The Bastardization of my Favorite Novel
Oprah Winfrey has done it again.
She's taken a very important book from the canon of African American Literature and has produced a film version.
Unfortunately, this time she's chosen my favorite novel of all time.
In case you've been living under the same rock as I have (I only learned about this project last week), ABC will be showing the film version of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston in two weeks.
It stars Hally Berry in the lead role of Janie Crawford-Killicks-Starks...
I am really afraid to watch this movie when it airs. I just don't think it's possible for a movie that runs in a two hour time slot could possibly convey the story and the meaning of the story that is contained in this novel.
Also, I hate Halle Berry. I hate her.
I re-read the book today so it will be fresh in my mind and I can nit-pick every time they fuck up...so I'll get to enjoy it on that level. I just truly, truly hope that Ms. Winfrey hired a qualified screenwriter to adapt this story and not some hack who wanted to highlight how sexy Ms. Berry is...I really hope so.
Anyway...just wanted to vent about that. And if you haven't read "Their Eyes Were Watching God", please go buy a copy and read it. Yeah, the dialect most of the dialogue is written in is a little tough to get used to, but it's worth the struggle to read this, my favorite piece of literature.
Thank you.
posted by Underling Revived @ 5:48 PM
3 Comments:
I saw a billboard for the movie this week as I was driving. I meant to say something to you about it, but forgot about it. I was both intrigued and worried.
I enjoyed the film version of Beloved (I like the book quite a bit).
Will look forward to your thoughts on the movie.
Typically, it is quite worrying when Oprah sets out to make a film out of a book --- but you have to remeber her very brave production of BELOVED. Impressed the hell out of me! The same can be said of Halle Berry as an actress -- but one must remember how incredible she was in that movie with Billy Bob Thorton for which she won the OSCAR. Can't think of the name of the movie, but she was amazing in the role. In fact, I will never forget her face in the final scene of that film. Quite a turn as an actress -- to be followed by CAT WOMAN. ?
I need to read that book!!!! Don't make fun of me, but I am not familiar with it at all!
However, the key thing to keep in my mind is that when Oprah touches something -- it gets attention so more people will read the book now. ...Like me, because you just mentioned it.
Oprah. oh, Oprah.
Remember when that stupid girl I worked with at AmeriCorps was trying to be smart? Here's the dialogue:
Kate: Sarah, what's your favorite book?
Sarah: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, even though it is actually a novella.
Kate: Can I borrow some books from you?
Sarah: Sure.
STUPID KATIE: My favorite book is "They Watch God" by Zeely Thurston.
Kate and Sarah: Laugh hysterically
End Scene.
Seriously. She love They watch God by Zeely Thurston. Nice.
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