JOSS SHOULD REMAKE "VAMPIRE$"

Friday, May 21, 2004 6:13:58 PM

Anybody ever read the book, Vampire$ , by John Steakley?

OK, if you said no, then let me rephrase that. Has anybody ever read the book that John Carpenter's Vampires raped? That's right. Raped and left in a ditch.

If you've seen the movie and was so disappointed as to spit on the book if you ever saw it on a shelf than let me clarify. John Carpenter took the name, the main character, and a couple of scenes from the book... and that was it. Those of you who've read the book already know this and were probably as homicidal as I was after seeing the movie.

Anyway, the book is my all-time favorite book. It's got wild humor, roaring action, and piercing drama. Kind of like Firefly. Hell, it could've been Firefly with a different plot and time. Mind you I'm talking about the quality of the writing and story. It makes me wonder if Joss Whedon ever read it himself. That's why he'd be the perfect man to bring this book, and I do mean THE BOOK INTACT, to the big screen again. It's classic Jossage. It puts real life characters and situations in a world of horror and fantasy.

I recently bought the book again (this is my third copy in ten years) and as I re-read it I noticed the simularities to Firefly. That's when the idea hit me that Joss should, no, must remake this movie and give this modern classic of fantasy literature a place in cinematic history. Just like Neil Jordan did with Interview with the Vampire.

But, what are the rules on remaking a movie? How long are you supposed to wait? Do the studios now own this story in all its incarnations? Would Joss Whedon even consider writing the new and improved screenplay and directing?

You know what? I'd be satisfied if Joss would just write the screenplay. I'd love for him to hear this idea for a post- Serenity job. Because this really is a great book and it deserves more than being left in a ditch cinematically.

I highly suggest if you haven't read it to go out right now and buy it. It's worth it.