THIEF MOVIE ? - General Discussion Thread

[3edere]

I TRULY GOT SCARED! I've seen on Youtube some amateur video proposals for a movie on the beloved Garrett and I found that even the fairly good ones are awful to say the least! (they've been posted since 2006 I think but I because of T4 announcement these videos are now more than before spreading like a disease).

Let's start from few considerations:

1) Adaptation (and I do passionately LOVE ORIGINAL CONCEPTS) are 90% of the
time incredible flops! The beauty of playing a game and reading a book is that your
favorite characters do not actually have detailed faces and I and others who try to
draw them know that the addiction of fantasizing over the their features is what
keeps us going.

2) Garrett is damaged, wise, oddly sensitive sometimes and cruelly cynical the majority
of the occasions, he knows things and have the guts to pursue his own interests while
showing a firm hand in handling situations. In short, he cares without giving a damn!
The balance of such wise paradox cannot belong to young man but to more mature
one...I CANNOT SEE A HOLLYWOOD BABY BOY PLAYING SUCH PART!!!!

3) Someone has proposed Viggo Mortensen which was very good as Aragorn but for
heaven sake, he's too "prince like" to play our rough Master Thief.

I dunno I just think that making a movie of Garrett, would forever spoil the "mistery" and "shadows" which are Garrett's tools, according to his own words!

Am I the only one hoping that a movie will never be made? I'd rather have an amazing COMIC BOOK where imagination of the reader can still play a sound part!

:keir:

[Pieter888]

Agree:thumb:

Not that I'm much into books, but hey that's just my generation.

On the other hand, it worked with hitman, why not with Garrett?
Then again, agent 47 actually had a face which Garrett obviously didn't...

I'm not sure anymore while writing this reply, I'm just going to wait how this discussion turns out:scratch:

[3edere]

Thanks for replying, but I'm afraid this thread will not have much success...I have the feeling that people would rather watch a distorted blockbuster adaptation rather than keep the visionary quality so far kept for the Thief characters...

Well...what can I say...maybe I'm more "Garretthean" than I thought...on my own for my own cause! ; )

[jtr7]

It's come up so many times at TTLG. The ultimate direction and test footage always look like crap or an interesting experiment if one doesn't think of it as Thief, and the scripts deviate greatly. Everything is very very loosely inspired, but the authors all call it "Thief" for no good reason.

[Namdrol]

I like the word "Garratthean"

[zhunt]

well not like they have made flicks from games. Resident Evil, Doom, Tomb Raider etc

heres my thoughts

Director - Woody Allen
Garrett - Jerry Seinfeld
Trickster - Arnie (Im Zee Woodsie Lawd........AAHHHHRRGGHHHH)
Victoria - Helen Hunt
Karras - George W Bush
Benny - Chris Rock

Soundtrack - Rob Zombie

NOT!!!!!!

(tumble weeds roll across the set)

[Albi]

im hopping the movie doesnt get made before i get a chance to work on it. i want to get into the film business and i have a strange obsession with wanting to turn games into good movies. i see people trying to do this now days with hitman and things like that and they suck because they dont understand what made the game popular. its the feeling the game creates that hooks us in and ive been making my own thief movie to test how to create that feeling. game movies suck because they hire some stupid big shot director who knows nothing about the game to make it. they got the director of spider man to make the 'WoW' movie ffs. he doesnt even play it. what a joke! the director of hitman had never even made a feature film before so these are the reasons why game movies suck.

If the thief movie would be made it would have to revolutionise the action genre like it did to the fps genre. It would be like a dark Indiana Jones adventure (dont deny the game is like that) with a cast of crazy characters and strange settings.

if they were to get some Hollywood producer to do this the movie would probably end up with some retarded orchestral music which creates a cheesy mood and crappy production design. u need the right people to make this movie. its rare that u find a game that would make a great movie. other games i would love to turn into movies are: fear and half-life.

game movies are only made for money, not for actual enjoyment. there making a sims movie ffs. this is the perfect example of a game that cant be turned into a movie and they do it just because it is very popular. if they turn this into a good movie they deserve a fkn Oscar.

too sum this up thief is one of the few games with a good enough storyline, cast of characters, settings, etc... to make a very good movie but if they dont find the right people to do it then its a waste of time.

[Platinumoxicity]

Uwe Boll has admitted that he makes movies about popular games only because it guarantees profit. He doesn't give a **** about the games or his own movies for that matter, as long as he can lure people to watch them by sticking on a popular title. His movies always suck and he knows it. That's why he needs to adapt popular games to films so that he can get piles of fan-monie$.

[3edere]

I'm so happy so verify there are other "Garrethean" people around! Yippee! And I'd love to work on the movie too, being also a writer I'd do almost anything to work on the script which to me has to be the priority over all!

Btw...y I cannot see the option to insert little faces on my quick reply window?!

[Hamadriyad]

I don't want a Thief movie. Probably it would be another Holywood trash.
By the way. you should click "go advanced" options to see the faces.

[esme]

personally I think making a movie about a character whose major skill is not being seen might not be such a good idea

who would play Garrett, well no one will see him so who cares

just so long as Stephen Russell does the voice ;)

[darkmagicasorseer]

Uwe Boll has admitted that he makes movies about popular games only because it guarantees profit. He doesn't give a **** about the games or his own movies for that matter, as long as he can lure people to watch them by sticking on a popular title. His movies always suck and he knows it. That's why he needs to adapt popular games to films so that he can get piles of fan-monie$.

by doing this, that said director will also bring bad name to the game's good name...

[3edere]

personally I think making a movie about a character whose major skill is not being seen might not be such a good idea

As for that loads of invisible characters found, arguably successfully, life on the screen. The trick is answering the question: What does he or she
do when not concentrated in making themselves unseen (see the thread "Garrett's Downtime" posted by Bambini).

In any case, I agree, let's keep Thief to the world it belongs (I still believe that a Coming Book drawn just by 1 hand though, could be fascinating).

:wave: THANKS FOR THE TIP Hamadriyad!

[Quad]

I don't know 3edere... If I see Araval's superb imagery, then I start dreaming about animated concept-art turning into a living world where, however contradictory, the actor who plays Garrett isn't important, as long as mister Russell does the voice. Thief could be a very good action-movie with a lot of tension. Remember Rambo, First Blood? It's not that different and I really enjoyed that movie. A lonesome guy, cast away from society, faces the difficulties of "men" and starts turning against them making the environment his own territory. It has mine-shafts, nature, a lone person, mechanical attributes and ... everybody is hunting him.... and he's the best in everything he does (except I bet Garrett has a wider vocabulary than Rambo...)

The story of the movie.... take jtr7's brain, talk to it and you'll have everything you wanted to know to make a very good and compelling story. Mix it with other's input and there'll be enough data for 2 movies.

I'm good in doing faces, but concept art doesn't have to be complex or very detailed to show what the illustrator has in mind. I would give it a shot, but Araval's work is just too overwhelming !

If anyone with money and a city-block full with computers can make Transformers, then Thief is within grasps ;-)

[3edere]

What can I say?!

Obviously we like different kind of movies...RAMBO?! :eek:

It's like saying let's satisfy our imagination only on Blockbusters Action Movies! Quite frankly, I think there is much, much more in Thief. ;)

[Quad]

I'm not going to link my personality directly with movies. It would take a few pages to explain and it's not about me.

I've never thought about "how would you make Tomb Raider or Far Cry if you were in the director seat?" I just had about 1 hour to think about it... There is true potential to make a good movie, a hunt-movie. Forget about Hollywood. There's more in the world than them.

[3edere]

I agree, of course there is...still...who knows y money rules everything and before them there is virtually no-one saying: "no thanks, we'd actually like the idea to do something qualitative good!"

[Albi]

personally I think making a movie about a character whose major skill is not being seen might not be such a good idea

who would play Garrett, well no one will see him so who cares

just so long as Stephen Russell does the voice ;)

ive thought alot about this and u would think having a stealth character who hides in the shadows impossible to film wouldnt u but not even close. In RL u wouldnt be able to hide in shadows as easy as it is in the game so replace lots of that in the movie with hiding behind objects. use lots of silhouettes and have lots of shots of what the guards or whatever are doing with garrett in the background.

and yes a thief movie would have to show what garrett does in his downtime rofl. for this ud need much more character detail so id think he would be like tomb raider/ the main guy from rock n rolla (the bosses main man)/ Dexter. If u guys havent seen Dexter i suggest u watch it cuz that character is very much like garrett (replace the killing with stealing).

