The Book Thief: The Blank Pages Of The New York Times

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The film Field of Dreams has the famous quote of “if you build it, they will come.” But when it comes to movies, sometimes it takes more than just making the film to generate an audience. Marketing is key. Hollywood studios have to sell their wares in two-and-a-half minute increments (when talking about movie trailers) or thirty seconds (when talking about television spots). Factor in the proliferation of computer usage and entertainment on the go in the form of tablet computers and smartphones that have more options than a Swiss Army Knife, and advertising becomes that much more important.

I mention this because in an age where newspaper and magazine publications are dwindling, the medium still remains stalwart as an outlet for advertising everything from furniture and groceries, to new and used automobiles.

In a novel attempt to advertise its fall release of The Book Thief (arriving in theaters on November 15, 2013), 20th Century Fox did something special in today’s (Oct. 23) edition of The New York Times. It bought up two pages in the main section and left them blank – for the most part. The website link – www.wordsarelife.com – directs you to the film’s official website.

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If you are unfamiliar with The Book Thief, it is a novel that was first published in 2005. Set in Nazi Germany, the narrator (Death) describes a young girl’s relationship with her foster parents, the other residents of their neighborhood, and a Jewish fist-fighter who hides in her home during the escalation of World War II.

Since its publication the book, and its author Markus Zusak, has won several literary awards and has been featured on The New York Times Best Seller list for more than 230 weeks.

Now arrives the film adaptation starring Emily Watson, Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush, and young newcomer Sophie Nélisse (Monsieur Lazhar).

Originally set to be released in January 2014, the film was moved up to November 15, 2013 due to its production finishing ahead of schedule. Now there is some talk that it could very well be a darkhorse favorite to compete for Best Picture honors, much like 20th Century Fox’s hit film last year, Ang Lee’s adaptation of Life of Pi.

Travis Leamons is one of the Inside Pulse Originals and currently holds the position of Managing Editor at Inside Pulse Movies. He's told that the position is his until he's dead or if "The Boss" can find somebody better. I expect the best and I give the best. Here's the beer. Here's the entertainment. Now have fun. That's an order!