Book reviews, Films & music
October 29, 2020 December 20, 2020 Jon Kuhrt
Dear Netflix,
Congratulations on acquiring the rights to The Chronicles of Narnia.
I am writing to share five thoughts on what Netflix needs to bear in mind to make the series a success. I cannot claim to know anything about producing films or TV series. But I do know about Narnia.
Like millions of others, the books have been very significant to me. I read them first when I was a teenager but I have continued to re-read them into adulthood. Unlike any other set of stories, they continue to offer a reference point for some of my deepest questions about purpose, faith, life and death.
Of course Disney/Walden Media's Narnia film series faltered after three films. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) was a huge box-office hit but was followed by less successful adaptations of Prince Caspian (2008) and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010). I thought all three films had many good qualities but the abandonment of the project less than halfway through shows the challenges of bringing Narnia to visual life.
But Netflix has an advantage because I think the books lend themselves better to an extended TV series than a feature films. A series allows more time to develop the core themes, characters and distinctive tone of each story rather than wedging it all into 2 hours.
So, with all this in mind, these are my top tips for how to create a TV series which is true to the books:
1) Understand the thinking behind the books
The author, C.S. Lewis, was both an academic expert in medieval literature and a high-profile Christian author and communicator. He was a brilliant but complex man. Understanding him, his beliefs and his aims in writing Narnia is fundamental.
The two best books on this subject are Michael Ward's Planet Narnia: the Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis and Rowan Williams' The Lion's World: a journey into the heart of Narnia.
Ward's book is a highly academic dissection of the hidden 'key' which Lewis implanted within each book (it was subsequently published in an abridged and more accessible version as The Narnia Code). The mish-mash of themes and diverse myths and legends in Narnia has puzzled and frustrated academic readers for decades. It was one reason why his friend J.R.R. Tolkein disliked the books so much. But Ward argues that the coherence and distinct atmosphere of each book comes from each being based on a different planet from the medieval cosmos. It is a thesis which has won almost unanimous affirmation.
Williams' book is very different. It is a short but deep reflection on the theology that Lewis was conveying through the Narnia tales. His opening chapter discusses 'The point of Narnia' and he uses Shakespeare, Dostoevsky and Augustine to explore the ideas in the stories. He also assesses and responds to the criticism the books have faced.
2) Recreate the distinct atmosphere of each book
No other books have given me such a vivid experience of 'going into another world' as the Narnia books have. I now realise this is because of the most fundamental, yet intangible, strength of the books: the atmosphere, mood or tone that Lewis creates.
As Ward writes, quoting Lewis: "Lovers of romances go back and back to such stories in the same way that we go 'back to a fruit for its taste, to a region for its whole atmosphere – to Donegal for it Donegality and London for its Londonness.' "
Lewis was fascinated by literature which drew the reader into enjoyment of a story by indwelling it: seeing 'through it' rather than 'at it'. Ward coins the term 'donegality' to describe this hidden element which establishes an intrinsic quality: '…the inner meaning of a romance cannot be flagged up by the author without altering its true nature. It has to remain hidden, woven into the warp and woof the story.'
The challenge for Netflix is that each Narnia book has a distinct 'donegality' based on the ancient themes and characteristics associated with the seven planets. This makes them very different to the Harry Potter books, which have a more uniform feel and consistency. Capturing the distinctive essence of each book will be vital to re-create the atmosphere Lewis aimed for.
3) Embrace Narnia's spirituality
All adaptations of Narnia have to grapple with how they will handle the clear spiritual themes within the books. Faith makes corporations nervous but 'theological due-diligence' will be a key part of the creative and strategic discussions. I would advise Netflix to be bold and as true to Lewis' thinking as possible.
In its 1980s, the BBC airbrushed spirituality out and this was one factor which made it a poor adaption. In contrast, Disney were braver in their films. As one newspaper wrote after the box office success of the first film 'Disney finds a way to worship both God and Mammon'.
However, Disney never got to attempt some of the most theologically challenging scenes in the series. Narnia's creation in The Magician's Nephew and its apocalypse and depictions of heavenly re-creation in The Last Battle will be immensely difficult to convey on screen. These scenes will not work without confidence and clarity about what Lewis was trying to get across.
