Summary
- Netflix’s Electric State adaptation diverges significantly from the source material, disappointing fans.
- The trailers and tone of the film seem more like a Hollywood blockbuster than the original graphic novel.
- The Russo Brothers‘ approach may not have been the best fit; Villeneuve or Garland may have been better choices for the adaptation.
As a longtime fan of Simon Stålenhag’s work, I must say that my hopes were not met with “The Electric State.” Having grown up in the ’80s, much like Stålenhag’s characters, I can appreciate the nostalgic appeal of his art and the intriguing narratives it evokes.
Initially, “The Electric State” appeared as if it were just another run-of-the-mill sci-fi production on Netflix, but upon closer inspection, that’s not quite the case. Truth be told, the trailers for the upcoming Russo Brothers film have given off a vibe that strays far from the heart of its original source material, leaving many devoted fans disheartened.
According to a 2018 dystopian sci-fi graphic novel titled “The Electric State,” written by Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag, Netflix seems to be putting significant effort into this project, as evidenced by its large production scale and star-studded cast. Since the film won’t be available for streaming for another three months, it may be premature to make any definitive statements about its quality. However, based on the trailers released so far, it appears that the Russo Brothers may have strayed quite a bit from the mood and essence of the original graphic novel, which is what makes it effective.
The Electric State Adaptation Is A Misfire
Wrong Interpretation Of Source Material
As a dedicated fan, I must say that when it comes to film adaptations of literary works or comic books, there’s usually plenty of room for a director’s unique interpretation. However, with “The Electric State”, the original graphic novel’s distinctive visual style leaves very little wiggle room for alterations. It’s clear as day. But the upcoming Netflix and Russo Brothers movie seems to be treading a path significantly divergent from its source material. To be honest, it feels more like an entirely new piece of work that just happens to share the same plot points.
What Is The Electric State Book About?
The graphic novel titled “Electric State” narrates its tale using sequences of text accompanied by grand artworks. Artist Simon Stålenhag employs chilling and fantastical paintings to construct a retro-futuristic universe, and the outcome is nothing less than breathtaking. The narrative carries a poignant undertone as it delves into the effects of consumerism on the world, and against the backdrop of a dystopian post-America, it exudes an ominous, warning atmosphere about a robotic rebellion.
| Title | The Electric State |
|---|---|
| Author/Artist | Simon Stålenhag |
| Publication Date | September 25, 2018 |
| Genre | Dystopian Science Fiction |
| Pages | 133 |
| Publisher | Skybound Books |
Trailers Look Nothing Like The Graphic Novel
However, the Netflix adaptation appears to veer entirely away from the original concept. The film appears more like a boisterous superhero blockbuster, characterized by vibrant visuals and an ordinary tone. Contrary to the hopeless, lonely, or dystopian feel expected, the trailers exhibit a likeness to a lively road trip movie featuring heavy CGI effects. The dialogues that were intended to be sparse and contemplative are instead being transformed into typical Hollywood-style witty humor.
The Electric State: Book Vs. Film
Plot Level Similarities And Differences
It appears that the movie adaptation of “The Electric State” draws its basic premise or storyline from the original graphic novel, but there are significant differences. The narrative is set in an alternate 90s America and follows a young girl journeying with a robot companion to locate her lost brother. However, certain aspects from Stålenhag’s tale seem absent or have been swapped out. For instance, the robots depicted in the film are controlled by humans using Neurocasters – devices similar to VR helmets – which do not feature in the novel. Additionally, trailers for the movie show characters not found within the graphic novel, such as one portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito.
Consumerist Theme, Netflix Irony
The Russo Brothers Were Not The Right Choice
The Electric State Is Not Hollywood Blockbuster Material
Despite the fame they’ve earned from directing blockbuster Marvel movies such as “Avengers: Endgame” and “Infinity War”, and their busy schedules with upcoming projects like “Doomsday” and “Secret Wars”, it’s still puzzling why the Russo Brothers were picked to adapt “The Electric State”. However, they have openly shared that they will use the original artwork as a launching pad to craft an entirely fresh narrative for this new project.
In the graphic novel you’re reading, there seems to be a vast, unspoken universe behind the stories he shares. To truly explore this world, we need to delve deeper into the narrative details, which proved to be an exciting and intriguing process. His exceptional artwork served as a source of inspiration, guiding us towards the kind of story we could tell within this expansive world.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter following a panel at New York Comic-Con in October, Anthony Russo admitted that it was difficult to condense enough substantial narrative from the novel into a two-hour movie. Joe Russo added that they drew inspiration from 80s films produced by Amblin and movies directed by Robert Zemeckis, such as Back to the Future. However, this comparison may not accurately reflect the nature of The Electric State.
Who Should Have Directed The Electric State?
Toned Down Sci-Fi Treatment
It might have been more fitting for directors like Denis Villeneuve (Dune), Matt Reeves (The Batman), or Alex Garland (Ex Machina) to handle it, given their expertise in dark and minimalist sci-fi storytelling. Their approach would have better captured the intended dystopian atmosphere, rather than the Marvel-esque version crafted by the Russo Brothers. Additionally, Amazon has previously demonstrated a successful adaptation of Simon Stålenhag’s works, specifically Tales from the Loop, into a dramatic series.
Better Example Of A Stålenhag Adaptation
Instead of appealing to a mass audience, the deliberate pacing of “Tales from the Loop” might not suit everyone’s taste, but it was visually powerful and poignant, reflecting Stålenhag’s unique retro-futuristic style as many critics have pointed out. When adapting “The Electric State,” a different approach was sought, steering clear of the conventional Netflix treatment featuring frequently used A-list stars such as Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt in leading roles.
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2024-12-21 19:34