h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The h2g2 website not only has entries for The Three Musketeers, but also for the less well known sequels, Twenty Years After and The Man in the Iron Mask. But I can't find anything on my favourite of his books, The Count of Monte Cristo.

What can people tell me about The Count of Monte Cristo?

I read it after having seen the Gerard Dapeideau TV adaptation (which was great), and some film versions (which weren't), and frankly I was disappointed. I think a key problem is the switch in perspectives. For the opening section we follow Edmond Dantes, and then after a particular point in the plot (those who've read it will know when), everything is told from the perspective of others. We never again know what's going on inside his head. I find the whole concept of revenge fascinating on all kinds of levels, and I was rather hoping that Dumas could shed some light on it.

Have you read Stephen Fry's modern-day version - "The Stars' Tennis Balls?" Apparently it's going to be filmed at some point.

I'd be happy to contribute to a collaborative entry on this...

Otto

I think to keep the continuity of the film in tack the film makers took some "poetic liberties" to tell the story. Ofcourse I've always heard how good a book is compared to a movie. The book always offers nuances that really can not be achieved in a movie, or the time it would take to create that nuance is not afforded the time to establish. I would like to read the book one day.

The Count of Monte Cristo is The story of Edmond Dantes, the son of a clerk, and friend to Furnon Mondegou (spelling may be wrong), son of Count Mondegou, his father(who later becomes the Count Mondegou himself). Both from very different economical and social backgrounds. The basic premise of the story surrounds the jealousy that Furnon Mondegou has towards Edmond and the steps taken by Edmond to exact his vengence on Furnon. Whether you may read the book or see the movie I am sure you may find it a satisfing expierience.

Yeah Otto Fisch, I've also seen the 1998 Gérard Depardieu mini series and I think it's wonderful. I read the book back when I was in high school, but I started reading it again yesterday. I think most people like the mini series because it's pretty faithful to the book.

However I've always said that whenever you adapt a book to a film you inevitably have to change things. There's a recent film adaptation (2002) starring James Caviezel as Edmond Dantes and Guy Pearce as Fernand Mondego. The story is substantially changed from the novel. But it's actually very good. There's a lot more action and the plot is far more streamlined which makes for a better movie, in my opinion. Has anyone else seen it?

I've seen it. I quite liked it, perhaps because I had quite low expectations and because it had sword fighting The problem, for me, is how you end the story. I just don't think it can have a happy ending. I don't think Dumas got it right either, though. I think Stephen Fry came close.

Sword fighting is always good in a movie. I think Jay Wolpert (the script writer) said the problem with adapting The Count of Monte Cristo was that everyone carries a sword, but very few people actually use them!

I haven't read The Stars' Tennis Balls. But I just looked it up on Amazon. Maybe I'll give it a go when I finish The Count of Monte Cristo again.

My dad filled this gap in the Guide A87916332