MovieChat Forums > The Terror (2018) Discussion > One of the greatest novels of all time.

One of the greatest novels of all time.


So happy this piece of work is being brought to life. When I first read, I was struck by the atmosphere. It begged to be filmed.
Glad to see Ridley Scott is involved amongst others. This demands a certain level of attention to be done properly.

- C.Y.

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I agree, I really enjoyed this novel by Simmons. Have you read any of his other books that you liked?

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Absolutely. I've read Drood, The Black Hills, Illium (haven't read Olympos yet), Hyperion, Fall of Hyperion, Endymion, The Rise of Endymion, and Song of Kali.
As much as I loved his sci-fi which I started with, I'm really loving these 3/4 fact, 1/4 fiction books he's on a roll with. The Terror, Drood and Black Hills take the top.

I'm trying to find Summer of Night, but it doesn't seem well stocked. I will have to order it.
How about you?

- C.Y.

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Summer of Night was really good. I would recommend it if you can find it. I have Drood and Illium but I have not read them yet.

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[deleted]

So unbelievably excited about this! I've read The Terror three times now. It's so perfectly crafted; the way Dan Simmons just thrusts you into the middle of things and doesn't pull his punches describing the horror of how these men may have suffered from disease and the elements. Harrowing and yet meticulously researched and profoundly literary. An extremely rare combination. LOVE that Ridley Scott is attached to this as well. I credit this novel with beginning my obsession with the Franklin Expedition. I even named my car Captain Francis!

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i had read the Hyperion Cantos and Ilium/Olympos and i was already familiar when John Franklin when i found out he was writing a book about him. i was definitely excited about reading this one and he did not disappoint. you're right. his novel was well-researched and harrowing. his novel even managed to convince me that maybe there were some survivors, though i think it's very unlikely. i can't wait for this. i'm pretty sure i'm the only one but i'm hoping that character actor Colm Meaney somehow gets cast. i think he has a passing resemblance to Crozier and i think he's pretty good.

Shock the Monkey!

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That's so funny you should say that. Colm Meany is ABSOLUTELY my first pick for Crozier! I think he may be a bit outside the age range now, although the elements and the life of a sailor back then WOULD probably have aged one rather rapidly, no? Hmmm. . . shall we start a casting thread?

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i agree that he might be a bit too old literally but anything can happen in the movies. i mean if Harvey Keitel at 97 can play a Chief in U-571 . a casting thread would be cool i think, but i'll leave that to you or whoever. to be honest i have one on the Hyperion boards (same author) and i feel weird doing another. who do you got for Fitzhugh? i was thinking Colin Firth. he might be too big now lol.

Shock the Monkey!

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Ah! FItzwilliam, you mean? "The Hansomest Man in the Navy?" Colin Firth is a good choice, but again, age may be an issue. I think the Terror might instead make a great vehicle for some of the newer generation of talent from the UK that has been distinguishing itself. For Fitzwilliam, perhaps, Dan Stevens (the whole world is in love with him now, after Downton Abbey) or James McAvoy. It would be interesing to throw the likes of a Ben Whishaw, Iwan Rheon, Robert Michael Sheehan or even Cillian Murphy in the mix. The latter two might make a good choice for some of the less savory roles. They can do creepy pretty well.

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actually i just realized we're both wrong. James Fitzjames LOL. i was thinking he could play Crozier too. well not at the same time lol. Murphy can definitely do creepy but he can do anything i think.

Shock the Monkey!

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I haven't read The Black Hills. But I've read all of the others, years ago.

And anyone who's interested - Summer of Night, Carrion Comfort (just adding those because they're also EPIC!) Dan's writing has always been some of my very favorite.

So many of his latest book's have been this "Historical Fiction," and while they are very well written - they are not necessarily my favorites of his. But because it's his, I dig it! I really look forward to anything he started getting put on the big or small screen.

The point I'm really trying to make here is that I'm excited to see even one of Dan's novels be successful, because it's some of the most DARK, SCARY and FOREBODING works I've ever read - and anyone who hasn't checked out any of his stuff, really is missing out. Even his historical Fiction (I'll call this Grown Up Dan Simmons!) hints at how great his early fiction (Dan's triumphant ALPHA writer/I've got something to prove works!) really is.

- Note: Grown up Dan Simmons work is still F'n good!



IMDB - Because some Trolls need more than just a bridge

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I'm looking forward to it with a great deal if curiosity ... the novel was amazing and is easily my favourite Dan Simmons book

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Interesting that this is being made into a movie...I would think it would have to be in parts as it's a very long novel. I definitely do not agree that it's one of the greatest novels of all time though...it's good, but it's too long and and long winded. You could cut 200 pages and lose nothing. Dan Simmons has written much better novels. I'm surprised that this is what is being made into a movie when he has such better material, frankly.

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Yup. I really liked it. Simmons has a remarkable eye for detail, excels at character development, and thoroughly researches. That being said, it could benefit from more editing....too long. Cut about 100 - 150pgs and it would read smoother.

But regardless, very happy about a miniseries.

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This needs to be a feature length film directed by Ridley Scott.

It could rival Alien in its scope and majesty. The Tuunbaq creature in Terror is one of the most interesting monsters in recent memory.

I could totally see Michael Fassbender as Francis Crozier.

~ I've been very lonely in my isolated tower of indecipherable speech.

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