[jtr7]

I would love to see a full-length movie in the style of the cutscenes. Animated richly-coloured paintings, with live-action silhouettes. It works to see only the silhouette and not much of his face. This is pretending it's all "done right".

[3edere]

Yes, an animation or comic book COULD work out and might not require such drastic changes if any at all from the original concept. I still think that a real movie with real actors would be a huge mistake.

[negative_len]

Anyone who wants to know what a Thief movie would be like just has to watch Max Payne (assuming you've played the games; and if you haven't, why not? Just don't watch the movie). Hitman was at least decent. Resident Evil was okay, but that's because the source material was camp anyway. I'm thankful to say these are the only video game to movie adaptations I have ever watched.

EDIT: Forgot Silent Hill, which I liked despite eventually losing interest somewhat and turning it off, at the time with the intention of returning later. I'm going to try watching it again sometime.

[Pieter888]

I can't really imagine a movie working when it's based around Thief.
Playing Thief is awesome. But watching it can be really boring at some point. So I don't think a movie works just like that.

[Dragonera]

Sometimes want it and sometimes not. But because no one has talk about it yet I deside to post it. So, would you want movie about Thief?

If yes, who would be Garrett?

I was thinking one choise... Jude Law would be perfect Garrett! Any other thoughs?

[jtr7]

Just like your steampunk thread (http://forums.eidosgames.com/showthread.php?t=99150), we have already been talking about it. Yes, we've been discussing Thief movies and ideas for a decade, and have been discussing it here for Thief 4.


I don't know why you say we are not talking about steampunk or a thief movie. That means you haven't looked and are making things up. :(

[Viktoria]

Sometimes want it and sometimes not. But because no one has talk about it yet I deside to post it. So, would you want movie about Thief?

If yes, who would be Garrett?

I was thinking one choise... Jude Law would be perfect Garrett! Any other thoughs?

New thread merged into existing discussion.
Please take the time to check "Keeper Diary" thread before making new ones. :thumb:

[esme]

jude law is too pretty you need someone a bit more world weary

[Dragonera]

U think actors looks same in every movie?

[Platinumoxicity]

But Jude Law is Bri'ish. And since it's the voice that counts, it wouldn't work. Also, Jude Law's voice is whiny, up here^.



Whereas Garrett's voice is deep, down here.

[jtr7]

U think actors looks same in every movie?

Of course not. You want Jude Law, so you want Garrett to look like Jude Law. Making Jude Law look like someone else almost defeats the purpose of choosing him.

[esme]

U think actors looks same in every movie?

of course not, but I still think Jude law is too pretty no matter how he's made up

[Viktoria]

Is someone like Viggo Mortensen too pretty? :o

I thought he was excellent as Aragorn in LOTR.

[jtr7]

Time for links!

http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1850067#post1850067
http://ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126348
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119311
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107997

[esme]

Is someone like Viggo Mortensen too pretty? :o

I thought he was excellent as Aragorn in LOTR.he'd do

[Oon Kuka Oon]

Thief is first person sneaker... movie third person? Could that work?! I think movie is a bad idea... it won't never reach the same as Thief game.
A novel might have some chances if it would fluently change between first and third person. It would have to follow the game very precisely. It would have to begin like:

Page1: [Thief logo]
Page2:
Ye shall not rob from the house I have built,
or commit any theft or un-righteousness,
lest ye be struck down and driven into
the earth forthwith, and the land
of the heathen consume you.
- The Book of the Stone

Page3 (and the rest):
The first chapter: Keeper Training

The essence of balance is detachment.
To embrace a cause, to grow fond or spiteful, is to lose one's balance,
after which, no action can be trusted.
Our burden is not for the dependent of spirit.
- Mayar, Third Keeper

"I was a, kid. No parents, no home... Running messages and picking pockets to keep my ribs from meeting my spine. One night I saw a man. Folks just passed him by like he wasn't there.
I thought he must have something valuable, so I snuck up on him and made a grab."
- That's not for you.
- Please, sir, I'm hungry. Don't tell the Hammers. I promise--
- What is your name, boy?
- Garrett.
- You have talent, lad.
- Let go of me, old man!
- To see a Keeper is not an easy thing, especially one who does not wish to be seen. We have a need for those as gifted as yourself. If you've grown tired of how you live, then follow me, and we will show you a different way.
- Leave me alone!
- As you wish.
"I caught up with him just before he vanished into the crowd. It was the
beginning of a very long education. [then Garrett goes on explaining what the keepers taught him... not just what was in the game's "Keeper Training", that's just the game basics; Keepers taught Garrett more, thats clear thing]"

[on the missions the telling will change to 3rd person, describing every situation and how Garrett solves it. The Briefings will be 1st person]

Maybe I'll go on later.

[Platinumoxicity]

Thief is first person sneaker... movie third person? Could that work?! I think movie is a bad idea... it won't never reach the same as Thief game.
A novel might have some chances if it would fluently change between first and third person. It would have to follow the game very precisely. It would have to begin like:


Or maybe the novel could be told from the perspective of the guards, and sometimes the keepers that are keeping an eye on Garrett. It's like those murder-thriller books, except this time the creeping horror is not there to kill you the storyteller, but to steal all your stuff from under your nose and you never notice a thing. :D

[PlumsieTaker]

Or maybe the novel could be told from the perspective of the guards, and sometimes the keepers that are keeping an eye on Garrett. It's like those murder-thriller books, except this time the creeping horror is not there to kill you the storyteller, but to steal all your stuff from under your nose and you never notice a thing. :D

Or something more.. humorous

"Angelwatch and the Stable Boy" by Lady Van Vernon.

[ferus-olin]

I think if they make a movie, garret should be played by someone that can "become" their character, like johnny depp. But someone with a voice like garret's. The voice is eveything

[Pieter888]

So it's all set then. Stephen Russell will play Garrett. As always.

[Loup]

I say a animated movie in the same style as the cutscenes. One of those movies which leaves alot unexplained and open for entepretation and for the viewer to puzzle out for him or her self (and discuss on forums! ;) ). Remember the prophecy cutscene in TMA? I remember when I saw it for the first time that I wanted it to go on for an hour.

[CFH2558]

I've spent some time reading everyones' opinions and it's interesting to see what you all say. I think a Thief movie has the potential to be great and the potential to be horrible, as does every game-movie before it starts production. If they do decide to make the movie, here's how I'd want things to go.

I think the story would need to stick to TDP. To ease the audience into the world of Thief and familiarize them with Garret, the first bit should be him sneaking into a castle or mansion, slipping past guards and servants, stealing small, expensive loot, and leaving without killing anyone or leaving any sign of his theft (other than the obvious absent trinkets). The underside of the City where all the crime and secrecy happen is incredibly interesting, and it needs ot be at least touched on to show how the crime rings work. After his escape, he should be seen exchanging his stolen goods to smugglers or other thieves for currency to pay for his landlord or whatever expenses he would need to pay. The Keepers should make an appearance immediately after so to explain why and how Garrett does what he does. I think it would be a bad move to incorporate a flashback in this scene, but more of a dialogue between Garrett and a keeper as they walk through the snow like the scene at the end of TDP. Perhaps the keeper beckoning Garrett to join them again, touching on bits from his past as a boy on the streets to being taken in by the order, but ultimately with Garret refusing.
From there, I think the plot should follow TDP, but slightly adjusted to adapt better to the screen.

Actors? I think Anthony Hopkins would make a great Constantine. He's one of those actors that can really take on the spirit of the character, so I think his role should be expanded somewhat to show more depth. I think Liv Tyler would make a decent Viktoria, but she looks a bit too young. I can't think of any other actresses that would fit the bill. As for Garrett, Stephen Russell absolutely must be the voice. They can cast another actor, have him mouth the parts in each scene and work in Stephen's voice. There was a film recently that did something similar but I can't remember it off the top of my head.
As far as a director, I'm not sure who I'd pick. Maybe Peter Jackson, because I liked the atmosphere he created in LOTR and I think he could make a similar but darker feel in Thief. The blue tint in the scenes when the hobbits were crossing the mountains of Mordor would be perfect.

