"Empire Falls" -- anticipating the HBO series (despite issues with book)

Anyone else here have this complicated reaction(s)? I found the book beautifully written, with original dimensional, memorable characters, a rich setting, stunningly depicted ... and yet heavy, heavy slogging. I remember thinking, "if this were a film, maybe I'd have more patience." The novel, with some exquisite set pieces, is talky and chat-laden, and reads like a series of sometimes attenuated scenes. It's focus on dense, textured dialogue wore me down, and out, even as I consistently admired its ambitions, themes, and artistry.

So I suspect the perfectly cast mini-series, filmed by Fred Schipisi no less, may be a more fulfilling version of the story for SOME of us.

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Updated On: 5/25/05 at 09:18 AM

Heh. I enjoy talky books, even if there's not a LOT happening, as I find myself investing in the characters if the dialogue is revealing (as I found it to be in this book). I am actually VERY much looking forward to the mini-series because I feel they'll manage to capture more of the book given a longer running time (I assume it's not just a two and a half hour show).

Daydreamer, your post says it all. I had the same problem.

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I'm stoked to see this: I miss Philip Seymour Hoffman.

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I'm a huge fan of Helen Hunt, so I can't wait to see it. The trailer looks promising!

I cannot wait for Helen Hunt and Robin Wright Penn, I miss them both. FYI Helen will be on the Ellen DeGeneres show talking about the movie on Friday!