The Oklahoman.
Cultural gifts last a lifetime
One of the best Christmas gifts I ever received, I had to wait six months to use.
On Christmas Eve 2005, my mother-in-law presented our whole family tickets to see “The Lion King” at Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center.
In June 2006, my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, husband, older son, older niece and I watched enraptured as Julie Taymor’s grand vision of the Disney tale unfolded. (My younger son and niece were still unborn, but got to hear the show in utero. The first high note from the actress playing Rafiki marked the first time I felt my almost-2-year-old son kick inside the womb.)
As another holiday season approaches, that treasured recollection reminds me that arts, culture and learning experiences can make meaningful gifts.
Oklahoma is dotted with museums, theater companies, art galleries and other cultural institutions. Tickets to see a play, a tour of an art exhibit or a piece of original artwork can spark a lasting love of the arts.
In addition, museum gift shops offer unusual and educational gifts for parents willing to think outside the big box store. For instance, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art sells an array of art books and kits to inspire youngsters to create.
If your child prefers science, Science Museum Oklahoma carries items ranging from the Weather Center for budding meteorologists to an inflatable space shuttle for aspiring astronauts.
Besides dinosaur puppets, models and plush toys, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History offers a variety of gift ideas, from miniature Chinese calligraphy sets to handmade African dolls.
Museums, zoos, symphonies and more also sell memberships or season tickets so that you can extend the fun throughout the year.
For those looking for the ultimate big-ticket gift, the natural history museum and The Oklahoman are sponsoring “Walking with Dinosaurs: The Arena Spectacular,” which will rule Jan. 21-25 at Ford Center.
And if you want to make a few “Hakuna Matata” memories for your own family, Celebrity Attractions is bringing “The Lion King” to Oklahoma City’s Civic Center in the spring.
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Get creative with children’s gifts
Shapescapes at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s Museum Store (Photo by David McDaniel/The Oklahoman)
These finger puppets are some of the kids items offered at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman. (Photo by Paul Hellstern/The Oklahoman)
From Sunday’s Life section of The Oklahoman.
Give gifts kids will love
Present possibilities run from high-tech to handmade items
It’s a Christmas scenario all parents dread: After the effort and expense of shopping, their child gets more excited about the crumpled wrapping paper and empty box than the actual present.
From high-tech stuffed animals to environmentally friendly tea sets, this holiday season offers many creative gift ideas for parents willing to look beyond the usual options.
Everyone loves a puppet show, and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman carries hand-knitted finger puppets in a variety of species, from turtles to turkeys. All ages, $4.50.
The music of Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood, Johnny Cash and George Strait are converted into soothing lullabies in the “Hushabye Baby!” CD series. Infants; $16.98; www.hushabyebabymusic.com.
A colorful Muppet-like character named eebee helps tykes play and learn in the quirky ebee’s Adventures toy, book and DVD line, which includes a cute plush bowling set. Infants and toddlers; $17.95 to $38; Barnes and Noble and www.eebee.com.
This year’s Kohl’s Cares for Kids program includes books and plush toys featuring longtime favorite Curious George. The special edition books and toys are $5 each, and net profits go to children’s health and education efforts. Ages 2-8; at Kohl’s stores.
An 18-inch-tall cloth Strawberry Shortcake doll complete with berry-scented hat is in this year’s catalog from the venerable Madame Alexander Doll Co. Ages 3 and older; $44.95; www.madamealexander.com.
Children can sip green tea or grow green beans with Green Toys’ plastic tea sets or indoor gardening sets made from recycled milk jugs. Ages 3 and older; $26; Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.
Glo-E Plush Animals are snuggly stuffed monkeys, puppies or teddy bears with seven-color shifting light shows inside. Ages 4-10; $21.99; www.glo-e.com.
Oklahoma City Museum of Art Discovery Packs include watercolors, a sketch pad and other supplies to help kids experiment in a variety of media. Ages 5-10; $25.
Learning Resources Weather Center includes a thermometer, barometer and hygrometer in a case, making it ideal for budding meteorologists. Ages 5 and older; $40.95, Science Museum Oklahoma.
California sculptor Peter Mayor developed Shapescapes building toys to get children creating. Ages 6 and older; $35; Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
Children can get a whiff of the celebrity life when they design their own fragrances with Scientific Explorer’s Perfumery. Ages 8 and older; $19.95; Science Museum Oklahoma.
“Star Wars” fans can turn their Ninetendo Wii remotes into a pair of light sabers for more lifelike gaming fun with the Thrustmaster: Glow Saber Duo Pack. Ages 8 and older; $34.99; www.amazon.com.
