The book v the film


This is one of those instances when a gripping novel is turned into a mediocre film. Despite a great cast and a very good director, this film lacks any suspense or drama. David Baldacci's novel asks us to consider what if a jewel thief witnesses a crime that involves the President of the United States. Clint Eastwood is both director and star.

In the book, Luther Whitney is killed by the President's men. However justice soon catches up with President Alan Richmond and his people. Perhaps if the film was a more faithful adaptation, it would have been better.

It may have also provided a better end than the one produced in this film. I wonder if the cast kept straight faces when they read the script?? The President stabs himself with the letter opener taken at the scene of the crime!!!

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President didn't stab himself. Sullivan did, based on his Old Testament revenge notions. I thought that was pretty obvious, given the President's obvious selfishness.

Basically Gene Hackman played the exact same character as "No Way Out," just a few years further along in his career, having learned absolutely nothing from his time as Defense Secretary

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It is perfectly plausible that Sullivan would have given the President the option of suicide. Yes, he could have possibly have killed Richmond but that was too risky. Better to confront him with what he knows and then back him into a corner. He knew what happened the night that Christy was killed based on Luther's eye witness account. Being a coward, with no Chief of Staff to protect him, Richmond may have opted for the " easy" solution.

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OK I’m sold

At least, I now believe either suicide or murder are plausible

Either way, Sullivan gets his revenge

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The death by letter opener is silly. I've never seen a letter opener that has a razor's edge or sharp point. They're always dull and blunt.

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