Last night, after spending a nice relaxing day at home watching TV and reading, I ventured out to the ArcLight in Hollywood to see the big screen adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I am THE biggest fan of the book and have been very curious to see what the movie version would be like … because the film was to be released last year and was postponed for release until this year, I’ve been really worried that the movie would not be very good. I’m happy to report that the film, IMHO, is a very powerful movie … but not nearly as amazing as the original book:
Firstly, y’all should know that the movie version, starring Viggo Mortensen (as The Man) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Boy), is much different than the book. The movie has much more context than the book does. The thing I love about the book is that there is no explanation about what is going on and the story just picks up … which makes the story much more terrifying. The movie has to explain what happened and spends much time doing so in flashback scenes with Charlize Theron (as The Woman). I totally understand why a Hollywood movie has to provide context but, as I said, I much prefer the convention utilized by the book to provide no context at all. The movie also has a different ending … one that I’m not sure I prefer to the way the book ended. That being said, the movie very powerful in it’s own way and is definitely worth seeing. You don’t have to read the book to enjoy the film but I highly suggest you read the book. As bleak and dreary as the story may be (in both the book and the film) the overriding message is one of pure love. Having seen the movie, I’m really anxious to re-read the book again. Stories as masterful as this one are ones that will haunt you for days after you hear them … that is real power.
This afternoon, I’ve been invited to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with some friends so I’m really looking forward to that … this evening, I’ve been invited to enjoy dessert with other friends. It looks like it’s going to be a wonderful Thanksgiving for me here in SoCal … I hope it’s an amazing day for all y’all, as well!
I have a suspicion that this movie is going to flop. I mean, I haven’t heard anything about it (except for when I go on here, of course) on TV or any promo for it whatsoever. I think it’s a bad mistake since 2012 came out earlier this month. I know that 2012 and The Road are different but they’re pretty similar enough for people to compare them together.
Call me a sap or wimp but I am afraid to see it as I hate watching movies where children are in peril which is what I got from the previews…it looks intriguing but that one concern is stopping me from going to see it!
I heard any lovers of the book will be disappointed in the movie, but I’m still going to go see it. I agree w/ Trent re the ambiguity of the book is what makes it good, but I can’t resist.. must.. see.. MOVIE!
The book is simply wonderful. It’s so powerful and it’s one of the few books that has made me cry. As soon as I finished reading it I wanted to start reading it again. I’m pretty excited about seeing the film but I know the book just stands in a league of its own.
I loved the book and have been religiously waiting for the release of the film in India, which as I am afraid, may take a while.
I just hope that it does justice to the book!
ahh trent you’re scaring me! i loved the book too, and fear that the movie was made less bleak just to attract more audiences! gah why can’t more directors choose art over cash money hos?
Oooo, I read the book in anticipation of this flick. Can’t wait to see what they’ve done with it!
Cannot wait to see how they did the film. Your big check mark is encouraging. :D
-meream
I just got the book from the library so I’m looking forward to getting into it! Good to hear the movie didn’t suck too bad.
do they show the scene with the baby? Not sure I could watch that without being disturbed for weeks. Reading about it is bad enough.
I’m going to see it because Viggo Mortensen is an actor of great talent and integrity.
I read the book and I loved it! :) I’m not sure when it will come out in Italy… I think I’ll have to wait a looong time, as usual >:(
My friend is supposed to be a baby eater in the movie, that’s probably the only reason why I’d see it.
Hi. I just wanted to say that although the book does not begin with the background story, the background story is indeed in the book. I remember the scene very clearly when he describes how they had to go in the bathtub. That was not added for Hollywood. Also, how was the ending different? I’m not trying to be prickly, just wanted to point some of those things out. Love your site :)