they have ruined a great book
bland direction,miscast lead and no empathy for its original source
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MovieChat Forums > Case Histories (2011) Discussion > they have ruined a great book
it lacked the textual depth of the book and jason isaacs lacked the presence for the role, this was painting by numbers filmmaking very disapointing
shareNever read the book... but I love the show! Jason Isaacs is a great actor.
shareI haven't read the books either, but I thought Jason Isaacs was charismatic as Jackson Brodie, not to mention very attractive. I really enjoyed the first two episodes and I'm looking forward to the rest.
shareThey stripped it back to the bare bones, dumbed it down, and then neatly slotted it into the 'detective' pigeonhole by not sticking to the premise that Jackson quits the detective agency after the first book. The whole point of the Binky plotline was to drop loads of money in Jackson's lap at the end of the first book, an unexpected act of kindness begot by kindness, that pretty much casts Jackson adrift.
They turned an extraordinary book into a passingly decent tv show, hardly much different than Frost or The Last Detective.
Ahley Pharoah, the screenwriter, wrote on his blog, about the first sit down meeting with everyone, for the actors to read through the script, etc.
He sat next to Kate Atkinson, and when it was all done, she told him well done...
here is more from the screenwriters blog:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/tv/2011/06/case-histories.shtml
"it's not the destination, much more the journey"
Like she's going to say "that was pharoah-ciously bad and you lot couldn't act your way out of a nursery." Any misgivings an author has are likely to be given in private, if at all.
So the series is going to revolve around "quirky" (preposterous to you and I) coincidences and Isaac's stumbling through them like a sedated Norman Wisdom while copious amounts of bonking is inserted to help remind us this is adult material.
Let's face facts - other than perhaps 'Brideshead Revisited' I don't think a television adaptation has EVER matched the subtlety of nuance and pace that a novel gives.
Perhaps it's partly down to how we see novels in our minds eye. Your mind paints a canvas around what you are reading - whereas television is too one dimensional - and usually constrained by time and money.
I just rewatched Paradise Postponed and it was an extremely faithful adaptation, but it was also 11 hours long. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy:, and Smiley's People were well done as far as the meat and bones were concerned, but they would have need to be 3X as long to include everything. So unless someone is willing to give a book the time needed to do it right, then it will most likely be a disappointment. I recently watched the latest version of Hitchhiker's Guide, and once agin the scriptwriters included all the flash and bang and none of the subtle commentary and poignent wit that made it a classic. It probably comes down to people who read like to think and those who watch TV/Movies like to be entertained, so a crossover will probably always be difficult. OTOH, there is no excuse for the DaVinci Code movie adaptation. Did the screenwriters even read the book?
shareI wonder if you've seen the Inspector Morse series. With very few exceptions, the programs based on Colin Dexter's books were every bit as subtle and nuanced... You're not looking for the same things in a television adaptation, and of course your eyes and ears are engaged as well. The magnificent photography of Oxford and Barrington Pheloung's music made the series perhaps even more evocative of the time, place, and people. So it can be done.
As for Case Histories, having not read the books I can't make any comparisons. My main complaint with this series is the music. I absolutely can't stand the interjection of smarmy music to tell you how you're supposed to feel.
Morse, my favorite, even though the discs on Netflix are w/o CC
I will have to read something of Brodie to see.. Frost was a favorite, Gently, I actually liked the few Banks episodes better than the novels
It's interesting that tastes can differ because, even though I have read all of the Banks' books, I couldn't get through the TV series. Likewise, with Mark Billingham's Thorne: I had read the books but gave up halfway through the TV series.
Actually, rereading that, it's probably a flaw in my perception. If I've read most entries in a series of books, it's because I've enjoyed them and then can't accept anything other than the image that I have created.
Although, I must admit I preferred the Inspector Linley TV series to the books, perhaps because I do like Nathaniel Parker.
Lynley, the books were far more interesting if only because of the character development to me, in many cases, the tv shows changed quite a few things.