Your thoughts?

[Nate]

Hehe, the main character dubbed....don't think that will work well.

[Platinumoxicity]

Garrett could be played by anyone. It doesn't matter who plays him, because the times his face would be shown, there would be a cloth on it, or some clever and rather humorous censorship, or playing with shadows so that his face can't be seen. The scenes where he would be without his hood could be shot using that good ol' silhouette technique seen in Thief in general. Now, all we need is a voice actor... let's see...

How about Stephen Russell? :D

[CFH2558]

I think it'd be a bad idea not to show his face at all, actually, but keep it concealed when he means not to be seen. Since most of the movie would be him doing what he does best, the majority of him that we'd see would be his silhouette or half his face shrowded behind his hood. But if you have a main character who never shows his face, the audience can't really connect with him. There were scenes in TDP where is face was shown, specifically when he was speaking with Constantine. Those moments actually made me feel closer to Garrett, almost giving me a deeper understanding of him.

And in regards to the actor, we all agree that Stephen Russell's voice is a must. If he can play Garrett, then great, the deal's set. But I don't think he'd act in a hollywood film (correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought he was only a voice actor).

[jtr7]

His face wouldn't need to be covered with anything but shadow. He won't be seen unless he wants to, and anyone looking at his face means Garrett screwed up or the person is going to made to forget. When Garrett is talking with fellow criminals he's conducting business with, or between jobs, he can be seen.

[Tryst]

Strange question I know but I was thinking that most movies made from games have always been a major let down.

Instead of real actors etc, I'd prefer a Thief movie done as a CGI similar to the Final Fantasy movies. Although CGI, the actors can look very real but are not constrained by RL physics, stunt doubles (who often look nothing like the actor) and locations etc. I think that a CGI movie of Thief done in this way would allow Garrett to show his true talents. Also, the people getting involved in a movie would consist of some who were involved in the graphics of the game itself. Garrett would look, sound and act like Garrett and not the latest Bafta winning actor who hasn't a clue about Garretts character and couldn't look like Garrett without 20 layers of latex on his face. Also, if voice-overs were done by the same people, Benny could also star in the movie too.

Anyone else with any ideas?

[Hecateus]

I would actually prefer little or no CG effects. Something similar to the cut scenes from the 1st two games, or maybe stopmotion like Nightmare Before Christmas.

The intro to Rose Cottage FM is a good hybrid example of the surrealism I would like. Rose Cottage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJwvNW2cBlw)
p.s.
wrt the face of Garret.

the Face of Garret should be as obscured as much as possible. When some or all of his face is revealed, it should be a slightly different face each time. This is in keeping with the variations in the cutscenes.

[jtr7]

It's been heavily discussed, but I've decided I'd like the film to be done in the style of the cutscenes, which makes for little to no worries for special effects, and allows far more freedom for the surreal and magical. It would force judicious use of elements. CGI and practical models would be necessary to make a faithful adaptation, else it would be a rip-off.


Anyway, most discussions have ever been about who would play Garrett and other characters, but there have also been fan screenplays and short films, with only a smattering of discussion about how to pull off the visuals.
http://forums.eidosgames.com/showthread.php?t=96696
http://www.ttlg.com/FORUMs/showthread.php?p=1806236
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92605
http://www.ttlg.com/FORUMS/showthread.php?t=110500&page=1
http://ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75872
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47313&page=3
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107997&page=1
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98981&p=1307077&viewfull=1
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20803
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79023
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84729
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13427
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48418
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96218
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129237
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10928
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52622
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109860
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=175979
http://www.ttlg.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=96160
http://ttlg.com/FORUMS/showthread.php?t=90740
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=820712
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=833813


And a dozen more, not including all the posts in the middle of general threads or threads that finished and veered off course.





So much wouldn't work on location. I really think animation and live-action silhouettes would be cheap to make overall, but could really be a visual feast.

[clearing]

Cool video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmXwo0IsRfc) - a 3D tour in medieval models and ambientation, with great music.

[HeyLight!]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU9nIKxZRxs

This is a short 'animation' depicting Mexico City that my dad made a couple years back. Although very crude, It was just done for fun and it kind of reminds me of The City (if you ignore the Bus). I'm sure a lot of you won't like it but you might find it interesting.

[Platinumoxicity]

The entire movie could be done in a way that never really shows Garrett. Scenes with only Garrett in them could be filmed from behind or in obscured angles, and also using the same kind of silhouette -thing that has been used in the game series. Also there could be these Tarantino -ish "chapters" half of them filmed from the perspective of Garrett, and the other half from the perspective of his enemies.

P.S. I didn't even think it through till now but actually if one would make a Thief movie in this style, it would leave open one wonderful possibility: Stephen Russell. :D

[Tryst]

Cool video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmXwo0IsRfc) - a 3D tour in medieval models and ambientation, with great music.
Now that's what I'm talking about. Even down to the candle on the table which is definitely Thief style. It just shows how a CGI could easily benefit a Thief film. Not sure about the classical mucsic it has now though ;) Something about the original soundtrack being bashed over copyright.

As you get to the point where the candle is sitting on the table, the sun sets and the candle is extinguished, I could half imagine a hooded shape moving silently away from the candle. I tend to agree with jtr7 that Garrett should not be shown too much in the movie, just a vague shape in the shadows most of the time and just a hint of what he might look like during a daytime scene. Maybe glare from the sun behind him obscuring his face, however, I still think a CGI would be better than real actors.

[jtr7]

Why animate every movement of every single human in a sequence, when people can just be people and do it better faster? By obscuring the forms, one person can do multiple characters and multiple people can perform different actions for one character. CGI people always look less than human and are not alive enough for all the work and hours rendering each frame.

[Tryst]

I was thinking more along the lines of special effects which would cost more if they were done with RL characters. Also having a CGI set would mean everything has to be done against the blue background to superimpose it on a set. With what Garrett has to do like climbing up rope arrows, squeezing through small passages and such, trying to do that with a CGI set and get the alignment right with the real characters can be a nightmare.

Unless it was done on a major blockbuster Hollywood budget, designing real sets for real actors would be outrageously expensive.

[Blue Ghost]

Strange question I know but I was thinking that most movies made from games have always been a major let down.

Instead of real actors etc, I'd prefer a Thief movie done as a CGI similar to the Final Fantasy movies. Although CGI, the actors can look very real but are not constrained by RL physics, stunt doubles (who often look nothing like the actor) and locations etc. I think that a CGI movie of Thief done in this way would allow Garrett to show his true talents. Also, the people getting involved in a movie would consist of some who were involved in the graphics of the game itself. Garrett would look, sound and act like Garrett and not the latest Bafta winning actor who hasn't a clue about Garretts character and couldn't look like Garrett without 20 layers of latex on his face. Also, if voice-overs were done by the same people, Benny could also star in the movie too.

Anyone else with any ideas?

This may sound strange, but I'd prefer it not be made. It would totally ruin the name. It would be an overblown commercial for a game that already had a good solid following. :gamer:

[Tryst]

This may sound strange, but I'd prefer it not be made. It would totally ruin the name. It would be an overblown commercial for a game that already had a good solid following. :gamer:
I can understand where you're coming from there. The problem is that many games with a solid following end up being made into movies. Wing Commander, Hitman and a few others for example.

In the end, it would be good to get some idea of what the fans would like to see than leave it up to Hollywood or whatever to decide since they would inevitably screw it up completely.

[Herr_Garrett]

I'd like to point out that we can only have Benny if we have Garrett (and vice versa), since the two are the very same person.

[jtr7]

Yep. The only ways we get one without the other is time constraints or other issues preventing Stephen Russell from doing two major voice sessions, or the main character is not Garrett, but Benny is still a guard.

[Rieknor]

I had a dream about a thief movie, didnt saw it all, or at least i think so.

In my dream it was with real actors.

[Psychomorph]

Thief can only work as a mini-series.

