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

[Auggie27]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 9:18am

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.

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

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 9:20am

Ebert and Roeper seemed to think it was pretty stellar. I haven't read the book, but I'm looking forward to it, too.

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 9:25am

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]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 12:26pm

I am very much looking forward to the movie. The book is intriguing, but for some reason I haven't been able to finish it. I've gotta try to finish it before I watch this.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 12:35pm

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

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 2:31pm

I adored the book and am very curious to see how this turns out.

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 2:41pm

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

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 2:46pm

And I welcome the opportunity to see the uber-talented and underused Robin Wright Penn in anything.

[Jezebel]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 4:04pm

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

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 4:56pm

MagicToDo - You miss Philip Seymour Hoffman? It seems like he's in every other indie film. LOL I kind of got tired of seeing him in everything. Somehow I missed out on this book. I need to pick up a copy.

[check your personality]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 5:59pm

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!