Rather than seeing them simplistically as allegories of Christian faith, it is best to see the stories as deeply infused with spiritual meaning. Rowan Williams answers the question 'What is the point of Narnia?' by saying that Lewis is doing nothing less than 'trying to recreate for the reader what it is like to encounter God'. He is trying to 'rinse out what is stale in our thinking about Christianity – which is almost everything.'
But this does not mean being preachy. Williams makes the point that 'there is no church in Narnia, no religion even'. Instead the spirituality is embedded within the 'non-religious' action: the bravery, treachery, sibling tension, bullying, reconciliation and forgiveness which are jam-packed into the stories. Spiritual truth is embedded and woven within each story.
4) Get the central character right
The character of Aslan stands right at the heart of the books. He is the only character who features in all seven books in the series, he sings the world into existence and presides over its end. He is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega of the whole story.
Aslan is very obviously an 'authority figure' but Lewis' achievement is to craft a character who is both immensely powerful and enduringly attractive. And the key to this is the subversive nature of his authority. In an age where there is so much questioning of structural inequality and systemic injustice this is an aspect which Netflix should emphasise.
Rowan Williams draws this out with great insight: in Narnia 'evil is cast as the ultimate force of reaction; we are invited to see ourselves as living 'under occupation' and summoned to join a resistance movement.' Aslan's wildness, his animality, represents the unpredictable world of grace which opposes the 'ordered state of sin' of the White Witch, King Miraz or (most deeply) the prisons we build for ourselves. 'Transcendance is the wildness of joy; and the truth of God becomes a revolution against what we have made of ourselves'.
This is why Aslan's victories lead to riotous partying. As Williams points out this is an 'explosion of liberating festivity' which (uncomfortably for some Christian readers) includes pagan revelry. At the end of Prince Caspian both the god Bacchus and a drunken Silenus make appearances to celebrate the liberation Aslan brings.
Aslan is the focus of hope not because he 'saves souls' but because he is the liberator of people and the whole of creation. Getting Aslan right will be a huge part of getting Narnia right.
5) Interpret it for a new audience
The Narnia books have faced ferocious criticism from authors such as Philip Pullman, J.K. Rowling and others. When Disney released the first film, Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee wrote an article titled 'Narnia represents everything that is most hateful about religion'.
Rowan Williams engages head-on with the accusations that the books have overtones of racism and sexism and that they glorify violence. Whilst allowing for the fact that Lewis was an author of his time, he accepts the discomfort that modern readers will feel, for example, in how the 'dark-skinned' Calormenes are presented.
He also discusses one of the saddest parts of the stories: that former hero Susan is 'no longer a friend of Narnia' by the end of the series. Williams fairly defends this plot-line from those who claim it as evidence of Lewis' misogyny.
More obviously, the old-fashioned dialogue of the children ('Golly gosh', 'By Gum, you're a beast' etc) is a turn-off for modern audiences. The Disney films modified this well and used the backdrop of the Second World War at the start of each of the films to provide a more gritty context than conveyed in the books.
If Netflix holds fast to the core of the books (see points 1-4) then stylistic changes and wise handling of aspects which are uncomfortable for today's audience will enhance the series. All stories needs reinterpreting for a new audience.
The Great Story…
Narnia is a great story, but a key reason for its enduring popularity is because it reflects something of the Great Story of which we are all a part. As Lewis puts it himself in the conclusion of the final book:
"Now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before."
I wish you all the best with the production of the series and I look forward to seeing the result.
Jon Kuhrt, Narnia fan, South London (aged 48)
PS: I contributed to a series of talks at Christ Church New Malden based on each of the seven books of the Narnia Chronicles. Click here to listen to the talks.
Tagged CS Lewis
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20 thoughts on "Recreating Narnia: an open letter to Netflix"
stevewb1946 says:
Excellent letter John, and a reminder of a very good book by Rowan Williams too!
Thanks Steve – it is a gem of a book. I did a review of it a few years ago: https://gracetruth.blog/2012/09/16/the-lions-world-a-journey-into-the-heart-of-narnia-by-rowan-williams-review/
Adrian Lock, Deeper Leaders says:
Beautifully written, Jon, and well said. I hope Netflix is listening!
Thanks Adrian
Ian P. Hamilton says:
Thank you for writing this and informing them of the spiritual & Christian context of C.S. Lewis's writing in this series.
