Movie Adaptations: The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle movie came out a little over a week ago, and, since I had read and enjoyed the book, I went to see the movie with some of my family on Tuesday. Now, while there was nothing wrong with the book itself, I was a little worried about seeing the movie. Why? Well, it didn't exactly get the best comments and reviews from others, people claiming that it didn't do the memoir justice. But, now it's been almost a week since I've watched it. What do I think of the movie? Well...

(Oh, and, uh...spoilers ahead. I think that goes without saying.)

Watching the Movie

The Beginning

I don't know what it was, but something was just telling me that, oh no, this movie is going to be bad. I think it was just the way that they tried to include parts of the book in the movie. When it's in the book, spread out and flowing naturally with the good writing...? It makes sense, it seems real. But just something about the way that they were stringing together different parts of the book, from Jeanette's mother's line about art and food ("'Why spend the afternoon making a meal that will be gone in an hour,' she'd ask us, 'when in the same amount of time, I can do a painting that will last forever?'") to the hot-dog-skirt fire to the different characters of her family. I understand that it was a way for the screenwriters to introduce the different and unique personalities of the characters, but something about it seemed...off. Maybe it was too clear and less subtle. Something like that. 

Later On

However, as the movie went on, I started to like it more. Sure, some things were too much with the symbolism and some things felt rushed (or at least to me, but that's probably because I read the book so I know that they're squeezing things in), but I started to like it more. When I think about it, it's similar to how TV shows typically go. In the beginning, things feel stiff as we're beginning to learn about the characters and settle into who they are. However, as time goes by and who they are have been further built upon, things feel more natural and just better.

Final Thoughts?

I thought the movie was... fine. It was okay. I actually appreciated the way that some of the scenes were done, what with the different shots and the lighting and such. But, yes, other parts were overdone and others excluded. I felt like things didn't flow as smoothly at times and I feel as if the movie makes it too sweet. Too nice, happy, etc. And in no way does it compare to the book. I feel like I should have known that going in, because what could even try to live up to the way that Walls writes? There's just something about hearing her story from her, in her own words, written out on paper, that makes it special.

But maybe that's just me being my picky, book-loving self.