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What to do in Oklahoma on Nov. 23
Today’s featured event:
At Toby Mac’s Winter Wonder-Slam Tour, hear the Christian music of Toby Mac, Relient K, Family Force 5 and B.Reith. The show will start at 6 p.m. today at Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens.
For more information, call 602-8700 or go to www.winterwonderslam.com.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com
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“Twilight” movie has woman power behind it
Director Catherine Hardwicke on the set of “Twilight.” (Associated Press photo)
With all of the fuss and furor surrounding the movie version of “Twilight,” one noteworthy aspect of the film adaptation is the woman power behind it.
The four-book “Twilight” series is a huge hit among women, from tween and teen girls who have made Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward in the movie, a heartthrob to the grown women who have started sites like www.twilightmoms.com.
Stephenie Meyer wrote the enormously popular book series in between taking care of her three sons, sacrificing sleep to pen the books. “Twilight,” the first book in the series, was her debut novel.
Appropriately, Summit Entertainment tapped a female screenwriter to adapt “Twilight”: Melissa Rosenberg, who penned the previous Summit film “Step Up” and is a writer on the TV series “Dexter.”
The studio also hired a female director for “Twilight”: Catherine Hardwicke, who broke through with “Thirteen” and also has directed “Lords of Dogtown” and “The Nativity Story.”
“Twilight” is on its way to marking the biggest opening gross in history for a female director, Variety is reporting. The movie made a whopping $35.7 million on Friday.
That impressive one-day take prompted Summit to announce today that it will be making a movie version of Meyer’s second book in the saga, “New Moon.”
In addition, Summit has hired Rosenberg to write scripts for “New Moon” and the third book, “Eclipse,” The Hollywood Reporter reported last week. The fourth book, “Breaking Dawn,” doesn’t have a writer attached at this time.
“Twilight” also could make a bona fide star out of Kristen Stewart, who plays Meyer’s heroine Bella Swan. Stewart, 18, became known to most people way back in 2002′s “Panic Room,” playing the daughter of Jodie Foster’s character. She also has been featured in “Catch That Kid,” “Zathura” and “In the Land of Women.” Her turn in 2007′s “Into the Wild” prompted Hardwicke to cast her.
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Robert Pattinson’s “Twilight” soundtrack surprise
Robert Pattinson at the “Twilight” premiere. (Associated Press photo)
The film version of the best-selling book “Twilight” not only has made British actor Robert Pattinson a teen idol, it also has made him a recording artist.
The actor who plays the beautiful and morally upright vampire Edward contributed two songs to the film, including “Never Think,” which is featured on the official “Twilight” soundtrack.
But according to the Los Angeles Times’ Hero Complex blog, Pattinson, 22, was surprised at the inclusion of the two songs. Apparently, he didn’t know that ”a mysterious third party” had given ”Twilight” director Catherine Hardwicke a copy of music he had recorded unbeknownst to Pattinson. She decided to use two of the songs, and he was surprised to hear them when viewing early film footage.
“When I went to see the cut,” Pattinson told Hero Complex contributor Gina McIntyre, “she’d put these two songs in. They’re old songs, but one of them specifically, it really made the scene better. It was like it was supposed to be there. It’s strange because what was supposed to be at that point in the movie was a big orchestral film climax. Instead it’s this little song with acoustic guitar. I’m singing it, maybe that makes it different, but it’s kind of overwhelming. I hope it’s overwhelming.”
Pattinson also told her he hopes people don’t think he’s angling for a music career. He said he’s never really recorded, just played pubs and the like.
“I really didn’t want it to look like I was trying to cash in. I hope it doesn’t come across as that. I’m not going to be doing any music videos or anything. Music is my backup plan if acting fails. I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket,” he said.
Both the film and soundtrack for “Twilight” have been big hits, with Summit Entertainment announcing today that it will adapt the second book in Stephenie Meyer’s four-novel “Twilight” saga. We will see if Pattinson will contribute to the soundtrack of the second film.
Here’s the track listing for the “Twilight” soundtrack:
1. Supermassive Black Hole, Muse
2. Decode, Paramore
3. Full Moon, The Black Ghosts
4. Leave Out All The Rest, Linkin Park
5. Spotlight [Twilight Mix], Mutemath
6. Go All The Way [Into the Twilight], Perry Farrell
7. Tremble For My Beloved, Collective Soul
8. I Caught Myself, Paramore
9. Eyes On Fire, Blue Foundation
10. Never Think, Rob Pattinson
11. Flightless Bird, American Mouth, Iron & Wine
12. Bella’s Lullaby, Carter Burwell
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Toby Keith to appear in Stephen Colbert’s Christmas special, other holiday shows
Oklahoma country music star Toby Keith will appear on Stephen Colbert’s “A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All” at 9 p.m. Sunday on Comedy Central.