Pingback: Recreating Narnia: an open letter to Netflix – Grace & Truth | Fulcrum Anglican
Great letter – wise, deep and realistic. Let's hope that Netflix will take at least some of it on board.
thanks – for this and all your regular encouragement!
RevJohnBav says:
Excellent letter! Did you sent it to Netflix? The Narniaweb page gives the names of the producers, etc (which I note includes someone listed as "stepson to C.S.Lewis"). https://www.narniaweb.com/netflixs-narnia-what-we-know/
Your post is the first I knew of this development, so I look forward to what will emerge. I am less enthusiastic than you about the 'many' good qualities of the Disney films… I think that's generous. Coming so soon on the heels of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I think the Narnia films got far too caught up in epic battle scenes and missed almost entirely the true tension of the stories, which explore universal human questions and dilemmas about goodness and courage and self-sacrifice, etc, and in which battle is only one in a complex of metaphors.
I met Jesus in Narnia, about 45 years ago. It was probably my first really significant encounter with him. I still recommend the books to everyone. I hope I can do so with the new productions!
Hi John, thanks for reading and commenting. Yes, I sent it to both the head of the production company and the chap appointed 'creative strategist' or something like that!
I did not think the Disney films were perfect at all but I did want to be generous. For example, the extra battle (the failed storming of the castle) in Prince Caspian was not needed and it fell into the CGI overload. Also in Voyage of the Dawn Treader the storyline was cluttered with all that extra stuff about swords which was unnecessary. But I think they got more right than wrong and were relatively in tune with the essence of the books. Do you think the battles should have been smaller and more like the illustrations in the book show them to be? Also, have you read Planet Narnia? There is an excellent version called 'The Narnia Code' which is lighter which is also very good.
David West-Mullen says:
Hi Jon, may I say you write a very incisive letter and commentary on the subject. I agree that a series potentially allows for deeper character development and I would be hoping that would reflect the whole range of underlying spirituality within the the myth and fantasy – the good, the bad and the ugly! I have read some of the books to my children who now read them to their children, lets hope (for audiences both old and new) that Netflix embrace the controversial and not play it too safe!
Thanks David.
Reepicheep says:
Hello Jon, I'm new hear, I found this article after listening to a podcase from the knowledgeable folks at 'Pints with Jack' on YouTube.
In summary, I believe your advising Netflix to do exactly what I fear they want too! White wash Christianity out of Narnia!
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but if I understand what you wrote correctly, you agree with Tolkien, and Polly Toynbee, that Disney's handling of the straight-forwardness of Aslan being Jesus and sacrificing himself was too blatant or 'stomach-churning' and should be handled more delicately? To the point that it can no longer be what some criticize by calling a 1:1 connection. Which was Lewis's decision.
If Christian writers cannot do this, and should not, then how can we expect which will no-doubt be un-believing filmmakers to do this?
If this is so, then Netflix, who are in the business of forwarding ungodly agendas that can be described as 'woke'. Has been given your full blessing to white wash Aslan out of Narnia, and in so doing what he points to, Jesus (and in particular according to Polly, His sacrifice on the cross for our sins) right out of the bible! This is, as you know, how we are to test the spirits! [1 John 4 1-6]
I don't mean to be impolite, please understand, a careful reading of your open letter is already taking it that far! That is, to downplay Aslan's Role as Jesus in Narnia and point to Christianity. Or try to handle it in a more subtle way, so that ungodly folks such as Polly Toynbee can more easily enjoy the story, without having to confront these parts of it so blatantly!
We have to remember, that this is C.S. Lewis work, not Tolkien's, they disagreed on this matter, but Lewis, understanding this, decided to go with this style anyways. The method harshly described by Polly as a bully-pulpit format, which is: "heavily laden with guilt, blame, sacrifice and a suffering that is dark with emotional sadism" and: "He (Aslan/Jesus) is an emblem for everything an atheist objects to in religion"
My conclusion is that if we take out the blatant-ness of this for a new generation, we take out the power of the gospel message that Aslan points people to Jesus on the cross. You can't make this subtle or down play this because its the whole point! If it makes people uncomfortable, that's exactly what its designed to do! Please don't advise they, essentially 'Declaw the Lion" by a more Tolkienesque style of writing to suit the current (mostly ungodly) culture, and essentially make the mistake of the seeker sensitive church!
