Neuromancer Going Ahead: With William Gibson

I was ripe with disappointment when this time last year, I discovered that William Gibson’s brilliant novel “Neuromancer” was being adapted for the silver screen. The story, for those who haven’t had the pleasure of reading the greatness, follows Case, an out-of-work computer hacker hired by a mysterious guy to participate in a seemingly impossible crime. The reason this book was so ground breaking is because it was the fist novel to examine and incorporate ideas of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, genetic engineering, cyberspace and corporations as countries.

Back then I didn’t have kind words for Joseph Kahn, the director who was unfortunate enough to be tapped for the job of bringing to life Gibson’s vision, and that still hasn’t changed much, but the blow has been softened, just slightly, by some recent news over at indieWIRE.

According to a little snipped in their Cannes coverage, the film is being “produced by Julia Verdin and written by William Gibson”. Gibson himself is adapting his work for the big screen. Granted, Gibson also wrote the script for Johnny Mnemonic, a film that wasn’t exactly good (though I do love it) but the fact that he’s even mildly involved with this project gives me the tiniest glimmer of hope.

Since I’m already on Gibson territory, it’s worth noting that while conducting some research I’ve come to discover that Gibson’s fantastic book “Pattern Recognition” which deals with corporate marketing and branding in, of course, Gibson’s surreal and mysterious way, is also on the way to the big screen. That great story is set to be directed by Peter Weir (jackpot!) and is being adapted by David Arata (of Children of Men fame) - double jackpot!

I’m still not totally sold on Neuromancer, though I feel better about it - but I’m ready to do a happy dance over the Pattern Recognition news. More Gibson for the world is a great thing!