[jtr7]

I've had Thief dreams, too. I wouldn't want any of them made into a Thief movie, even though one involved being hunted by Enforcers, but I wasn't Garrett or equipped with his weapons or gear, and it was in a place like a complex of dusty wooden stables or livestock pens. The rest were me walking aimlessly and without interaction throughout Rampone's Dockside Shipping warehouses, Building B, mostly. It felt like someone had rebuilt the level in a newer engine, but left it unpopulated, like a work-in-progress. Another dream was entirely TMA graphics, a small room with the bright Victorian wallpaper, greens and lots of yellows and the reddish stained wood paneling, and there was one of the women from Lady Louisa's with the green dress, but her hair was a different color, and there was a guy looking like Venik Kilgor and that AI model type, and they had miniaturized versions of the odometer-style control panels and number pads from Rampone's on their belts. Nobody was doing anything but pacing. The guy left the room and came back. Blah.



Thief can only work as a mini-series.

I'm inclined to agree. It's the only way to not cut out basic plot and concepts, while not lingering overlong on any of the several missions. Especially if the intent is to eventually tell the whole trilogy.

[Tryst]

Had a search but no thread dedicated to a thief movie so I'll give it a try.

It's just for a bit of fun really, not saying there should be a movie but if there was, who would you cast as well known thief characters?

I'd like to see Maybe
Vin Diesel playing Garrett. His portrayal of Riddick seems to fit well, the stealth aspect of Riddick would fit too.
Ben Kingsley playing Keeper Artemus.
Gemma Arterton as Viktoria.
Anthony Simcoe as one of the Hammerite brothers Murus or Renault
Kelly Stables as Jenivere
Dennis Quaid as Inspector Drept
Not sure who to cast as Basso, maybe Johhny Depp.

Edit: I think Vin Diesel would make an excellent Garrett. His lone wolf approach, stealth, speaking only when necessary and his cynnicism as Riddick would fit well into Garretts personality. Maybe play down the action a little but I can see Garrett and Riddick being very similar in other ways.

[kevycanavan]

I don't know what's a worse idea...

1. that thief could be made into a film without ruining it or

2. that vin deisel should play garrett!


Half Life and Thief be game only...a film would be ****...like the Doom film

[Hamadriyad]

A thief style animation maybe, with Russell voice. But I don't think I want a movie.
Besides, Vin Diesel would be the worst choice in my opinion.

[xAcerbusx]

I choked on my drink when I read 'Vin Diesel'.

Maybe it's just because he looked quite 'Thiefy' at certain points in Lord of the Rings, but Viggo Mortensen is always one of the first names that comes to mind for the role of Garrett.

[CavaliereNero]

Vin Diesel would be a terrible choice for Garrett! If there is to be a movie, it should be animated, and Stephen Russell should provide Garrett's voice. That would be the best, IMO. And keep Megan Fox far away from it!

[massimilianogoi]

I choked on my drink when I read 'Vin Diesel'.

ROTFL!! In facts he's not the best choice. If I would have to choose the actor, I would choose a new face, that is the most similar with the Garrett's one.

[jtr7]

http://forums.eidosgames.com/showthread.php?t=109611 ;) :p
http://forums.eidosgames.com/showthread.php?t=96696

[Vae]

I agree...a mini-series would work far better than a movie, for capturing the nuances of the trilogy.

[Vae]

Vin Diesel?..:confused:...I've never thought of Garrett as a meat-head before...:lol:

He would work well for THUG though...yes, if they made a movie called THUG, he'd be perfect.

[Hypevosa]

While thug may be his traditional role, I don't see how he can't... be an actor, and act like Garrett? I'd like to think he has the ability to act as other types of characters.

I find that I would like his voice for it since asking Stephen RusselL to do it wouldn't be a good idea. I can't think of many actors who have a voice remotely close to Garrett's.

He would need to lose some of the bulk muscle and turn it lean though, and obviously grow some hair.

[jtr7]

The movie I'd like to see wouldn't depend on anything but a physical performance and quality voice-over. Vin would have to lose half his bulk, and his voice is no good for the role. His voice alone would change a great deal of how the character comes across, and he needs to have a leaner build for the Garrett-type movement. I believe Vin's version of Garrett would sound too much like Riddick instead, and will definitely sound modern inner-city. His face would rarely be shown, so who the actor is isn't as important as the portrayal that comes through in voice and how well his silhouette moves and the deftness of his hands. Overall, the ideal Thief movie would do Vin a disservice in the role of Garrett, and even though he could play one of many supporting characters, it wouldn't seem right.

I don't want to see a heroic physical performance, or action-hero badass performance or use of camera work to play him up, nor in the games, either, just showing he's capable but not practiced, not a brawler or assassin. The movie done right would be just as much of a risk for the studio as the games were to the game studios.

[Vae]

He would need to lose some of the bulk muscle and turn it lean though, and obviously grow some hair.

...and grow a brain.

Vin Diesel isn't intelligent or subtle enough to play Garrett.

I can hear his muscle-head voice now saying, "Tombs with piped in music, how classy"...WRONG...:mad:

This would be the literal dumbing-down of Garrett.

[Nightwynd]

I can hear his muscle-head voice now saying, "Tombs with piped in music, how classy"...WRONG...:mad:

Oh gawd, yes! I can hear that too! :( That could go to the thread http://forums.eidosgames.com/showthread.php?t=96481 imo

Should a Thief movie be made, I'd had it be fashioned like the cutscenes in the games (not counting the DS 3d-modelled ones). In that case,

STEPHEN RUSSELL

should be the one playing Garrett.

just sayin' :whistle:

[jtr7]

Imagine his last discussion with Cutty. It would very impressive to me if (before knowing his fence was about to die) they made Garrett's threat to Cutty over being stiffed again convey, without ever saying so or needing to, but purely in how the lines are delivered and how Cutty subtly reacts, even as he knows he's going to die (Garrett shouldn't have any health potions with him), that it is not really a threat of violence, but of losing the most profitable and exciting associate, with the growing likelihood of legendary status to come (if the snapping puppy lives long enough), in the old man's memory.

[Asadar]

Vin diesel as Garret? I hope to never see that !
And a movie... I don't really like the idea. Maybe a movie with a very particular visual style, yes. Or virtual caracters, with, of course, Stephen Russell as Garret's voice.

It wouldn't a project to put in the hands of the first came film director...

[Asadar]

Yep... sort of "chronicle of the city". Mini-series would be probably better than a movie to discover the world of Thief.

[massimilianogoi]

In some clip of Thief - The Dark Project I've always noticed how Garrett looks the old Harrison Ford, the Blade Runner one. So, if he would be still young (around 30-40), I would assign the role to him.



http://i31.tinypic.com/oszj9z.jpg

[Platinumoxicity]

In some clip of Thief - The Dark Project I've always noticed how Garrett looks the old Harrison Ford, the Blade Runner one. So, if he would be still young (around 30-40), I would assign the role to him.


In the cover art of The Dark Project Garrett looks like David Duchovny. :)

[massimilianogoi]

In the cover art of The Dark Project Garrett looks like David Duchovny. :)

Don't you look him as Harrison Ford?

[Platinumoxicity]

Yeah, he looks different in the cutscene, but I think he looks more like Duchovny than Ford in the cover art. But it's just a weird coincidence, and I'm in no way advocating Duchovny portraying Garrett, just like you're probably not advocating Ford in that position, even though Garrett does a lot of Indiana Jones'ish stuff. :D
http://blogs.wefrag.com/GrOCam/files/2010/04/3948.jpg
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:KGMxV3oRQvwg2M:http://www.yuddy.com/articleimages/David%2520DuchovnyMTI3OA%3D%3D.jpg

[massimilianogoi]

Funny thing! Surfing between my subscribeds on YouTube I've found a piece of a movie, in which I saw an interesting face:

http://i29.tinypic.com/2lxugk6.jpg

from the canadian movie "There Are Monsters".

She's surely got a perfectly Thiefy face... maybe she could play the Marla Madison's role...

[Tryst]

http://forums.eidosgames.com/showthread.php?t=109611 ;) :p
http://forums.eidosgames.com/showthread.php?t=96696

The first was about whether it should be an animation or a real life. I remember that one but it didn't mention who should play the parts if it was a real life one.

