In the years spanning the early to mid-2000s, Josh Hartnett was a highly sought-after actor in Hollywood, much like Colin Farrell. Studios viewed him as an A-list talent, and he was often considered for prominent roles. Roles such as Superman in Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns” and Batman in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy were among the opportunities that came his way. However, these weren’t the paths Hartnett desired for his career at the time, and he declined those offers. He was presented with the Superman role on two occasions but turned it down both times. Despite meeting with Nolan prior to the start of “Batman Begins” production, Hartnett did not end up portraying Bruce Wayne (though they would collaborate later in “Oppenheimer”).
In the spotlight of the entertaining and amusing series “Fight or Flight”, its leading star yearned to explore diverse character roles rather than being stereotypically associated as a superhero in a cape for many years across multiple films. Yet, it’s important to note that Hartnett has indeed led a film based on a comic book property – just once.
Which Cinematic Adaptation of a Graphic Novel Did Hartnett Lead?
2006’s “Lucky Number Slevin” and 2010’s “Bunraku” have a feel reminiscent of graphic novels, yet they are not literally adaptations. In contrast, “30 Days of Night” truly embodies the essence of a graphic novel, marking the first time that Hartnett played a significant role in one. Although he had previously appeared in brief roles in Robert Rodriguez’s “Sin City,” this was his first opportunity to take center stage in a graphic novel adaptation.
30 Days of Night is a story that originated from a three-part comic series published in 2004, written by Steve Niles and illustrated by Ben Templesmith. A subsequent miniseries titled 30 Days of Night: Dark Days was later turned into a direct-to-video sequel. The original story, along with Dark Days, were compiled into trade paperbacks and were followed by additional stories such as the 30 Days of Night: 2004 Annual, 30 Days of Night: Return to Barrow (published in 2004, like the preceding books), 30 Days of Night: Bloodsucker Tales (from 2005), and seven more books that were released between 2006 and 2009.
Among all, the first one stands out as the superior choice for a film adaptation, boasting an impressive command over atmosphere and exceptional performances by Benjamin Bratt, Melissa George, Ben Foster (who steals the show), and Danny Huston. Consequently, David Slade’s 30 Days of Night movie could be considered the finest representation of this series.
What Helps 30 Days of Night Hold Up?
The story unfolds in the secluded town of Barrow, Alaska, which is about to experience its yearly 30-day polar night. During this time, even locating your own house might require a torch and a map. Essentially, this extended period of darkness offers an ideal hunting ground for creatures that detest sunlight, similar to vampires.
Initially, the tiny inhabitants of Barrow are facing an imminent invasion by a throng of creatures known as vampires. However, before this can happen, they must confront an enigmatic, troubled individual (Foster). This stranger has already disrupted their communication network and limited transportation options. Unbeknownst to them, the mysterious stranger is actually a familiar of the vampire, and his actions are paving the way for a massacre.
It won’t take long for them to realize, as Marlow (Huston) and his crew quickly reach the town and begin systematically killing its residents one by one. The only thing preventing Barrow from complete destruction is its sheriff, Eben Oleson (Hartnett), along with his wife Stella (George). However, for Eben to ultimately prevail, he may have to transform into a vampire himself.
This type of horror movie plot offers a level of rewatchability because it allows us to get acquainted with the townsfolk of Barrow while also watching them struggle to survive. The character of Eben, played by Hartnett, adds a great deal of relatable humanity and convincing bravery to the storyline. Hartnett showcases his star power regardless of the film’s scale, making 30 Days of Night an appealing choice for viewers. One of the movie’s attractions is its modest ambitions – it’s not aiming to be a major production. In essence, it’s a chilling one-location thriller similar to John Carpenter’s The Thing. It excels as a horror film, an action movie, and a portrayal of small-town life.
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2025-06-28 21:43