The author never let her characters seem make believe, they all had regular issues, and aged, and even to killing off a major one. I still look forward to the next one and still read Banks too. I tend to like British TV detectives.
I only started reading Elizabeth George's books after I had seen the TV show, so I had no preconceived expectations of the characters. I have read them all, except for the most recent, and I really must admit but I don't particularly like any of the characters except that I have a sneaking sympathy for Havers. For some reason, I particularly dislike the character of Deborah. I must admit that the book "What happened before she died/ was shot (or whatever)" preyed on my mind as it's a long while since I've visited London and I found the (supposed) changes to be quite tragic. Of course, as a tourist, I was probably looking at it through rose coloured glasses. I suppose I also prefer a certain leavening of humour like you find in the Myron Bolitar or Logan McRae series, even though the latter can be particularly gory and I know is thoroughly disliked by many, or, as we're sort of on her page, Kate Atkinson.
It's all down to just a matter of taste I suppose. Louise Penny seems to be the "It" writer at the moment. A few years ago I read several of her books and when I finished each I was dying for the opportunity to enter her Bookworld, and deliver a few judicious slaps to the many annoying characters I found.
Good points. I have been disappointing in the last few of her novels sinse the killing of Lynley's wife, but have been led to believe the next one is more of what was done earlier in the series. I hope so. Havers is the co-star in the books, but the series portrayed her much different.
Are you, by chance a fan of Doctor Who? Which I just discovered early last year?
Oh my goodness, I'm showing my age here, (I was very young and my parents never censored anything I watched on TV) but I was a fan of the original Doctor Who - creaky black and white and non-flying Daleks! I can still remember being absolutely devastated when William Hartnell, the original doctor, was transformed into Patrick Troughton. I literally couldn't watch it any more. More than a decade later, my brother got me to watch the ones with Tom Baker as the doctor and I really enjoyed them and got back into it. I then went back and watch some of the ones with Jon Pertwee. However, I didn't like any the doctors after Peter Davison.
When the show was relaunched I started watching again. I loved Christopher Ecclestone, liked David Tennant, but couldn't stand Matt Smith (or Amy Pond) and had to stop watching. I've been meaning to start watching it again because I really do like Peter Capaldi. I just hadn't gotten around to it.
As you can see, I've had a long love/hate relationship with Doctor Who. I remember when I was about eight, my most eagerly anticipated present from Santa was the Doctor Who annual.
Actually, you're inspired me. I'm going to track down the Peter Capaldi episodes and watch them.
I will be interested in your opinion of Peter.
I am just now watching the first of the 2nd Dr. It's quite a switch for sure.
I still wonder if Hartnell had not been ill, how long would he last and would they have even regenerated. Say he went another 6-7 years, and ratings fell?????
William Hartnell's short term loss was DOCTOR WHO's long term gain.
Well, at least until SURVIVAL.
ant-mac
Then you agree, had Hartnell been healthy, and continued till the ratings dropped, it would have been the end... History...
share"Then you agree, had Hartnell been healthy, and continued till the ratings dropped, it would have been the end... History..."
Very probably.
I also think it was lucky that Hartnell left in the middle of a season, rather than at the end of one. As the season was already under way, the thought of ending the TV show would not have been such an easy choice. Had it occurred at the end of the season, it might have been a foregone conclusion to end DOCTOR WHO there and then.