I know Vin Diesel has always been cast as a thug but remember, it's only how the character is portrayed. If the role required more subtle approach, I can imagine any actor worth their wage could do it. He doesn't have that much muscular bulk and I would imagine Garrett would have a fair amount of muscle anyway given what he does on a regular basis. The clothing and cloak would hide a lot of it.

I was only comparing the stealth and lifestyle sides of Riddick, I did say it should not be so violent. Compare the cutscenes of Garrett with those of Riddick talking to someone, the same high level of self confidence and arrogance in their stance and voice. Like I said, apart from the violence, Riddick and Garret share similar lifestyles, loners, never trusting anyone and always highly confident of their own abilities and always ensuring that they never have to rely on anyone else.

However, I just can't seem to imagine Vin Diesel with hair :)

[massimilianogoi]

Vin Diesel is far too muscular than Garrett. He needs someone more skinned. Staying in the shadows means also being agile, thing that a standard rugby player hasn't.

[Vae]

I know Vin Diesel has always been cast as a thug but remember, it's only how the character is portrayed. If the role required more subtle approach, I can imagine any actor worth their wage could do it. He doesn't have that much muscular bulk and I would imagine Garrett would have a fair amount of muscle anyway given what he does on a regular basis. The clothing and cloak would hide a lot of it.

Nope. It's not about his castings, nor about superficial muscle. I've met Vin in person at a party here in Los Angeles, and after talking with him, I'd be surprised if he had an average I.Q. He's not the right type for Garrett. Not the right personality type, and not intelligent enough to intonate the subtle inflections required for Garrett's character...that's why he's always cast in thug roles, because of his own mental limitations. You would need someone like Christian Bale. I am not personally advocating him, as I would rather see an unknown, but someone intelligent with more depth would surely be needed.

[Namdrol]

Yea I agree with Vae, would work best with an unknown.

[Platinumoxicity]

It really wouldn't matter who'd play Garrett. All that's important is the character, his voice and attitude. Just like James Earl Jones as Vader in "Star Wars" or Hugo Weaving as V in "V for Vendetta", all they needed were their voices. Anyone could've portrayed their visual roles.

[massimilianogoi]

... as I would rather see an unknown, but someone intelligent with more depth would surely be needed.

:thumb:

[Rieknor]

A movie will be too short i think... and if they try to make it larger it whould be to boring.

[jtr7]

They would cut out and combine and create filler so much it would be unpleasant to watch.

[Asadar]

They would cut out and combine and create filler so much it would be unpleasant to watch.

Yep. A good adaptation of Thief in a movie would be very long. So the solution of mini-series would be more interresting, and closer to the Thief Games spirit, with "day after day" missions and evolution.
If Thief is adapted on TV/cinema one day...:rolleyes:

[Asadar]

Yep. No matter of his face. The best would be probably to not see it entirely. The most important part of Garret is his voice and attitude (as already said Platinum).
Whether an unknown or not, I think we should anyway keep one unclear on his face. It is also a part of the visual style of Thief: the shadows and light, the chiaroscuro.

[Nightwynd]

This had quite the resemblance with the Thief cutscenes. I thought I'd post it.
Hope you find it entertaining/interesting. :wave:
vORsKyopHyM

[jtr7]

Yeah. TMEoJM's been brought up a lot. It's good stuff. :)

[Asadar]

It is good stuff and I like this visual style. ;)

Thanks Nightwynd :thumb:

[Nightwynd]

You're welcome. :)

[Asadar]

A mini-series with episodes of 20 or 25 minutes, like TMEoJM's, would clearly be more appropriate for Thief...
It is something both fun and confusing. This project would not entrust to any director. But the result could be permanently... interesting. ;)

[TH1EF]

Sometimes want it and sometimes not. But because no one has talk about it yet I deside to post it. So, would you want movie about Thief?

If yes, who would be Garrett?

I was thinking one choise... Jude Law would be perfect Garrett! Any other thoughs?

There's only one actorI could see playing Garrett, that's Bruce Campbell ! His voice and acting style would suit Garrett's character perfectly... IMO, but feel free to flame me :)

[Vae]

No celebrity actors...unknowns only...:mad:

[jtr7]

Exactly. He should be played by unknowns.

[massimilianogoi]

Spectacular trailer:

Hy8M0VdKamg

[Nightwynd]

So, to the question considering Thief being a standard movie with real actors.

Stephen Russell could play the role of Garrett.
Why not? He's a real actor, after all. ;)

[Asadar]

Why not, but I prefer the idea to have an unknow to play Garret, even if Stephen is Garret for his voice.

... in fact, the best, in my opinion, would be to have a unknow actor who gives his movements and a part of his face to Garret, but with the voice of Stephen Russell in animated movie like some scenes in the first "Lord of the Ring" by Ralph Bakshi (with a more modern production of course ^^).

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/40/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_%281978%29.jpg

[Nightwynd]

Or little like Darth Vader :D:thumb:

[Asadar]

:rasp:

[jtr7]

So, to the question considering Thief being a standard movie with real actors.

Stephen Russell could play the role of Garrett.
Why not? He's a real actor, after all. ;)

He'd only be good for close-ups and when his face is shown. He's not Garrett in the flesh, but he can channel that attitude vocally.

[Vae]

The only problem is, that Stephen Russell is too old. Although his voice is perfect, his older face and body would betray the relatively young, and nimble Garrett. It would be best to use someone else, unless it was an animation.

[jtr7]

For a TDP movie, maybe his son could be Garrett. I have no idea what his voice sounds like, though, and if he's even half as gifted as his father in vocal gymnastics.

[JFSOCC]

I'm not sure I like a thief movie, but if I have to cast the game:
Clive Owen as Garett, I mean, he just has the face. it's cynical, tough, haggard if need be.
http://happilykim.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/clive-owen-707987.jpg
http://www.thecinemasource.com/moviesdb/images/Clive_Owen%20-%202%20-%20Derailed.jpg
http://medias.fluctuat.net/films/4/8/4870/les-fils-de-l-homme/photos/45620-clive-owen.jpg
http://files.myopera.com/celebfan/blog/004KAR_Clive_Owen_003.jpg
http://mikeduran.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/children-of-men-clive-owen-535.jpg
http://www.hotflick.net/flicks/2006_Children_of_Men/006CHOM_Clive_Owen_036.jpg
Also, If you haven't seen Children of Men go do that now! :)

I mean, look at his Jaw!

[Hypevosa]

Actually ... not a bad Garrett face and body structure. If he was good at lip syncing too, Stephen Russell's voice could still work too.

[JFSOCC]

You could make the scenes take place without Clive Owen ever speaking, only having his thoughts narrated.

[Hypevosa]

See, I always thought of Garrett as actually talking to himself, not just thinking things... but that's how I always took the things he said in mission.

If necessary when he speaks it could always be from a camera view to the rear to avoid his face, and otherwise, yes, just thoughts narrated.

[Vae]

This would never happen because:

1) No one would pay the exorbitant rate for a celebrity actor, if his face wouldn't be seen.

2) A movie is different than a game (e.g. Tomb Raider). It doesn't follow the same rules of production. Although, Garrett does "think out loud" in the games, and this element would probably be included in a movie, it would not be exclusively relied upon.

[massimilianogoi]

The only problem is, that Stephen Russell is too old. Although his voice is perfect, his older face and body would betray the relatively young, and nimble Garrett. It would be best to use someone else, unless it was an animation.

Relatively young?? And who's told you that Garrett is young? In TDS looks as an aged man:

http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/0/1211/182623-800px_thief_3_garrett_large.png

Anyway, I have a request for you all: find me any thief-like movie, and/or any thief-like location, around the world.

[Hypevosa]

This would never happen because:

1) No one would pay the exorbitant rate for a celebrity actor, if his face wouldn't be seen.

2) A movie is different than a game (e.g. Tomb Raider). It doesn't follow the same rules of production. Although, Garrett does "think out loud" in the games, and this element would probably be included in a movie, it would not be exclusively relied upon.

Who said his face wouldn't be seen? Just when he was talking it might be necessary to not show his face if we wanted Stephen Russell's voice. Think of it being equivalent to having a stunt double and making it so you can't tell it's not the original actor.

