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Read Thread: OMG! Bill Bryson on the big screen?!

Re: OMG! Bill Bryson on the big screen?!
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #3924 by Green Tortuga
May 3, 2005 6:13pm
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Quote Paul Newman and Robert Redford are planning to turn Bryson's A Walk In the Woods into a movie


Wow! That is truly amazing. And Julia Roberts, too!

I loved Bryson's book and thought that many of the observations were spot-on. I never quite understood why it generated so much controversy in the hiking community. I remember seeing and anti-Bill Bryson t-shirt at an ALDHA Gathering once.

If this movie really happens, it's bound to create a new level of popularity for the Appalachian Trail. The consequences could be dramatic, and not necessarily desirable.

Ninja Rob (or Lyme Rob on the AT)
Re: OMG! Bill Bryson on the big screen?!
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #3925 by Ninja Rob
May 3, 2005 6:28pm
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Quote I never quite understood why it generated so much controversy in the hiking community.


I never saw the harm in Bryson's book either, though I know it's a sore subject for many thru-hikers. I saw a T-shirt that read "Bryson is a candy ass". Which is true, I suppose, but what's that have to do with anything? The book is still hilarious! =)

Quote If this movie really happens, it's bound to create a new level of popularity for the Appalachian Trail. The consequences could be dramatic, and not necessarily desirable.


Yep, I agree whole-heartedly with you on that count. The new level of popularity isn't a bad thing, necessarily, as all the trail magic I got would attest to. ;o) But a blockbuster movie could bring in far more people than the trail can handle. Possibily even something that might require permits--at least for the first part of the trail until all those out-of-shape-wanna-be-thru-hikers drop off and the trail can handle the new traffic. If I were the folks in charge of the trail near Springer Mountain, though, I'd definitely start considering ideas on how to handle the extra publicity.

But you know something? I have a secret desire to see Redford and Newman playing Bryson and Katz. Oh, that could be such a funny movie! =) Even though I know such a movie would likely change the personality of the trail forever.

-- Ryan
Re: OMG! Bill Bryson on the big screen?!
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #3927 by noydb
May 3, 2005 8:05pm
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Yes, I don't see Redford and Newman cast all that well in it. Too old, perhaps? I just can't see Newman with a bunch of 'extra baggage' on him.

Could prove to be an interesting film, though. Wonder if it would appeal to the masses, though?

dvn2r ckr
Re: OMG! Bill Bryson on the big screen?!
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #3928 by daelphinus
May 3, 2005 11:16pm
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Quote Yes, I don't see Redford and Newman cast all that well in it. Too old, perhaps?


I don't know.... Amanda made me watch The Sting and they didn't seem THAT old. Not really sure what they look like now, though. Hmmm...... How old are we talking about?

Old people on the trail would definitely be a different story that a couple of overweight middle-aged people, but I'm okay with that too. There's a lot of retired people who hit the trail so it doesn't seem very abnormal for a couple of old geezers to hit the trail. It wouldn't be the same story, though.

Quote Must have been the infamous Baltimore Jack.


Oh, don't even get me started.... I do not like that man, and even banned him from being in my adventures. I did cross paths with him a couple of times along the trail, but deliberately never mentioned him since the stories weren't even funny. At least you could laugh at the poor missionary tripping over his duffle bag (bless his annoying little soul) or the West Viginians selling their stove for a bag of tobacco (bless their annoying little souls too!), but oooh..... Don't even get me started on Baltimore Jack!

I suspect he might have tried to beat me up had I worn a T-shirt saying "I love Bill Bryson, and you should too!" *grin* That would been classic!

-- Ryan
Re: OMG! Bill Bryson on the big screen?!
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #3928 by daelphinus
May 4, 2005 2:36am
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Quote Yes, I don't see Redford and Newman cast all that well in it. Too old, perhaps?


I would have to agree with this. These two don't seem to fit my mind's image of what Bryson and Katz should be, in part because of their age, but also personality fit, especially Newman as Katz. Now if we were talking "Newman" from Seinfeld (Wayne Knight), that would be hilarious!

I'm thinking John Goodman for Katz and any number of people would have made a better Bryson -- somebody like Tom Hanks maybe would've been my pick.

I am looking forward to it though -- if nothing else, I am sure there will be some gorgeous scenery.

SpringChick
Re: OMG! Bill Bryson on the big screen?!
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #3930 by Green Tortuga
May 4, 2005 6:42am
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Quote ...and even banned him from being in my adventures.


Did you write a book about your hike? Where can I find it?

That was the shirt I saw. I had forgotten. Maybe it was Jack. I only met him once or twice.

Rob

I must say that I only saw this thread because it was on the recent posts list. And during the recent controversy, I was of the opinion that only your favorites should be on it. Wrong again!
Re: OMG! Bill Bryson on the big screen?!
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #3943 by Ninja Rob
May 4, 2005 9:29am
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Quote Did you write a book about your hike? Where can I find it?


No, but I want to. =) The adventures I'm talking about can be found at http://www.atlasquest.com/adventures/

-- Ryan
Re: OMG! Bill Bryson on the big screen?!
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #3947 by Green Tortuga
May 4, 2005 9:53am
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Well, I don't buy Redford and Newman for the parts, but if they're going to make a movie, I think Ryan needs to have a part in it, even if it's a cameo or walk-on.

DebBee