MovieChat Forums > Sybil (2008) Discussion > My review w/a critical eye * Warning spo...

My review w/a critical eye * Warning spoilers*

posted 16 years ago by kristyd-2
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I can say this because I am a huge fan of this picture.

I actually own the 30th ed. of the original Sybil and am old enough to have also seen it on TV the first time. There is noone like Sally Field in the first one. Jessica Lange (I have been a long time fan as well as Jobeth Willimas) I agree this "Sybil" 2008 was more about the doctor and what kind of biases she dealt with treating Sybil.. The young wooman who portrayed Sybil, I felt left alot to be desired or it could have been the writer.... All I saw was her affinity for glass and that was only one aspect of the 1970's version. There was a reason and it was only done 2 times in the original piece.

Also they didn't show any of the other "selves" except for young Sybil. I thought the movie was only good I will always love the original Sybil. Also I think it also left out the relationship of Dr. Wilbur & Sybil clearly in the old one it was better acted,it was obvious when Joanne Woodward would get excited about a breakthrough.

I think the general consensus would be that the movie is excellent if you didn't see the first one.

Also I love JoBeth Williams in everything she does.. Martine Bartlett (Hattie in the original) was scary as heck and the abuse was seen. Because I know who JoBeth Williams is I saw Mrs. Freeling (A beloved character in her own right)

The white hair & bun of Martine Bartlett, I swear I had nightmares for a week.

[–] gg82 15 years ago

"I think the general consensus would be that the movie is excellent if you didn't see the first one."

I disagree. While I think the original movie was definitely better, I also enjoyed the remake. It explored the story in different ways than the original. I'm glad I saw both versions.

Now, having said that, I have seen the original several times. I've only seen the remake once. I will probably watch the original again because it's such a great movie. I don't know if I'll watch the remake again.

What I loved about the original was how brilliantly Sally Field captured the alternate selves. She was amazing! I also enjoyed how realistic the relationship was between Dr. Wilbur & Sybil. Watching the original movie, you believe that they are those characters and their closeness is very believeable. In the new movie, the closeness didn't come across as strongly. I'm not sure why.