think tank forum

We're nearing completion of the script for The Stranger. It will be around 90 minutes in length when filmed. But we're (myself and the writer I hire) are considering another book already to start adapting: Cornell Woolrich's "Rendezvous in Black". The book is so involved (but only around 200 pages in length, most of which is just omniscient narrative) that I couldn't leave everything intact and have the film be under two hours in length.

This brought me to ask everyone I know, who's not just into "movies" or "flicks" (and there is a difference) but into films, where do you draw the line in terms of duration of a single narrative? I don't mean like those epic mini-series, but single films.

Would you be willing to sit through 3 hours? 4? 5?

I'd usually be down for 4 hours.

it'd have to be really good but i'd sit through 4 hours.

I think I could do 3-4 hours

I could watch lawrence of arabia if it were 8 hours. :D How about that Bela Tarr?

are you trying to make money or a good movie? most people won't sit through 4 hours, but camus fans will

I don't plan on making a profit on these movies. 1) Because I'm sick of profit driving what kind of movies we watch, and 2) I don't own the rights to these novels and couldn't afford them.

These will be for-free internet and limited DVD releases(charged for shipping/handling only!).

I figure it's about time something else was tried to help TRUE independent cinema.

I can easily sit through a four or five hour movie if it's good.

yeah, i could handle 4-6 hours.

mmm, i think i would really appreciate a film being longer if it requires it.