Last night I finished reading The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. Has everyone seen the movie? The movie was fantastic, and this was a case where even after reading the book, the movie seems to hold its own in my mind. The book seemed like commentary. It did expand upon motivations, it explained the character's thoughts, and it presented elements with different emphases, but it didn't vastly outshine the movie to me. I wonder what I would have thought if I had read the book first. It was an easy and interesting read, and I would recommend it for that reason.Mara, I remember when you wrote about about the movie on your blog. I'd only seen it once at that time, and to be honest, I didn't really know what scene you were referring to. Even when I re-watched it, I barely caught it. She needed kindness and warmth from him, but he was utterly unable to give it. He gave what he could, but he had his limits. I think I almost missed it because I understand. I thought he was justified in what he gave and what he withheld, because I live in a place where I have already had to give too much to others at times, and that has left me drained and feeling like I have little left to give. Thus, I don't entertain grand ideas about my own generosity of heart, or that of others.
1 comment:
i loved the book, no question, but one of the best things about the movie was that - because of its medium, really - it practiced economy.
there is a particular word that never appeared in the movie until very, very late. the idea was depicted using flashbacks and an amazing array of emotions on a young law student's face, but the word was never spoken. you can't do the same thing in a book.
in short: i agree that the movie has its own beauty to offer.
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