Comments on: Fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” looked good, says “On Stranger Tides” author Tim Powers http://blog.newsok.com/nerdage/2011/05/20/fourth-pirates-of-the-caribbean-looked-good-says-on-stranger-tides-author-tim-powers/ Comic book, graphic novel and movie news that impacts nerd culture Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:50:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 By: Mark Houston http://blog.newsok.com/nerdage/2011/05/20/fourth-pirates-of-the-caribbean-looked-good-says-on-stranger-tides-author-tim-powers/comment-page-1/#comment-71434 Mark Houston Mon, 23 May 2011 06:59:28 +0000 http://blog.newsok.com/nerdage/?p=11562#comment-71434 Tim Powers is one of my favorite fantasy and fiction authors. I just viewed the Disney POTC Movie IV, “On Stranger Tides” and must admit disappointment, but very little surprise. Mr. Powers’ vivid fantasy vision of the period and locations could have been produced with special effects, CGI and animation – all of which would have resulted in a much more expensive and long-term project. In addition, the movie would have required some sort of special narrative to better explain to the audience how the magic and supernatural worked (or failed) for the pirates and others living in the New World of the early 18th century.

As Mr. Powers so graciously mentioned in recent interviews he has a good understanding of how the film industry works, as well as how little may actually be adapted into the movie given market and budget constraints. I admire his patience and understanding and can appreciate that he could not negotiate greater artistic control for his first outing into Hollywood. Still, it would have been great to have seen more elements from the original book (including a more accurate portrayal of the journey inland to find the fountain of youth and the premise that the elements for effective magic were stronger in the New World than in Europe).

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