The Stars My Destination (1956) Alfred Bester

A couple of years ago, I bought a used hardbound copy of Bester’s TSMD, one of the best science fiction novels ever written. My paperback copy was getting pretty ragged, and needed to be replaced. The previous owner of my new copy was thinking of writing a screenplay of the novel, he had filled the first few dozen pages with pencilled notes. But it appears he had given up.

I can see why, the novel has been called, “unfilmable”, and numerous attempts have been made to secure sponsors for the project, but none seems to have been able to attract investors. Everyone who has read this masterpiece says it would make a great movie. My wife thought Vin Diesel should have been cast as the lead, Gulliver Foyle. I’d like to see Cate Blanchett as his romantic interest, and nemesis, the icy bitch-goddess Olivia Presteign.

A lot of the science in the book is pretty dated, and some changes would have to be made, but considering when it was written, I think the story holds up pretty well. And it has incredible scenes, unforgettable characters, and paints a picture of a solar system wide culture on the threshold of interstellar flight that is quite believable. With all the talent, money and audiences (not to mention technology) available to the modern film/video industry, I believe the time has come. If Dune has had three attempts, then “Destination” can certainly qualify.

Any comments?