However, this is all simply speculation on my part.
ant-mac
Yes, It sounded like there were no original plans until he was too ill to continue. Looking back, it was Brilliant! Am now into Underwater Menace, w/ the lovely talented Katherine Howe, I bet you have all her albums?
shareActually, I picked up THE UNDERWATER MENACE a couple of days ago. I enjoyed the story, but not the DVD presentation. Very, very poor presentation. Looks like they made no effort whatsoever.
ant-mac
Was an interesting episode, I liked when the Doctor wrote a note, signing it Doctor W
shareLooks like WOTAN might have been right in THE WAR MACHINES. 
ant-mac
sorry, have not gotten back to your novel, but will
Just finished Macra terror, liking the difference of the first 2 doctors, and also since getting dvd's of the first 6 serials of 12th dr. season 9, rewatching, although am getting more from it, still not all that in love with the paradox, makes it convenient to fix any and all probs. Also would have liked more from Morgan Christie (McDonnell) Won't work to save her, but CLARA??? Anything goes
copious amounts of bonking is inserted
It was one scene, and hardly very explicit. share
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>>It was one scene, and hardly very explicit.
There have been a number of explicit scenes, not least a long and nauseating child abuse one. Also, sudden gratuitous violence followed by the resumption of that whimsical music. It is a peculiar combination at times.
You have hit the nail with this opening point -- I've read and loved other novels about Jackson Brodie and so relished the complexity and darkness in them. But I've yet to read "Case Histories", so really enjoyed the tv series' first episode, finding it well made in every way. I'm already a fan of Jason Isaacs for his remarkable portrayal of thug Michael in the topnotch "Brotherhood" tv series.
I've skipped over the 'spoilers' and remain intrigued to hear that the last episode in the trio is the most powerful, apparently. Truly looking forward to seeing them all, and then to reading the book with enriches pleasure as I compare the two media. Thanks for your post.
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I really adore this series. I haven't read the books but you have to understand that television structure is very different than the structure of a book and in order for a television series to be compelling and for it's story to work sometimes you need to drastically change it's structure. I hate to pull out the television writer card but that's what I do for a living. It's very hard to adapt novels precisely and often the writer is forced to make decisions for certain reasons that may seem strange to people who are fans of a series of books but are choices made for a reason. The writer has developed Jackson's relationships to his clients, ex wife and child and given each of them a definite arc. They also made clear most of the backstory of the important event of his life. I thought this was a compelling, intriguing often funny and very moving television series that really sucked me in. I watched six episodes in a row and bought a couple of dvd's to give to my friends.
As for the directorial choices, I think Jason Isaacs as always delivers a magnificent performance, showcasing many layers to the character and gives a real depth to the performance.
I read one of her books and it was absolutely dreadful. As for this series it is confusing and rubbish. But please, that's an opinion, and if you disagree, kindly do not respond by swearing at me, which seems to be the usual case, if somebody doesn't like something.
shareYeah heck don't be Dumb.....just kidding... Great comment about usual name calling and such. Thanks.i actually like the show and the books..but as you say that's just my own opinion.
share(Spoilers)
I was really looking forward to this. BIG mistake.
Jason Isaacs was fine, in fact the whole cast in the first story seemed to fit and I anticipated a slow menacing psychological thriller drama.
But I couldn't even believe how it wrapped itself up in TWO episodes. How lucky can a PI get? And everyone found and confessing to decades old murders in the space of half an hour. Really disappointing. I don't think I can bear to watch the other four episodes if this is what they've done to the first book which ,I thought, had some merit and was encouraging people to read, and also watch.
Gosh.. is this a sign of the times? I know they mess up books for the big screen producers but I thought TV had more integrity. (Someone's yelling 'where've you been!') But it's true ..I don't watch a lot of TV shows, I research on YT first and Imdb, time is precious at the moment.
Still, in today's economic climate I'm glad everyone got jobs out of this.
I read the book and considering the time restriction, the script writers did an adequate job. Some people tend to forget that a TV show has a pre-determined running time. And, I love Jason Isaacs too, he does justice to the character playing him in a very subtle way.
shareI read all of Aktinson's Jackson Brodie novels years ago, and loved them. I am just now binge-watching the series per Netflix, and love them as well.
Leave in to those great Brits to do it right!
-AnaElise
Very well directed, and all the characters were well cast. Not sure what you were watching.
shareA train wreck.
shareIt was decent enough series and Isaacs was very good in it.