The special has the host of Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report” snowed in at a cabin with a bear stalking outside. He is visited by Keith, Willie Nelson, Jon Stewart, John Legend, Feist and Elvis Costello to sing Christmas songs written by “Daily Show” executive producer David Javerbaum and composed by Adam Schlesinger.
Keith will perform a song called “Have I Got A Present For You” on the show, according to a news release. To read more about “A Colbert Christmas,” check out this Associated Press story.
The country star, who lives in Norman, also will be featured Dec. 12 on a special called “Songs For The Holidays” on NBC. The show will include a performance by Keith drawn from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
In addition, Keith’s hour-long 2007 “Classic Christmas” CMT special, based on the two-disc collection of holiday songs he released last year, will re-air on Country Music Television on Dec. 25 at 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.
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Expanded Q&A: Blake Shelton
Oklahoma country music star Blake Shelton released his fifth studio album, “Startin’ Fires,” on Tuesday.
I spoke with the Ada native about the album during CMA Week, when he was in Nashville, Tenn., attending the awards with his sweetheart, fellow country star and Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert. He also was keeping busy doing interviews and publicity for the album. He claimed it was “the longest week of my life.”
“Barack Obama did not have more to do than I do these past two days on the day before he got elected president,” he declared.
During the interview, we talked about “Bare Skin Rug,” the song he wrote with Lambert, the importance of his hit “Home” to his career, and the reasons he loves to play in Oklahoma. This Q&A is an edited version of the interview:
Q: I can understand that you would be quite busy with activities. You do have a new album coming out and that is pretty exciting because …
A: I’m freakin’ pumped about it.
Q: Well, that’s good. I understand that it was supposed to be released early next year but the folks at Warner Bros. were so excited about it that they moved it up?
A: Um hum. Well, I tell you what, it took us by surprise, Brandy, because you know, you try to time, you try to think ahead, which you can’t really do in the music industry anyway, of when would be the best time to release an album according to how much airplay the first single is getting.
And with this one, when we released it, we thought, well, you know, February, March would be about the right time, and then as we watched the single grow, it grew a lot faster than we thought it would, and I think that’s due to two things: You know, the success of “Home,” just being as big of a record as it was; you know, I was really coming with a lot more momentum than any of us thought. And then also this particular song, “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” is just really connecting with people in a bigger way than I anticipated. I thought it’d be one of those songs that took a little bit longer to grow on people, and it has a bigger, quicker reaction than that, which by God, I’m so thankful for that, because those songs are few and far between. …
Q: What do you think has made it connect so strongly with the fans? And what did you do different with the vocals? Because you sound terrific, not that you don’t always sound good, but you sound particularly strong.
A: Thank you. Well, thank you. You know, as far as the song being different, that was something that we did by design, just because I think me coming with a pop cover, that surprised people, and when it worked, I saw that as an opportunity for me to try to do some new things while the door was open and kind of reinvent myself a little bit and do some things I’ve always wanted to do but never felt like I could get away with. And “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” is the perfect song; it’s so different, not only for me but from anything else on the radio, which is a good thing, if you can get people to be interested enough to pay attention to something like that, you know.
As far as the vocal on it, appreciate you saying that. You know, I think it’s I’m singing it a little bit different – and hopefully better – for a couple of reasons. You know, it’s a song that the guy has basically lost the girl, and as you listen to the lyrics you know that, but throughout the song there’s just a little bit of hope that if he could just find her, he could fix everything and make it right. You know, but the odds are he’s probably not gonna find her, and it probably won’t happen, but he is not gonna give up. And so you hit those choruses and all that energy and the panic and the desperation that he’s going through really comes out in that chorus, and I think that’s why I’m able to sing such a sad song with so much energy and power, because the way it’s written. And I’ve never heard a song written quite that way.
Q: I read in a news release that you like to sing songs about regret. Is there any particular reason? It’s kind of a weird thing to like to sing about.
A: Um hum. Well, you know, for me, regret is that one thing, that even though you end up getting over something, you can always look back at it and remember how you felt, you know, when you’ve done something wrong and wish could’ve changed it. Even when you get over it, you still know what that was like, and so when I say I like to say about it, because that’s an emotion that I can when I’m singing about it or thinking about it, I can feel what it was like all over again. So it’s a natural thing, as a country singer, when I’m singing about real life, it’s a natural thing for me to jump into and feel like I’m giving it everything I got because, you know, I can make myself feel that way.
