Wednesday, May 11, 2011

World War Z

Zombies are so hot right now.  AMC's "The Walking Dead" was a critical success.  Now, pre-production has finally started on the long stalled adaptation of Max Brooks's "World War Z."  

The book is constructed in a series of short anecdotes, none longer than twenty pages, detailing the global war against zombies.  The story is set in a post-zombie era, as the author travels the globe to interviewing survivors about their experiences before, during and after the war.  The piecemeal accounts come together to give a reader a full scope view of the war, and overall creates a very compelling read.

After finishing "World War Z," I'm very curious to see how the book will be adapted to film.  Part of the book's novelty was the high volume of characters, over thirty, and the broad range of experiences they had, which helped bring the entire plot together.  As a movie, it would be impossible for audiences to keep track of, or become attached to, over thirty meaningful characters.

Set for release in 2012 or 2013, the movie will star Brad Pitt as the traveling author, and Mireille Enos from "The Killing" as his wife.