I was merely confirming that Clive Owen, to me, fits the physical description based on what we have seen of Garrett. This doesn't mean there isn't a better unknown out there to be typecast into the role of Garrett - I'm just saying Clive Owens fits my bill - not to mention he doesn't strike me as a Celebrity Actor... or at least he's not one of the people who'd cost exorbitant amounts of money I'd think (he's never really been in any big block busters unless you count children of men).

I don't know what your argument is with your second point though. I don't think anyone's suggesting that the only time we'd hear Garrett's voice is when he's thinking out loud.

[JFSOCC]

I'd think (he's never really been in any big block busters unless you count children of men).
King Arthur, Closer, Sin City, Shoot Em Up, recently he's played the International, which I think must be a bad movie, but it certainly was A-list.
I'm sorry to say he's an A-list actor ;)

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0654110/

[Hypevosa]

Hmm... Well I'm not a big movie guy, and I've not really seen him in much or heard much about him. Partly my fault, but since he hasn't managed to reach me it says he's not one of the super elites. That and he probably keeps his nose clean XD

Anyone got any earnings figures for the guy?

[Vae]

Relatively young?? And who's told you that Garrett is young? In TDS looks as an aged man:

http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/0/1211/182623-800px_thief_3_garrett_large.png


I have a challenge for you/anyone...if you answer these questions correctly, you will discover Garrett's accurate age throughout the trilogy...

How old was Garrett when first discovered by the Keepers?

How long was Garrett's training with the Keepers?

What was the duration of TDP?

How long was the gap in between TDP and TMA?

What was the duration of TMA?

How long was the gap in between TMA and TDS?

What was the duration of TDS?

[jtr7]

A filler hint:

The Matter of Garrett
By Keeper Draco

Familiarizing yourself with Garrett's history and capabilities could prove essential should the time come when we no longer deem him necessary. Garrett studied with us until his early twenties at which time he was offered the chance to proceed with the Indoctrination Ceremony and become a Keeper. However, he lacked balance and instead expressed his intention to leave. The council voted we deal with him using the Enforcers, until Caduca informed us that Garrett was essential to overcoming difficult times ahead. And so our most promising acolyte left us.

[massimilianogoi]

What was the duration of TDP?

How long was the gap in between TDP and TMA?

What was the duration of TMA?

How long was the gap in between TMA and TDS?

What was the duration of TDS?

Those times are relative. We can't know for sure how many time is passed, since it's not written anywhere. Five years could be passed like twenty... As far as I know, the only thing we know is that the Karras's predominance was perdured three years.

[Hypevosa]

I have a challenge for you/anyone...if you answer these questions correctly, you will discover Garrett's accurate age throughout the trilogy...

How old was Garrett when first discovered by the Keepers?

How long was Garrett's training with the Keepers?

What was the duration of TDP?

How long was the gap in between TDP and TMA?

What was the duration of TMA?

How long was the gap in between TMA and TDS?

What was the duration of TDS?

The only one we can almost answer is when he was discovered by the keepers, as he looks to be in his early teens.

After that it gets all kinds of speculative.

[Hypevosa]

Actually... aren't there various documents with dates affixed to them throughout all the games? couldn't we find an early document in TDP and find one in TDS and then do the math right there?

[jtr7]

TDP/Gold are the only games that give a number for the year: 34.

[Hypevosa]

See, I thought I remembered plenty of dates leaving the year out...

Well we know the first year at least XD

Now to find the second

[jtr7]

TMA only has tons of "Journal Entry" numbers, and has "Week 23" and "Week 26", and names of the days of the week, but no dates, no months at all, and only the words "Summersday Tourney" and "Summer Solstice Soiree" as a textual seasonal reference.

TDS only has Pagan names for a couple days of the week, journal entry numbers like "Day 42", Keeper "City Report" entry numbers like "#236", and even less dates than the other games.



No one ever speaks the date, but for a rare name of a day of the week.



In the entire trilogy...
...no month is ever named, only the four seasons: Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring--but the word "Autumn" is never used.
All seven days of the week are named: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and the Pagans in TDS used Moonsday and Cloudsday.

[Hypevosa]

Damn, I was hoping there might have been some nugget in the unused files. Even if it was someone referring to something happening X years ago, it would be more definite.

[Vae]

This deserves its' own thread...How old is Garrett? (http://forums.eidosgames.com/showthread.php?p=1464494#post1464494)

[Nightwynd]

He'd only be good for close-ups and when his face is shown. He's not Garrett in the flesh, but he can channel that attitude vocally.
The only problem is, that Stephen Russell is too old. Although his voice is perfect, his older face and body would betray the relatively young, and nimble Garrett. It would be best to use someone else, unless it was an animation.I gave it some more thought and I ended up with a solution that no-one should play the role of Garrett if it was a movie with real actors.

Garrett's character isn't and it at least shouldn't be a one that is pinned down here on this forum and on these discussion threads. I think this is one of the major points of and a carrying force of Thief. Defining Garrett's looks or character would ruin the experience for the player. For the player is Garrett, and Garrett is the player in a sense. One is to draw his/hers own conclusions about Garrett and assume a role one sees fitting. I can play the stealth master or the adventurer or go just plain footloose and be the mass-murder.
Of course there are some characteristics we all know about Garrett since they are told to us plain and straight. Other than that, it is pointless to argue who Garrett is since there is no absolute answer. Garrett is who each and one of us make him to be, and that is one of the beauties of Thief. That is why Garrett shouldn't feature in a regular movie that doesn't give room to one's imagination. Just like "Lord of the Rings - the movie" ruined much of the characters for me. Or almost any film that was made strictly based on a book. You know what I mean.

In conclusion, if a movie is made I'd rather have it merely based on the Thief universe. Featuring new characters. A spin-off if you will.

[Asadar]

In conclusion, if a movie is made I'd rather have it merely based on the Thief universe. Featuring new characters. A spin-off if you will.

New main caracter... like the Girl maybe ? :whistle:


... I'm joking! (Hold your weapons please) :D

But yep, I understand you're point of view Nightwynd. Even without Garret, the universe of Thief could be very great for a dark fantastic movie. ;):thumb:
"But this... this is another story" (for those who know the reference :rolleyes:)

[Nightwynd]

Yes, definitely! The factions, the City and it's surroundings... would make a great movie setting.

Slightly from the side, touching what I said earlier: I'd really like to see a spin-off with the Keepers. Namely, as a game. Anyone know any good FM's on this?

[preyer]

i’ve said for years how ‘thief’ needs to be made into a movie. and, since i’m getting back into writing after business had kept me from doing it seriously for several years, i’m playing around with script ideas. as mentioned, though, the key word is ‘adaptation.’ anyone who wants to see a script based exactly detail for detail and step by step what you see on the monitor can’t be argued with. that said, the characters and setting are there to make a great movie. no one reasonably argues that the potential for a great movie isn’t there, right? and it’s stupid to argue there’s no potential to make a really, really crappy movie, eh? lol. that’s any movie, though. try reading the ‘star wars’ script and put yourself in the executives’ position back then ~ pfft, most of us would have told lucas to get bent!

i completely understand the idea of, ‘let’s not screw it up!’ i also don’t see the harm in possibly reviving a 12 year old game franchise that, sadly and undeservedly, is at best struggling to be relevant, imo. after all, there’s a purist in me that cringed when i heard it was going to come out on a console.

be that as it may, i hate to burst anyone’s bubble, but games and movies are product to be consumed. they may be constructed lovingly and with the highest of quality ideals in mind, but never forget the bottom line is what matters to the people with the money. (yeah, yeah, i know they’ll do a money-losing prestige flick starring a certain actor to placate them into doing another blockbuster, that’s just good business.)

i think it’s obvious this is a character-driven story. i’d go so far as to suggest it should be a character study of sorts. but, you have to sell the sizzle, and that’s when you get to have fun with the character and story... and why people who otherwise cares less about the games would actually pay to see it. and that’s when you start to play with storylines, supporting characters, setting, etc.. videogames aren’t movies any more than novels are movies, so in two hours or so you’ve sometimes got to make certain concessions for dramatic reasons. two hours of a guy slogging around between shadows is a pretty boring movie, so you show him doing that as one of his skills, and get on with the *story*.

