Overview
- Fans are disappointed as Netflix’s adaptation of Electric State strays markedly from the source material.
- The trailers suggest a Hollywood blockbuster style, contrasting sharply with the original graphic novel’s tone.
- The filmmaking choices of the Russo Brothers may not align with the project; directors like Villeneuve or Garland may have better suited the adaptation.
The upcoming film adaptation of The Electric State, led by the Russo Brothers, initially appears to be just another mainstream sci-fi offering from Netflix. However, closer examination reveals that its essence diverges significantly from the source material, much to the dismay of fans.
Inspired by Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel released in 2018, this project has garnered attention for its impressive production scale and star-studded cast. With months remaining until its premiere on the streaming platform, it’s premature to fully assess its quality. Nonetheless, trailers suggest a deviation from the graphic novel’s authentic tone and atmosphere, raising concerns about its fidelity to the original narrative.
The Electric State Adaptation: A Missed Opportunity
Misreading the Source Material
Adaptations of literary works can vary widely based on a director’s interpretation. However, the distinct visual style of The Electric State offers little room for broad reinterpretation. The upcoming film’s direction appears to pivot away from Stålenhag’s original vision, instead creating what seems like an entirely new narrative using mere plot elements from the graphic novel.
Understanding the Electric State Graphic Novel
The graphic novel weaves its narrative through a combination of text and large, striking illustrations. Stålenhag expertly blends haunting imagery with a retro-futuristic setting, producing a worldview rich in melancholy. It explores societal collapse driven by rampant consumerism, implying cautionary tales of robot uprisings, all set within a dystopian version of America.
| Title | The Electric State |
|---|---|
| Author/Artist | Simon Stålenhag |
| Publication Date | September 25, 2018 |
| Genre | Dystopian Science Fiction |
| Pages | 133 |
| Publisher | Skybound Books |
Contrasting Trailers with the Original Vision
Watch the Trailer
The trailers for the adaptation seem disconnected from the graphic novel’s essence. Instead of capturing the story’s underlying themes of despair and isolation, they project a flashy, superhero-esque appeal. The dialogues, which were originally sparse and introspective, fall into the familiar tropes of lighthearted Hollywood humor.
Comparing The Electric State: Book vs. Film
Plot Similarities and Divergences
While the film borrows the premise of a young girl journeying through an alternate 1990s America alongside a robotic companion searching for her missing brother, numerous details from the graphic novel have been altered or omitted. One significant element—the mind-controlled robots utilizing immersive VR Neurocasters—has not appeared in any trailers. Additionally, the film introduces characters absent from the original comic, including a role played by Giancarlo Esposito.
Irony of Consumerism
The graphic novel critiques corporate profits derived from consumer behaviors fueled by instant gratification. Fans have noted the irony of Netflix adapting The Electric State, considering the platform’s own model aligns closely with consumerism. The initial teaser notably omitted Stålenhag’s name from credits, which likely disheartened the artist, prompting the inclusion of his name in the most recent trailer in response to audience backlash.
Questionable Direction: The Russo Brothers
Mismatch with Hollywood Style
Considering Netflix’s involvement, it is puzzling why the Russo Brothers were chosen for this project. With their track record for overseeing successful Marvel films, it seems like a mismatch with the narrative’s requirements. The duo themselves have expressed intentions to use the graphic novel’s artwork primarily as a launchpad for an entirely different narrative.
You can tell there’s a much larger world behind what he’s telling you in the graphic novel that you can only guess at. You have to get much more specific about the narrative, so we had great, great fun, sort of diving in and using his incredible artwork as inspiration to figure out what kind of story we can tell this world.
During a panel at New York Comic-Con, Anthony Russo noted the challenge of distilling a cohesive story from the graphic novel that could fit within a two-hour film. Joe Russo mentioned their inspiration drawn from classic Amblin films and Robert Zemeckis classics like Back to the Future, which seems misaligned with the dark and intricate themes of The Electric State.
Potential Alternatives for Direction
Desiring a Toned-Down Sci-Fi Approach
A more suitable creative direction could have come from filmmakers known for their dark, minimalist treatments, such as Denis Villeneuve, Matt Reeves, or Alex Garland. Such filmmakers could effectively capture the intended dystopian essence rather than the gloss of a Marvel-style adaptation. Previously, Amazon successfully adapted Simon Stålenhag’s work in the series Tales from the Loop, aligning closely with the original tone and vision.
Successful Example of Stålenhag Adaptation
Watch Tales from the Loop Trailer
While some viewers may find the pacing of Tales from the Loop to be slow, it effectively mirrors Stålenhag’s captivating imagery and aligns with his retro-futuristic storytelling, according to many critics. The adaptation of The Electric State would benefit from a similar tone, avoiding the conventional treatment typical of Netflix features, which prominently feature familiar A-list actors like Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt.
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