The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Oh, my. It has been a great while since I’ve felt this swept away by a film, by a book. Saint James, Supergirl and I had all read it prior to settling into our seats, so we were absolutely brimming with anticipation of what was to come. The book, a clever combination of drawings and writing, is fabulous. It has all the elements of a gripping story: a loss, a puzzle, a quest, a love. It is a perfect story, presented with tenderness and a generous allowance for sadness. The movie, by Martin Scorsese, not only does this book justice, I’d argue it tucks it onto a pair of wings and makes it soar. Twinkly 1930’s Paris, with these characters is exactly where you want to escape to this time of year for a couple hours, so do it. With kids or without, having read the book or not, this movie is magic. Go see it. Alors, vite!
December 18th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Hooray for Brian Selznick, my very talented RISD classmate! You’re right about this book- truly amazing and well-deserving of the Caldecott. This is a magical, ground-breaking book format, but also all the makings for an excellent Martin Scorcese film. I loved seeing it; and I opted to see it in 2D, thinking it wouldn’t need gimmicks and flash, although some of my family saw 3D and loved it equally well. Kudos for keeping the art of the book, and film, alive! Thanks for writing about it!
December 19th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
And THANK YOU, Mamartiste, for sending it to Saint James all those many years ago. It really is phenomenal!
December 28th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
So happy to see this glowing post, Gaby. Owen and I enjoyed the book some years ago; we too were mesmerized by the unique story and format. And, in my view, it’s rare to encounter writing in a children’s book that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with exquisite illustration. We saw the film adaption—Hugo—on opening weekend and it did not disappoint. My first 3D since Jaws 3, I think, and one has to nod Scorcese for fully embracing the book’s nuanced material while adding just enough of his own passion (motion picture history) to launch the narrative to new heights.
July 30th, 2014 at 9:53 pm
cattle@blacked.welchs” rel=”nofollow”>.…
tnx for info!…