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kerble wrote:Now here's the thing: the book this movie was based on was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and McEwan's previous book, Amsterdam won the Booker. Now I know films aren't books, but many of the best things I've read have been bestowed with this prize (Coetzee's Disgrace, Doyle's Paddy Clarke, Ha ha ha, Roy's the God of Small Things, Hulme's the bone People and the motherfucker of all motherfuckers, Rushdie's Midnight's Children) have been great stories. I thought this one would at least be somewhat 'okay'. It was HORRIBLE.

The book really isn't that good.

Disgrace (movie) is apparently in post-production now. I'm pretty stoked, that book is staunch and merciless. Fuck.

Ian McEwan is a hack.

Dark Flame wrote:I've heard good things by and large...

RIGHT. That is exactly what did me in: I had not heard one bad thing about the movie. Where were the bad reviews for this awful film? What the fuck were those stupid reviewer hacks smoking? And, no, I don't want any. Jesus.

Afterwards, I had a tension headache from how conflicted and bewildered I felt. "How...wha...hngggg...." [crash]

houseboat wrote:Ian McEwan is a hack.

Is there a different author working under the same name now?

Go read Black Dogs.

Dark Flame wrote:

houseboat wrote:Ian McEwan is a hack.

Is there a different author working under the same name now?

Go read Black Dogs.

I'd agree with the hack comment. No shame in being a hack, turning it out, making a living. That we could all be hacks, doing what we love. He's what Leavis-ites would probably call "competent middlebrow". Same as the film. Two-and-a-half to three stars. Obviously totally different productions but I think it's about as good a film of the book as could be made. And Keira does look lovely in that green dress, even though she can apparently only act with her chin.

My film professor/director roommate came back from seeing this movie furious with how awful he found it. I have not seen it, but he and i have fairly similar tastes (although i'm a little more forgiving of some stuff than he is), and his viscerally hateful reaction was enough to keep me away.

I am totally convinced it's going to win Best Picture.