‘A Walk in the Woods’: Robert Redford to Make Movie of Bill Bryson’s Classic Travel Book

Travel Blog  •  Michael Yessis  •  02.04.08 | 4:01 PM ET

imageThe news just broke about Redford’s renewed plans to produce and star in Bryson’s book about hiking the Appalachian Trail, A Walk in the Woods, and already the knives are out. “If made correctly, this would be the funniest movie of the year,” writes New York Magazine blog The Industry. “It will not be made correctly.” I disagree. The pieces are in place for a great adaptation.

Granted, when I think Bryson, I don’t generally think Redford. But on one level, this casting makes sense to me. One of the first movies I remember seeing is Jeremiah Johnson, so I have fond memories of Redford doing the mountain man thing. It’s not quite the mountain man thing Bryson did hiking the AT, but it’s enough for me to give him the benefit of the doubt. At the very least, Redford should get the beard right.

I do question whether Redford can capture Bryson’s humor, but he’s in talks with Barry Levinson to direct, and I have no doubt he has the chops to bring out the hilarity of Bryson’s prose and his relationship with his hiking companion, Katz.

No word on when—or where—filming might take place. (via This Just In)

Related on World Hum:
* Bill Bryson Reveals the Value of a Good Travel Guide
* Paul Theroux, Bill Bryson, Jon Krakauer on Charlie Rose/YouTube



3 Comments for ‘A Walk in the Woods’: Robert Redford to Make Movie of Bill Bryson’s Classic Travel Book

Sophie 02.04.08 | 7:32 PM ET

Yay! Two of my favorite men join forces! It’s gotta be good! (Please?)

Eliza Amos 02.04.08 | 10:34 PM ET

Oh, God ...
As if the Appalachian Trail weren’t crowded enough. Better go slip in a few hikes before the hordes arrive.

Sigh.

Red Hat 02.06.08 | 7:19 PM ET

I wonder if he needs someone to play the crazy old lady hiker? I might be available….

Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.