MovieChat Forums > The Hottest State (2007) Discussion > Stop Knocking This Movie

Stop Knocking This Movie

posted 16 years ago by tonykarisma
8 replies | jump to latest

Saw this movie today and thought it was excellent. The acting, cinematography, direction, story is all great. I could really relate to william from my own experiences. The dialogue and relationship reminded me of True Romance in a way. I'm not comparing the films but it was nice to see the on screen chemistry there.

I haven't read the book and i'm guessing that a lot of people knocking this movie have. Remember that film is a different medium and more visual than a book. It's impossible to adapt a movie and for everyone to be happy. You've built up your own world and imagination within the book so just because the film isn't a projection of your mind, give it a chance.

In a nutshell.. i loved it.

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] kcronk5 16 years ago

I have not read the book either. But Thought the movie was fantastic. Saw some definite shades of sunset/rise in there.

[–] lenstern 16 years ago

Tony: I just watch the movie three times, once with a group of friends, we're in our late-50s. I thought it was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. My friends and I would watch a section, then discuss, then go to the next. We life experiences that were directly related to the film. Then, I looked at the reviews on RottenTomatoes. They were awful! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! What is the deal? I was glad you agreed here. Thanks.

[–] dvd105 16 years ago

Great movie. Mark Webber has come a long way.

[–] audg45 16 years ago

i think the reason why people didn't like the movie is because they DIDN'T read the book. I expected the movie to be how it was and i think Ethan did the best he could to make it come to life on screen. I think the problem is that audiences don't want to see reality (of sorts) on screen. Movie watchers want to see likeable understandable characters and a happy ending-but that's not real life. I loved the book and most of the movie because it is so raw and it doesn't try to make anyone like these people or feel good when the movie is over. Hell, i still can't figure Sarah out and that pisses me off, but the truth is people are like that. I think as a book reader we can empathize with the characters more (its a more personal experience), but people do not want to think when they go see a movie. They want clearly defined "good" or "bad" characters, a climax, and a satifying ending and this movie (thank god) really offers none of these things.

[–] angelina-22 16 years ago

Well said. If you read the book, then it seem illogical (if you liked the book) that you wouldn't like the movie. It is faithful to a FAULT. I mean it happens exactly like the book and it feels so much better (for me anyway) than the book. Almost to the point where I wished it had never been published and only had been a movie. If only to shut up the bitchy critics. It's a beautiful, nuanced film about two self-absorbed people who fall in love. That's how people are and I guess those who find it boring or whatever, are uncomfortable with the idea of realistic filmaking, or it just hits to close to home for them.

"Yeah I can see myself marinating chicken in that."

[–] zendog13 15 years ago

Yeah, maybe I would've loved it too...

If I haven't spent the last 20 years working in the film industry and knowing a little something about how the good ones are made.

Or if I could manage to care about these two self-absorbed losers who can't seem to see past tomorrow.

Or maybe if I hadn't been a 20-year old obsessive myself, tortured by the beginnings of an affair that lasted 20 more. Maybe then I could believe some of the post-pubescent platitudes spouted by William.

Or maybe if I could understand how ANYONE could put up with the selfish behavior of Sara and keep going back for more. Anyone who does, deserves what they get.

Or maybe if I felt that it wasn't a waste of Laura Linney's time.

Or a waste of mine for that matter.

[–] poeticgoddss 13 years ago

I was going to recommend the book...and I disagree that the people knocking the movie must have read the book. This was probably one of the first books I read that had a profound influence on my life. God, it's been the book I've used post-breakup for the realest relationships in my life (yes, I know how disturbing that is)...I only found the movie by accident...I haven't read the book in a few years, and went searching for my copy and when I couldn't find it searched the local library catalog and they had the movie as well as the book. But watching it...it's still, after all these years, one of my favorite stories ever.