not quite sure why some of y’all want an animated movie over live-action. half the live-action movies are half animated anyway! lol. let me ask supporters of animated: do you think it serves the character and story more as animation, or does it really just appeal to you personally? from a money standpoint, i think were it your money invested, there’d be no question you’d want it live-action. forget the bottom line, ‘thief’ as animated doesn’t even make much sense from an artistic standpoint to me. if you considered the overall story-arc, animated makes even less sense... in my opinion. when you say you want it animated, you’re immediately making a *style* choice, and i have to question the substantive implications, to which someone argues adult-oriented anime stories, to which i say you just like anime and thank gawd you’re not writing the script, lol. an anime version of ‘thief’ makes me ill just thinking about it.... chew me out if you want to on that, i’ve always thought 95% of anime is style over substance. CGI has some of the same problems. let’s face it, CGI is going to appeal to a limited audience. it can be absolutely gorgeous to look at ~ again, it’s just style, and if you want real human emotions that come out of something other than a toy cowboy, you really need a real person, particularly for a tale dark as this one. ‘beowulf’ was stunning to look at... and about as emotionally gripping as a ‘garfield’ movie. besides, CGI isn’t exactly cheap! traditional animation may be the cheapest route, but also has the lowest return on investment and has the same risks as live-action. would you rather spend $15M for animation to make $30M, or $40M on live-action and make $80M? (kinda sorta making those numbers up, lol. ‘thief’ doesn’t need to cost $100M to make at all. someone mentioned RL sets would be outrageously expensive. not quite sure where they get that. indeed, i think the RL sets would have a fairly reasonable cost. you *can* spend that much money if you want, but this is a mid-budget movie at most.)

of *course* you have to show his face! he’s not darth vader, and if you want to give a damn about your main character, you have to see it. and the setting can be dark without hard to see. frankly, you wouldn’t spend all the movie in the deepest shadows, albeit you have to depict that night life substantially. garrett *is* a thief, after all, lol.

i’d like to find some of that fan fiction. problem with that is quality, and if it happens to be readable they never do anything with it. there’s some actual literary potential there, too, imo. maybe there has been, but i’ve never seen it.

when you think hollywood would screw it up... well, that’s possible. that’s been their track record, lol. it just all depends on the production values and script. it could be super cheesy or super awesome. it continually blows my mind how you can make ‘max payne’ one of the worst movies i’ve ever seen, adaptation or not. it’d be so *easy* to turn that into a franchise!

‘thief’ could only work as a mini-series? not at all, so that’s why you save enough for the sequel. i mean, ‘the metal age’ is a great name for a part II, eh? :) you just have to set up for the sequel in the first movie, and that doesn’t mean leave it open-ended. bear in mind you’re not paying to watch a series of missions garrett goes through, you’re watching a cohesive story, so breaking into a side-character’s mansion really is irrelevant unless it supports the story. in the game, it might, in a movie, not at all. sometimes all you can hope for is there to be an homage in the movie concerning trivial encounters and characters. nuances? it shouldn’t be difficult to capture the look of the games. they wouldn’t take a project like this on, i wouldn’t think, with the idea of alienating half a million fans right away, no? okay, ewe boll would, lol.

jtr7, just about every movie is a gamble, that’s precisely why movies seem to uncreative. when it’s your money and/or job on the line, yeah, you’ll probably familiarize yourself with the four-quad concept real fast, lol. you’re absolutely right, though, he’s not a superhero, and that’s his appeal. he’s older, would probably get his arsed kicked no less than indiana jones, and not a perfect assassin. he’s fantasy fulfillment for guys my age, lol, like harry potter is for kids. i see him as being the best at what he does, and the rest he just does the best he can. and for the love of gawd, a little bit of humour isn’t going to kill the movie as long as there are no comedic sidekicks that ruins every already dumb movie like ‘the scorpion king.’ consider the difference between humourous and funny. when indiana jones says ‘trust me,’ that humourous, when jar jar binks gets lightsabered in half, run through a blender and fed to banthas which gives them gas, that’s friggin’ hilarious! ...or it would have been. it wouldn’t unpleasant at all... if done *right*. it’s not a collection of cut scenes, as cool as some of them are. and it’s not the retelling of a video game’s plot. it’s taking the characters, setting, and ‘feel’ and deriving a story that serves all those ends and to the best of your ability retaining the essence of those ideas. that’s not saying hollywood gets it, lol.

i can’t believe the idea of vin merited more than a couple of ‘lol!’s. :) viggo m.? that’s actually a decent choice, imo. bruce campbell? lol. love ‘im... but he ain’t no garrett, unless you wanted to do the ‘airplane’ version, lol. clive owen? hmmm. good call. maybe. i think folk would have to loosen up on the voice, lol. i know, i know, but let’s be realistic. :)

you’re right, vae, you wouldn’t pay that money *not* to see his face. and i see it as having flashbacks (just a bit) and voice-overs.

nightwynd, i understand your concerns and idea on why you don’t want a movie made. however, your happiness in this is crushed by the millions who might be highly entertained *and* brought into the game as a result. we’re not quite so dense as to be unable to separate the two. i respect your opinion, but there’s my rebuttal. :) and if i’m pretending to be someone, i could do worse than clive owen, lol.

sorry for the long post. :) but, if someone thinks there’s not enough there for a movie, then there’s certainly not enough there for a mini-series, eh? the simple fact is there’s plenty there for a great movie, and i dare say the real reason a movie hasn’t already been made is because there are more relevant franchises out there (i.e., less risky). oh, there’s certainly a variety of reasons; maybe no one’s given them a good script, maybe the timing isn’t right, maybe no one has any confidence in a live-action steampunk movie (or steampunk in general).... i mean, would you produce ‘thief’ or ‘hellboy 3‘? no question in my mind! lol. notice i said ‘produce,’ not watch. :) it’s entirely possible the rights have already been bought and they’ll never do anything with it.

[jtr7]

Live action would require a hell of a lot of...animation...in the form of CGI. That's the simple reason for wanting animation with live silhouettes. It's already going to require it, or it will only be derivative and have most of the Thief universe removed. The next big reason is for Dan Thron's style to get a feature-length presentation, and to set it apart from every other steampunk live-action sward and bow movie. Also, I'm not sure why you addressed me with comments that have little to do with what I've been saying, or else I can't tell how you think I need to be told those things. For example, I love Thief's humor, would like it retained, and my comments were pointed at how movies are usually made, not how it should be made.

[Nightwynd]

Interesting, preyer. I'd like to clarify that I never said I didn't want a movie made - merely that it shouldn't be about Garrett. But still you are probably be right - and who'd want to write a new character and arc since a mighty awesome one already exists. And, of course, if a spin-off was made and the name is "Thief", the movie obviously should be about one.

Couple of notations:

CGI? Hell no!
Anime? Likewise!
If an animated rendition was made, it definitely should bear a resemblance to the cutscenes.
Clive Owen? Howabout someone completely unknown?


A Thief movie should be slow paced, thinking and tense. Action should be sparse, keeping tension it's building. The tension should be nearly oppressive at times, only rarely released. Also, Thief should keep some elements of style from the game. If Thief was just your average fantasy movie, say LoTR all over again, I'd have no interest. That's only me, tho.

