The Book Thief movie is about to premiere – but what does author Markus Zusak think about the highly anticipated adaptation?
This is wonderful for author Markus Zusak – but it is not immediately remarkable, until you remember that The Book Thief was published in the United States seven years ago.
While The Book Thief sees a resurgence of interest (although it has always had friends in high places, like John Green), the film adaptation looks like it could be the surprise hit of the awards season.
The film stars Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush and nominee Emily Watson, and features the talents of stage veteran Roger Allam. It is directed by Downton Abbey‘s Brian Percival, whose sensitive touch is particularly apparent in the international trailer; it is scored by 5-time Academy Award winning composer John Williams.
Given the talent behind it, it is not surprising that there is not a single aspect of the film that fans have taken issue with. But no one knows this heartfelt story better than its creator.
Now, he shares his verdict.
Hypable: What kind of conversations did you have with director Brian Percival and screenwriter Michael Petroni about the process of adapting?
Markus Zusak: I actually made it a point not to have any conversations about adapting the novel; I really wanted to give them license to be creative in their own fields, because I could think of nothing worse than saying: “Okay, go and be creative with this, but do it how I want you to do it.” I couldn’t imagine getting a good result from that.
There was a point, though, when Brian asked me for any thoughts I had on the script. Basically, I wrote a report on a few things that occurred to me while I read it, but I tried to do it as comprehensively as I could, and then got out of the way.
I did it just the once, because I was quite mindful that they still had to go ahead and make decisions that were best for the film, and they were always going to be the best judge of that.
Did you have concerns about the adaptation of ‘The Book Thief’?
It would be a bit unnatural not to, I think, but I was also more wrapped up in what I could actually control – and that’s the new book I’d already started work on. I was really struggling with it when the idea of the film becoming a reality was taking shape, so I continued to stay focused on that. I had enough worries of my own before concerning myself with the film.
Was there a moment when you knew that this adaptation was going to work, and that your material was in safe hands?
One moment stands out above all others, and that was when I met Brian, and we had a long talk about the film, and what his vision for it was. We were in a hotel in Chicago, last October, and I remember when we came down in the lift afterwards, Brian’s last words to me were: “I’m not going to let you down.”
That was one of the moments you hope for as a writer, especially in a situation like this. So many things were about to happen, and I remember the thought occurring to me, there and then: I think it’s going to be okay.
Tell us about your experience on the film set, watching the words that you wrote coming to life in front of you.
The buildings, the interiors, everything is how you sketch and paint it in your mind – and then you suddenly see it from the outside in. To see Sophie Nélisse (Liesel) and Nico Liersch (Rudy) running around on Himmel Street was a moment I won’t forget in a hurry.
Although all of the casting looks fantastic, when I watch the promotional material featuring Nico Liersch, it is as if Rudy has just walked off the page. Is there a particular casting choice that gives you a reaction like that?
Rudy was always my favourite character when I was writing the novel (and still is, all these years later), so I can agree with you on that feeling with him for sure. I could also single out any of the other main characters as well, but the one who’s coming to me right now is Emily Watson.
In many ways it’s almost too easy to look at Geoffrey Rush playing the likable Hans Hubermann as the obvious anchor of the film. But Emily’s portrayal of Rosa is really something special, I think. She wasn’t afraid to make her own adjustments to the character, to make her fully her own.
I love the fact that she can represent that foul-mouthed yet big-hearted woman with just one passing stare, or the wringing of her hands. She barely has to say a word.
Your book seems to inspire a kind of fervour amongst its readers (this one included). Does the dedication of your fans add any extra pressure to the success of the movie for you?
I do feel a responsibility in some ways (and thanks for your kind note), but I also feel a bit free of the pressure as well, given that it’s in someone else’s hands now. As it is, I think Brian Percival went to many great lengths to take the heart of the book and place it as seamlessly as he could into the film – but on his own terms, which again, is something I love.
Also, I’ve come to realize that no matter what happens with the film or a theatre production or anything else that might arise, the book will always remain the same. The words in those pages are the ones I have to stand behind, just as Brian and the producers get to stand behind the film.
You are currently busy promoting the film, but what’s next for you as a writer?
I’m still working on the elusive book I’ve been chasing for many years now. It’s an idea I’ve had since I was about nineteen (that’s half my life, which is scary), and the time has finally come to finish it. It’s about a bridge builder who wants to make one perfect thing, and it was always the idea I was pinning many of my writing hopes on, until The Book Thief came along and took me by surprise.
At the end of the day, even with the excitement that has come with the release of film, I remind myself that this is the real job – to get back to that nice aloneness, where it’s just you and the quiet, and the words.
The Book Thief premieres in the United States on November 15, 2013. It will be released internationally in 2014.
