Posted by: regal26
« on: November 05, 2008, 07:56:52 PM »Agreed.
I'd also like to mention some of his problematic adaptations.
Specifically, Turtle Diary (with Glenda Jackson and Ben Kingsley), in which Pinter has a small cameo. I thought the film had interesting characters and ideas but opted for sentimentality towards the end. Still, worth a look. Jackson and Kingsley are an interesting pair (and Michael Gambon has an odd supporting part as a zoo keeper).
Pinter's adaptation of Kafka's the Trial (with Kyle MacLachlan and Anthony Hopkins). The script was okay, but MacLachlan was miscast as Joseph K, and the film is not as visual creative as the Orson Welles' version.
Finally, Pinter's adaptation of Sleuth. I personally think this one was a misfire on everyone's part. Brannagh's direction is leaden and uninvolving. Michael Caine should have rested on his laurels with the original. Pinter's literary style does not really serve the nature of the plot (Anthony Schaffer's original play had wonderfully prosaic lines about one-upmanship which this remake is sorely in need of).
Okay, that's my rant for the day.
However, definitely check out Butley. If you can, get a hold of Losey's The Romantic Englishwoman (very odd film) or Figures in a Landscape (an intellectual(?) action movie with minimal dialogue and Robert Shaw and Malcolm McDowell can't be completely devoid of interest!)
I'd also like to mention some of his problematic adaptations.
Specifically, Turtle Diary (with Glenda Jackson and Ben Kingsley), in which Pinter has a small cameo. I thought the film had interesting characters and ideas but opted for sentimentality towards the end. Still, worth a look. Jackson and Kingsley are an interesting pair (and Michael Gambon has an odd supporting part as a zoo keeper).
Pinter's adaptation of Kafka's the Trial (with Kyle MacLachlan and Anthony Hopkins). The script was okay, but MacLachlan was miscast as Joseph K, and the film is not as visual creative as the Orson Welles' version.
Finally, Pinter's adaptation of Sleuth. I personally think this one was a misfire on everyone's part. Brannagh's direction is leaden and uninvolving. Michael Caine should have rested on his laurels with the original. Pinter's literary style does not really serve the nature of the plot (Anthony Schaffer's original play had wonderfully prosaic lines about one-upmanship which this remake is sorely in need of).
Okay, that's my rant for the day.
However, definitely check out Butley. If you can, get a hold of Losey's The Romantic Englishwoman (very odd film) or Figures in a Landscape (an intellectual(?) action movie with minimal dialogue and Robert Shaw and Malcolm McDowell can't be completely devoid of interest!)