[preyer]

not meaning to misquote anyone, jt, i was replying directly to certain comments as i was reading all the pages and pulled some of your comments out of the mix. let me know which ones you question and i'll be happy to correct or debate them.

of course there would be a lot of CGI, but there's a difference between live-action guards on a half-set and the top greenscreened and, say, CG zombies. but, we're not talking 'lord of the rings' here, not even 'pirates of the caribbean' (which was made in a tighter budget than people might think), lol. speaking of PotC, i thought that was a great, fun movie ~ and that was just based on a ride at disneyland. so for the naysayers, if you need proof of what *can* be done, there's perfect evidence right there, eh? i really do believe that, ewe boll aside, there's been a real effort overall to make these movies better. take 'max payne' ~ granted, it was painful to watch, but there was a well-known star and they at least attempted an atmospheric feel to stay true to the game.

i agree with you overall, nightwynd. garrett isn't an action hero, per se, albeit there has to be some. at some point he's going to bonk a guard on the back of the head. i also see him getting roughed up a bit ~ not losing, but not getting socked in the kisser and there's no blood or realistic reaction, either.

pacing is a bit trickier. there's a definitely pace you feel when you plan a game for two weeks. i don't think it should be lightning fast, but things have to move along at an appropriate pace, which is a little slower. it just can't crawl along. movies like 'dungeons and dragons', terrible as it was to behold in every aspect, is essentially cardboard characters, set-pieces and cheeze f/x. the movie i can think best describes the pace i personally think is fine for the character is 'unforgiven' with clint eastwood.

well, lol, there's got to be CGI, there's no way around that. as i mentioned, they're not going to build 50 foot high sets when a half set will do. but, they still use a lot of traditional f/x and props. if you mean hot having garrett swing around like 'spider-man' in the movies, oh, definitely, that's a no-no. backdrops are just CG'ed, though.

an unknown actor is fine by me. of those mentioned, i thought owen was an interesting choice. a known actor lends legitimacy to a project, and a genre like this which already suffers from a deservedly bad rap, were i the producer i'd want someone with name value. then again, look at ewe boll ~ he gets name stars in his 'movies,' so there's an argument to be made.

'thief' doesn't have the depth of LotR, so i think we're safe there, lol. i hate to sound crass here, but we're talking about a video game. a great video game with plenty to play off of, but it's not based on 1,200 pages of text with 87 bazillion characters and locations, lol. what you'd want to do here, in my humble opinion, is allude to the mechanists in the first movie, and if it warrants a sequel, it's not a surprise to a regular viewer. you introduce certain characters that returns for the sequel, and introduce new main characters in part II. it's really not rocket surgery, it just takes someone with a care for the source material and hope the production values are there and crew feel inspired enough to take it seriously.

i'll say this, i think ewe boll did almost as much damage as he possibly could to destroy the idea that a great game can be made into a great movie. the 80's and 90's era of capitalizing on game franchises in a cheap cash money grab did their share, but in a more one-by-one manner. of course it seems like a disasterous idea on the surface, but when you realize those studios at the time and boll were simply attempting to be pure capitalists, you have to understand quality wasn't high on their priority list. i think we're much more savvy than that now, eh?

[Hypevosa]

I think every time I've envisioned the movie, it's been the actors in front of a green screen deal like with 300. Not speaking at all of content, but how one would manage to create such a place and create the feel that the games have.

[xAcerbusx]

Unfortunately, actors in front of a green screen is probably all it would be if it happened at all.

Now, maybe this is just a personal bias, but those types of films (Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow, Sin City, The Spirit, etc.) do nothing for me, and even if well-executed, probably wouldn't serve the Thief mythos well, either. The games' cutscenes (Thief 1 and Thief II, I'm talking about, here) are nice, yes, but every so often they can also look a little unconvincing due to the limitations of CG at the time. I also can't envision that style working at feature length.

What it really needs is proper sets, a generous helping of physical art design, and the look and feel of classic film noir - except in color. A bit like Ridley Scott's Blade Runner or Tim Burton's Batman and Batman Returns. Plenty of texture, contrast, and detail. All things that modern films have dispensed with in favor of cheap, unconvincing digital effects.

Anyways, it's sort of pointless to talk about, because the likelihood of a game like this being turned into a movie is small-to-nonexistent. Metal Gear Solid can barely pitch a movie idea, so what demand would there really be for Thief, sadly?

[preyer]

well, you can come up with a great 'thief' script, and a studio can buy it, hire a second screenwriter to make changes, slap a new name on it and produce it anyway. i was talking to a guy years ago (forget his name) who wrote a horror script and they made it into one of the 'hellraiser' movies (he co-wrote 'blair witch II' if you're *that* curious, lol). i don't know how hollywood feels about fantasy at the moment, but i'd say now might be a good time to try something like 'thief.' is it likely? probably not. is it possible? sure, why not? i'd say it's got a better chance of 'halo' ever being made, lol. 'metal gear solid' is another hot property, and those seem to always be accompanied with delays of all sorts that takes years to resolve. 'halo' in particular screams big-budget. 'thief' just needs a mid-budget. how much did peter jackson make 'district 9' for? something like $25M? i'd have to look that up, but it wasn't much.

'sky captain' and 'the spirit' were just terrible, awful movies, lol. my opinion on that... but they were. :)

digital effects are cheap? not quality f/x, but the price is coming down, i'm lead to believe. i think you're right, you have to have the right look, but it's the content and vision and talent of the director that gives it the right *feel* (of course the editor, cinematographer, lighting, score, etc. all have to work, too). however, i don't agree that an atmosphere can't be achieved, nor do i think movies today neglect that, but i'll admit an over-abundance of CGI detracts from the overall effect.

actors in front of a greenscreen? as garrett walks on a rampart with the ocean in the background (just making that up ~ it's five in the morning, gimme a break, lol), yes, that'll be greenscreen. that's just how movies are made now, eh? personally, i think it's a character-driven story (that's why we give a damn about the game in the first place) that dictates plenty of intimate settings. then you've haunted cathedrals. it'd be a good, entertaining mix, i think.

it's been a long time since i actually played the games, so i'd have to look at cutscenes again (probably find them on youtube?) to see how, in my unprofessional opinion, they'd play as a feature length movie. i think the key is to establish the mood from frame one. :) all i can say is it would be one badass trailer! lol. seriously, 'the dark knight' had the perfect mood for the story it was going for, and it maintained that mood in almost every scene. big names, big money, though, but that's never a guarantee.

just my opinion, of course, but i still say there's nothing but potential here and it's not 'gone with the wind' ~ it *can*, conceivably, be done right. it's the movies, after all, where anything is possible. :)

[Thumec]

Let's face it, most video game to movie adaptations fail miserably (with one or two exceptions). I don't think it would work out very well for this game either, unless they wanted to do something CGI, even then they would probably find a way to mess that up.

[jtr7]

Yep. :hmm:

[Asadar]

I must admit it's true, but we must never despair of seeing someone break the curse.
When I heard that someone would adapt the Lord of the Rings in movies, I saw it with an evil eye the first time because I love the books and at the time I saw a dim view of attempts adaptations of heroic fantasy film. Time has given me wrong and I'm glad of it.

If a Thief movie there was, I hope that this would be the case. ;)

[Tryst]

If it was done as CGI, it would have to be along the lines of Final Fantasy with near realistic looking characters, (although not Asian looking). I'd hate a comic style cartoon version.

Garrett should be shrouded by shadow at all times with the faintest glimpse very occasionally, the mystery of who he is kept secret. People would watch it just to try to see where they screwed up and showed all of his face. When he speaks to someone, just have a vague shape of him in the shadows. When he enters a lighted area, a back view or side view so his hood hides his face from view.

[Hamadriyad]

It doesn't have to be CGI, actually better If it isn't. I love the classic style 2D animations. Maybe it can be a mix.

[Asadar]

I don't know... many things could be fine in fact, with the good artistic director, and the good realisator. And the good scenarist, and... well "etc." :D

I think we can have a good movie with real actors, than without, or with a graphic realism or not. The cinema is full of surprises, both good and bad. All I hope is that Uwe Boll will not approach Thief! :mad2:

[Hamadriyad]

Yes. The cinema is full of surprises. But it is hard to see a good adaptation unfortunately.
Probably they will ruin the whole legacy If they make a movie.

[Asadar]

Fortunately, no one has yet announced such an adaptation of Thief. ^^

[jtr7]

There was a time when it was in consideration, back when Warren Spector still had say about it, but it didn't pan out, and I don't know how much the LGS and ISA financial troubles and asset and intellectual property acquisition had to do with it.

[AnthonFTM]

:whistle:

[Izztyrr]

There is one already. Haven't you seen it?

[fbdbh]

A miniseries would be ok, I guess. With Garrett in the background as catalyst for events. But mostly about city affairs and conflicts.

[Hamadriyad]

Not a live action but animated maybe.

[Viktoria]

Not a live action but animated maybe.

I can see this working very well. :thumb:

[Odyseeos]

Sort of like "The Shadow" on television? You see what I don't see.
Hm. What angle would Orson Welles take?

[DarkDagger]

There was this Spanish TV show called Aguila Roja. I think the main character is Garrett inspired, at least by the looks.