MovieChat Forums > Still Life: A Three Pines Mystery (2013) Discussion > So Disappointed

So Disappointed

posted 11 years ago by calypsoscat
21 replies | jump to latest

I have to say, after looking at the cast list, that I'm really disappointed. Nathaniel Parker is almost 10 years younger than Gamache and is already associated with the Elizabeth George series (feels like recycling instead of casting a real Quebecois actor). This bit of casting isn't the worst infraction, though. All of the other actors are at least 10 to 15 years younger than the characters in the novels. Just look at the head shot of the actress playing Myrna. Did the casting director even read the book???

Since this production seems to be extremely prettied up and nothing like the books, I'm giving this a pass.

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] binsf 11 years ago

I just finished the book and found out about this film treatment. Yup the cast looks like a HOLLYWOOD version. Too bad. But I still want to see what they do with this fantastic mystery!

[–] Quinntavius 11 years ago

I get the disappointment however, I'd hardly call it HOLLYWOOD. It's not filled with any recognizable names.

[–] binsf 11 years ago

I am now up to A TRICK OF THE LIGHT in the series. I have NO desire to see this movie or series with actors that are not even close to the wonderful characters featured in the book.

[–] Julie-30 10 years ago

It's not even close to being Hollywood. Everyone is Canadian...except for Nathaniel Parker, of course.

http://currentscene.wordpress.com

[–] tsrts 11 years ago

Nathaniel Parker is a fantastic actor - it should work out well.
Looking forward to seeing this.

[–] Cathexis_Angel 11 years ago

The Myrna casting is ridiculous. She's suppose to be a plump black woman. This actress looks like a dumb model.

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] carriera 11 years ago

Too bad all of the "reviews" thus far are by people who haven't even seen the film...

[–] filmfancy 11 years ago

Too bad all of the "reviews" thus far are by people who haven't even seen the film...

The point is they don't want to see the film, myself included. If you've read any of the books you have a picture of what the characters look like. A younger, and especially British, actor playing Gamache is an insult.

And all the pieces matter (The Wire)

[–] grandmabrat 9 years ago

Amen, all of these people aren't even familiar with what they are criticizing. Next they will be criticizing the hairdos or the menus.

[–] i_read 8 years ago

Yup! I'm criticizing at least ONE hairdo. In the books Clara is often described as having bits of food stuck in her hair because she keeps running her hands through it as she's struggling with her painting. She definitely would NOT have had a curly blonde hairdo making her look more like a Hollywood bimbo than an absent-minded woman struggling with her art.

[–] carriera 11 years ago

The idea that ANY film will match ones own vision of it is simplistic and narcissistic. You just set yourself up for disappointment. I have not read the book but just watched the film. Based on the film I wouldn't bother reading the book. Is that fair to the book? I did think it was interesting that the author was one of the executive producers. Also this film was about as Quebecois as Toronto.

[–] maryanneh 10 years ago

That is sad to hear, as the books are wonderful. Great characters, really capturing the essence of the places and people. If the program puts viewers off the books then that is another blight against it.

[–] i_read 8 years ago

What is missing the most, and probably impossible to put on film is the humor in the book as well the sense that Three Pines is a magical place. It's a shame because the series is indeed full of wonder.

[–] no-not-ever 11 years ago

It wasn't bad. I didn't read the book, just commenting on the movie, acting.

[–] Charron 11 years ago

I didn't think it was so bad - I gave it 7. Actually Nathaniel Parker was pretty good as Gamache (though he didn't look the part). And I agree that the character Myrna was miscast. The movie felt a little stiff, as if the cast hadn't rehearsed it very much. It felt more like a play that had been filmed. The scenery was beautiful and I felt they kept quite close to the book as to plot. I hope CBC does the entire series - I'd watch!

[–] sierramorena 11 years ago

I don't think Nathaniel Parker should have been cast as Gamache, but only because for many viewers he is Lynley and it's confusing to think of him in a different persona that is so close in profile. And he does not at all fit the type I'd expect to see for Gamache -- he is too young, as others have pointed out. But I'd reserve judgment as to whether he can carry off the transition to Gamache. After all, Elizabeth George wrote Lynley as a blond aristocrat, and there was a ton of fan fussing when Parker was cast to play him.

Gamache is elegant, quiet, thoughtful, and has gravitas. That's what Parker needs to go for.

[–] Popcorngal (4349) a year ago

I just saw it, the location shots were beautiful , but the plot was a bit dry. I have seen Ms. Penny's books, but have never read one. I use to watch Inspector Lynley on Mystery on PBS years ago.