From pages to film reels

1. The WB film adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic novel 300 is slated for release in 2007. According to the synopsis on the website:

Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, 300 is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller’s (Sin City) acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale.

300 even has a production blog to whet the film enthusiast's appetite. Of the five video journal entries so far, I was able to download only the fifth as an exclusive from Apple Trailers. But what an interesting fifth entry!

According to stunt coordinator Damon Caro of 87eleven, he and his companions had to look at a lot of different methods that they had trained in since there were no records of the actual techniques and tactics used in the Battle of Thermopylae.

Thai kickboxing and other more popular Asian martial arts are a given for inspiration, but here's something Pinoy martial arts/sports/culture enthusiasts should be raving about.

Caro says that the weapon bases, ( I hope I got that right) specifically, are heavy on, among others, Filipino influences. Chad Stahelski, also of 87eleven, also mentioned eskrima and arnis as something they used in the unit shoots of the Spartans.

Just an interesting footnote: 87eleven worked on the stunts of The Matrix trilogy, , Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Troy, Constantine, Van Helsing, V is for Vendetta, Troy, The Bourne Supremacy, and Fight Club.


2. Check out Ghost Rider's interesting trailer. I never thought I'd see Nicolas Cage do the Marvel rounds, but what the heck! I've marked my calendar for Feb. 21, 2007. The action, as far as I can tell from the trailer, looks promising.