However according to Isaacs in an interview they had to depart from the books a bit because his character is not always central to the plot.
Its that man again!!
Very true. I just finished reading, "Started Early, Took My Dog" and Brodie is more on the margins of the story rather than central to it.
shareYes, this episode had a train wreck. Amazing observation.
"...nothing is left of me, each time I see her..." - Catullus
I haven't read the book and I do like Jason Isaacs very much, but I fully agree with you. I thought this series was a complete joke.
I'm not bothering to watch the second one.
You will never ever be able to create a screenplay=> then film that embodies a book that will make everyone happy because every reader has a different visualization of that book/novel. I read this book when I heard that Jason Isaacs had been cast in it. To be honest, I didn't enjoy the book. I'm a huge reader and enjoy reading very much--so that is not the problem. I just didn't personally enjoy this style of novel presentation. I did read the entire first book though and was VERY curious how they would get around the style of writing to create a screenplay. Screenplays cannot be presented in the way this book was--there is too much skipping around in time and back and forth between the different stories. Screenplays tend to be more centred around either a central character, or central cast of characters and they proceed for the most part in linear progression.
So, you had to just KNOW reading the book that the style of presentation would have to change for TV. If you didn't and were still shocked, then you just hadn't considered the logistics of how films are presented. There are many novel writing styles that simply MUST be changed if a book is chosen to create a film or TV series. Usually they will get rid of most narration, and all the bits that are in the characters' thoughts must be presented visually or through dialogue. And while some films use flashbacks, most do not use them extensively because it becomes confusing for viewers.
I work at a library and I will tell you what this series and many others like it HAVE done--like them or not. Many people will watch the series and THEN go read the book... creating a greater following for your favourite author and helping them be able to get a contract to write more books! So, if nothing else, look on it as publicity for Kate Atkinson.
I find that to really find out about a TV Show or a movie one might well read the IMdb user reviews rather than the blogs. Most of the bloggers seem to have IQ's around 50 points lower than those of the reviewers. There are rare exceptions and not all reviews are brilliant either but as a general rule I read the reviews first and the bloggers last. For me the blogs are purely for entertainment from clowns making fools of themselves who seldom use much more than four letter words. In contrast, it takes a review writer some thought and time to produce a readable and helpful review but it only takes a few Simian grunts to splat in a few blog remarks that tell me more about the blogger than anything else.
shareI have only seen the first season so far (I live in Canada! I don't know when I'll get to see season 2, waaaaaaahh!!!). I also read the books, and I think that they did a good job of putting them in a nutshell...
In fact, as far as detective fiction goes, Kate Atkinson's books are quite "literary", by which I mean there is a lot of introspection, of stylistic writing. It is not very straightforward, whereas a conventional tv show such as the one they made with Jason Isaacs (yum!) has to be.
Also, to those who complain about the cheesy music : it's in the books. Jackson Brodie likes to listen to depressing american singer-songwriters. Kind of a running gag.
I agree lulia. I've read the books and the TV version does a pretty good job of condensing complex plots into film-length episodes.
While I would also agree the books aren't straightforward, they are not hard to read. I think part of the reason is that you follow one strand of the story and then, frustatingly, the chapter ends and that particular strand doesn't resume until a few chapters later, so all the time you are being urged along. I always had the feeling that the various plotlines wouldn't get resolved but, to Ms Atkinson's great credit, they always were.
Re the music, of all the Brit TV detectives, I think Rebus had the best taste.
I'm a huge fan of Kate Atkinson, including her non-Jackson Brodie fare, and I thought the series was a competent video imagining. Obviously, the ethereal quality of Atkinson's writing does not suit the linear storytelling necessary for a TV detective drama, so it had to be altered. I still enjoy both the series and the books on their own merits.
shareKate., the author seems to like them. I love them...books and films. Totally wonderful. Yeah sure with film/TV constraint you got to cut out some, compress, live with it , come on its a movie, artistic license whatever. Just Enjoy the Show.
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