Post by someoldguy on Jan 11, 2020 22:11:40 GMT -5
It was with some trepidation that I decided to watch this film. When the book came out in the early 1960s, I fell in love with it. I have re-read it several times since then. IMO it is Shirley Jackson's masterwork, even edging out The Haunting of Hill House. I was afraid of what filmmakers might do to it. The good news is that they made a terrific movie out of it. There is no bad news. Whether it is horror is merely a matter of definition. Do not expect monsters and gore and things like that. It is quite disturbing without any of those trappings.
My fear was based on two issues. Would they follow the book? And would they keep it all from Merricat's viewpoint, an essential element to the story. The film stays very close to the book in plot, even in small details. And it is all about what Merricat experiences and feels and thinks. All well done and all in the context of fine production values, direction, camera work etc.
Acting is all up to snuff and exactly as the book requires, with a top notch performance from Taissa Farmiga as Merricat. Farmiga is not afraid to do the entire role - and she is almost always on camera - without makeup, in pigtails and with a rather clunky wardrobe. But that is part of being Merricat. Another attention getting performance is Crispin Glover, master of the offbeat role, as the wheelchair bound and not quite balanced Uncle Julian who is obsessed with the multiple murders of six years prior.
Glad I broke down and gave it a watch.
My fear was based on two issues. Would they follow the book? And would they keep it all from Merricat's viewpoint, an essential element to the story. The film stays very close to the book in plot, even in small details. And it is all about what Merricat experiences and feels and thinks. All well done and all in the context of fine production values, direction, camera work etc.
Acting is all up to snuff and exactly as the book requires, with a top notch performance from Taissa Farmiga as Merricat. Farmiga is not afraid to do the entire role - and she is almost always on camera - without makeup, in pigtails and with a rather clunky wardrobe. But that is part of being Merricat. Another attention getting performance is Crispin Glover, master of the offbeat role, as the wheelchair bound and not quite balanced Uncle Julian who is obsessed with the multiple murders of six years prior.
Glad I broke down and gave it a watch.
Le Loup-Garou Qui Rit
