is this film worth seeing?
i've read the book and it's breathtaking, but is the film a really poor adaptation of the novel? i'd just like people's opinion on the film in relation to the book really.
thanks :)
It is very faithful to some extent, not so much in others. You will recognize almost every scene in the movie from the book but ONLY Aronofsky could pull off a climax of Selby's. The movie has a very upbeat ending, the sun is shining, everyone going back to work, Tralala recovering nicely from her gangbang. I guess you could call it upbeat but really the book's ending and climax are not portrayed in the movie at all. Also obviously you have to leave out a lot from the book in transferring to a screenplay. They didn't show the brutal fights that Harry had with his wife before leaving and his desperation for homosexual love is shown in a much different way.
The soundtrack is amazing and as a period piece it is captivating and well written, acted and directed. I give it a 7 even after reading the book. Jen Jason Leigh is awesome as well as the whole rest of the cast.
Did you tell LUKE..? Is THAT who you could tell??
Yes! Well worth seeing, for the acting alone. I agree with yoncenator that Jennifer Jason Leigh is indeed awesome, even Oscar-worthy, in one of her strongest and most powerful performances to date, and there is also great work from Stephen Lang, Alexis Arquette and the late great Jerry Orbach.
shareJennifer Jason Leigh is simply astounding in this movie, she throws herself into the role and you cannot take your eyes off her for one second. I was surprised and somewhat taken aback at the level of her commitment, especially with regards to the final scene. Shocking yes, but truly commendable and simply superlative acting. I had only seen a few of her films, but had no idea she was this talented, and at such a young age too.
It's a shame this film was largely overlooked due to the nature and subject matter of the film. Otherwise I'm sure she would have garnered a lot more recognition. She's certainly gained a lot more respect in my eyes anyway.
Ironically, this isn't even ironic at all.
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