TV fans: What's the deal w/ King's "Kingdom" mini-series?

[darkstar]

Saw a promo. ABC? Not really the point. The preview I saw made it look like a hospital w/ creepy goings on.

In mid-late 90's, Lars von Trier had a couple of Euro mini-series called "The(?) Kingdom" set in a haunted hosptial named Kingdom Hospital, I believe.. First set of 5 or 6 shows was available to rent at Blockbusters, etc., in U.S. Watched and enjoyed them

Does this new "Kingdom" have any relationship to von Trier's projects? If so, how can it be called King's? By virtue of the pact that he's presenting it but not the writer/creator? Flipped, if it's a new concept, why the same name/setting?

Wondering. Not a slag against King either way. Just confused...

[Khephra]

1. It's one and the same

I guess becausee Von Trier's was sooo "Von Trierian" that they're trying to make a distinction.

It's sad to say, but Von Trier will never finish "The Kingdom" as the crazy Danish (?) doctor died in real life and he said it could never be finished without the same actor in the same role.

BTW, the plots of the two seem to be almost NOTHING alike, so maybe it is a good thing that they call it "Stephen King's"?

[darkstar]

6. yeah

I sensed this one had little to do w/ hauntings but killings or some such? Loved the ensemble, multi-POV in the original.

And if as big a departure as you say--and I gathered--I wonder why not just have yr body-count-in-a-hospital series called "University Medical Center"--OK, perhaps something catchier than that--rather than having to pay von Trier and co. the rights? There can't be that great a cache(sp?) in the US for the franchise title, eh?

[Khephra]

7. Maybe because of the riff you can do off of King's last name?

King=Kingdom?

:shrug:

[CanuckAmok]

11. There are enough parallels to the original story...

...that they'd have to pay von Trier anyway, even if they'd called it "Northwest Oslo University Co-op Medical Facility of Blood and Ectoplasm".

By the way, I'm trademarking that title, so hands off!

Plus, from what my friend says, King really wants to give credit where it's due, and he loved the original.

[CanuckAmok]

12. There are enough parallels to the original story...

...that they'd have to pay von Trier anyway, even if they'd called it "Northwest Oslo University Co-op Medical Facility of Blood and Ectoplasm".

By the way, I'm trademarking that title, so hands off!

Plus, from what my friend says, King really wants to give credit where it's due, and he loved the original.

[CanuckAmok]

2. From a friend who is working on it...

...basically Stephen King saw and loved the original von Trier series (hell, who wouldn't?!). He had wanted to do an American version for some time, because he thought it was a story which would be appealing, but was currently inaccessable to most people because of it's foreign language content and limited distribution.

However, his plans to develop it were sidelined a couple of years ago, when he was in that near-fatal car crash.

While recovering in hospital, he developed some ideas based on his own recovery which he wanted to add to the original "Kingdom" story. So, it's more an 'homage' to von Trier's masterpiece than a copy.

Also, as fans of the original know, the von Trier storyline has no conclusion, due to von Trier's belief that he doesn't want to complete the story now that one of the lead actors has died; King's story apperently has closure. It's also 15 hours start to finish, as opposed to the first two parts of the original trilogy's 17.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

3. Sure sounds like it.

Wasn't he original miniseries like 12-14 hours long? I've never seen it, but have heard good reviews.

Can't American TV come up w/ some original ideas? Seems like we always borrow good ideas from other countries.

[Khephra]

4. It actually goes both ways

We just don't hear much about the remakes made of our shows in other countries.

For example: Did you know there was a version of "That 70's Show" in the UK? Now I'm not saying that show is a great show (I like it), but it's just one example of things crossing back over the pond.

[Khephra]

5. Best things about the original KINGDOM

The secular Freemasonish group and the music.

Oh yeah, and the ghost ambulance.

[CanuckAmok]

8. No, Udo Kier is the best thing about The Kingdom...

Just as Udo Kieir is always the best thing about any project in which he's involved.

He signed my "Vampire Encyclopedia", by the way...

How are you feeling, Khephra?

[Khephra]

9. Much, much better...thanks for asking!

That and I'm "current" with my Truthout work, so I can play around a bit today. I figure the Lounge is a free market of ideas ;-) ( as long as I only kick them once ;-) ) so I'm hanging and having some non-political fun for once.

[darkstar]

10. Have you seen Udo in von Trier's

Medea? Great perfomances all around. Incedibly beautiful and moving.

Also hear Udo's in upcoming LVT's Mandalay (?), historical slave drama set in U.S. south?

Jealous of that autograph, BTW.

While we're at it, anyone seen Dogville yet? Hope the title is right, the Kidman in a small town in western U.S. movie?

Just to be clear, while I really admire LVT's range and craft, I DON'T have my nose out of joint re: this new Kingdom thing. It's the way of the world. I'm uded to it.