We saw this yesterday, and its outstanding characteristic is intensity. It’s a dark film with wonderful acting. That said, it’s a very good film, but not “great” as expected, especially for those of us who read the Lehane book. This is not the fault of the movie maker; when you transfer certain books to the screen, you just can’t avoid a sense of “patchwork” as compared to the book. Also the film’s characters do not get the depth that can be achieved in a novel; indeed, my daughter found that what made it miss greatness was the lack of any single character that we could actually care about; they all came off so cold. Nevertheless, a riveting, disturbing, well done movie.
A prime example of the loss from novel to screen is Shogun. The miniseries with Richard Chamberlain was much acclaimed, but I sorely missed the glimpses into the Japanese mind that could be given in a novel - what they were thinking and why, esp where there are such pivotal cultural differences. Granted, a good film will achieve much of that, but not the same.
Ok, that leaves Master and Commander, The Last Samurai (this looks like a beautifully filmed movie), The Missing, the final LOTR, …
I saw Master and Commander last week. I loved it and will see it again with my wife. I have read the entire series of the Aubrey/Maturin books. I wish there were more to read. I may have to start re-reading them from the beginning. As Phil mentioned above about Mystic River, those who have read the books will find Master and Commander a mere skeleton of the the books. There’s just not time to develop the characters and learn about British naval lore in a two hour movie and that may leave those who haven’t read the books a bit confused. That having been said, the movie does evoke the visual and aural atmosphere that is evoked in the books. From the crowded quarters to the hierarchical command structure, to giant waves rolling the height of the masts.
I have not seen Master and Commander and haven’t read the books. I have long been an appreciator of Captain James Cook and the excellent bio of him by Richard Hough.
I sort of wish that a movie would be made about him to familiarize the general public about his incredible accomplishments but I think it would not have enough emotional elements to be “sexy” so its unlikely to ever happen. If any of you like things maritime, I urge you to read that bio.
I also think that a realistic movie about the true boucaniers of the Caribbean would be fascinating, rather than Johnny Depp in mascara. All those years ago, when I read Michener’s Caribbean, I got a clue about how interesting they were and it would be sexy enough, believe me.
I have read the entire series of the Aubrey/Maturin books. I wish there were more to read.
I too have read them all and wish for more. For me, Hornblower and Alexander Kent doesn’t quite do it for me. Mark Neslon’s Coastal Brethren series is a fun read touching on the heydey of Piracy.
Find yourself a copy of Dean Kings: Everyman Will Do their Duty First hand accounts from the age of Nelson, many of which O’Brian got inspiration from for his series.
I haven’t seen Mystic River yet, but I plan to. I have a number of friends who were extras in that movie and my wife and I are looking forward to trying to count as many as we can.
I think it’s impossible to translate a book into a movie completely. The human mind can add so much more to the written word that moving images cannot begin to capture.
Other than Nelson’s Coastal Brethren, for a great Pirate book, my moneys on Pyrates by George MacDonald Fraser. It’s the closest thing I’ve come across to what a Movie should be like if it were translated into a book. Read it and you’ll understand what I mean.
I saw mystic river with a friend last week and must say I liked it a lot
even though it was kind of dark. Very good work of the actors. I´ve liked Sean Penn since “Bad boys”… what was it… 15 years ago?
Looking forward to see “the last samurai”, don´t know if it have had premiere here in Sweden yet though, comming any day I guess.
Of course I look forward to LOTR as well, maybe I bring my flute and whistles and try to earn a couple of “kronor” before the movie… NOT
Interesting it is, Raymond, that you spurn enlightenment and sharing over a non-substantive “error” in a movie quote…
The underlying meaning was actually important at one time, when working with a colleague in a particularly down trodden and desensitizing environment, it became our mantra. We used black humor in the face of a stifling and systemic bureaucratic response to demoralizing and emergent situations; the feeling of the quote became our shorthand for all that black humor and it seemed we were the only ones who knew what we meant; kept us going with a smile.
Anyway, a great scene (twinkie in mustard, etc.) from a great movie. I’ll correct, as there is a great deal to be said for accuracy. Thanks for noticing…
I shared the proper quote, thereby enlightening you.