MovieChat Forums > Half of a Yellow Sun (2014) Discussion > A bit Stilted but interesting story

A bit Stilted but interesting story

posted 10 years ago by mizwright
4 replies | jump to latest

The reviewer states:
Just as acting-for-play is different than acting-for-film; the same rule applies to writing a book vs a film script; directing a play vs directing a film.
I have to agree. At times this movie looked like a play instead of a movie. I felt that the actors were on a stage. They were so theatrical. And that's because of the director,who I never heard of before.

In the hands of a more seasoned "movie" director this one would have flowed much better. It had a lot of holes explaining the civil war, and I'm tempted to buy the book to fill in those holes.

The acting was somewhat overwrought. I felt like I was watching an old 1940s or 50s movie starring Bette Davis, Clark Gable and the lot. Although you couldn't take your eyes off of the chief actors, Anika, Thandi and Chitwele.

The one thing that was distracting was the women's makeup in civil-war torn Africa. Thandi's character esp. went from riches to rags, but her makeup and hair were in perfect shape. There was no dirt on her clothing, no smudges on her face. Again, in the hands of a more seasoned director, she would have looked pail and malnourished.

[–] PoppyTransfusion 10 years ago

It did have the feel of a play at times. I felt there was a disconnect between the characters and their surroundings at times. Ejiofor was so-so as Odenigbo, Newton and Rose were better as the sisters. But stand out performances go to the actresses playing Odenigbo's mother and Olanna/Kainene's aunt.

I give my respect to those who have earned it; to everyone else, I'm civil.

[–] ChocolateButt 9 years ago

Agreed. You should buy the book. That's the absolute best way to appreciate this story...

Stop! Manners time.

[–] benman46 9 years ago

The theatrical look may be due to the fact that the director comes from a theatrical background,

[–] ella_leona 9 years ago

Although you couldn't take your eyes off of the chief actors, Anika, Thandi and Chitwele.

Anika stole the show, can you believe she's American not British? Her accent was superb plus she had the appropriate bearing for her social position. Also Onyeka Onwenu as 'Mama' shone. Scary woman!

It had a lot of holes explaining the civil war, and I'm tempted to buy the book to fill in those holes.

I thought the war was very downplayed. This was a very important time in Nigeria's history, there were some old clips but the true atrocities were alluded to only politely - child soldiers killed in battle, starvation ("Kwashiorkor"), betrayal by the Biafran leader. The war comes across as a mere inconvenience.

she would have looked pail and malnourished.

She did look pale and malnourished - throughout. And she seemed prone to hysterics. All in all quite delicate.

but her makeup and hair were in perfect shape

There was a scene where Olanna's hair was messy but yes, hair extensions and wigs are not priority when you're fleeing for your life.

That's not to say it's a bad movie, overall it's very polished and it caught excitement surrounding the birth of a new nation well. Quite an enjoyable viewing experience in fact.