This reminds me of: 2 Timothy 3:5 – Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Thank you for reading, Sincerely,
Eric Ruskoski
Follower of our Lord Christ Jesus, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Lamb who was slain for our sins, and very big fan of Reepicheep!
I'm new here* ^
But I wanted to add an 'in Summary' P.S.
In Summary, if we only focus on the Universal Themes, and not Aslan/Christ, then we basically have Secular Humanism, which I refer to as: Christianity without Christ! Our focus becomes mans accomplishment, and not Gods, which will never get anyone to heaven now will it?
A mistake we cannot afford to make!
Thanks again, Sincerely,
Hi Eric
Thanks for commenting but I am bemused and confused by what you wrote as you do not appear to have properly read what I have written in my open letter. My 5 points are saying the opposite of what you are accusing me of.
3 of my 5 key points above are:
1. Understand the thinking behind the books – and I point to two esteemed Christian books which unpack that thinking
3. Embrace Narnia's spirituality – this whole point is about emphasising the spiritual message behind the books, rather than hiding it and trying to be 'woke' and being brave to stand by Lewis' original books
4. Get the central character right – this point is all about Aslan, who I celebrate as the KEY character in the whole thing. How can you accuse me of wanting to 'declaw' him?!
I can see that you have a whole heap of concerns – about diluting the Christian message and about Polly Toynbee's critique – but I don't get how you can attribute these points to my letter.
In a way your letter is polite but you do not seem to have read properly or understood what I am actually saying.
yours, Jon
I find it appropriate to quote Reepicheep:
"I'm completely out of countenance. I must crave your indulgence for appearing in this unseemly fashion."
Please accept my apology, Your indeed, quite correct. In my 'careful' reading I somehow made several mistakes, and thought you were agreeing with Polly Toynbee's letter when quite the opposite was true. I'm still unsure how exactly this happened, but in my estimation:
I believe I overlooked the context of:
"…then stylistic changes and wise handling of aspects which are uncomfortable for today's audience will enhance the series. All stories needs reinterpreting for a new audience." Which hinge on, as you say immediately prior to this: (see points 1-4) Whereas I must have overlooked the importance of this and was thinking you meant, downplay this aspect! I also read Polly's article, where you had referenced it, then went back to your article and continued. This may have also lead to my mis-understanding, although this should have been cleared up immediately by what you said about Rowan Williams covering such criticisms as Polly's, but which I somehow didn't quit catch at the time, even though I re-read to make certain I was grasping this correctly! Perhaps I needed a break, although not likely after freshly getting up, and having coffee!
I spoke to soon! I believe we are on exactly the same side! and I as well, hold onto the hope that Netflix reads you message and gets this right! Perhaps even utilizes believing filmmakers, or ones who are gifted by God, and well on their way to becoming believers, although the former may be better, because the new in faith can still make many mistakes!
I'm actually about to move onto your talks at Christ Church New Malden, and will be looking into Rowan Williams & Michael Ward's books too! Thanks in advanced!
Also thank you for the quick response and clarification of this issue, and handling this with Grace! You may of course, delete my comments if you choose, having now cleared up this issue, or if you'd prefer to leave them here in case any others make my mistake, then you may leave it up as a sign of my "Huge Humility!"
Once again, Thank you, and Sincerely,
Eric Ruskoski (aged 36) Tulsa, OK
Humbled Follower of our Lord Christ Jesus, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Lamb who was slain for our sins, and very big fan of Reepicheep!
Dear Eric – many thanks for your generous and gracious reply! Let's leave it up so others can see how to resolve disagreements/ misunderstandings online! Your quoting of your favourite Mouse is most appropriate. I am also a fan of Reepicheep! Thanks for reading and commenting and enjoy the sermons. I really rate both Ward's and Williams' books. God bless, Jon
Lisa Smith says:
Thank you, Jon, for caring about these great works of literature and how they are produced. I am currently directing The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at our local community theater. I hope to direct all seven stories. I am thrilled with the opportunity and wish that everyone could dive into the the world of Narnia and C. S. Lewis. It is truly a joy to ponder the deep imagination, religious themes and pure wonder that Lewis has created. Please keep writing and pressing on!
Lisa Smith
Thanks Lisa for your encouragement and positive feedback. All the best with the play – sounds great! Thanks, Jon