Read the book instead!

Rating: 5/10 (31 July 2004)

Having read Fraziers' book, I eagerly looked forward to the cinematic adaptation. Though given the epic treatment the book deserves I'm afraid the film does not have the same emotional impact. The casting seems to have gone somewhat awry. Inman (Law) should have been a rugged giant and required a more mature actor with more presence. Ada (Kidman)should have been prettier and of even higher social grace, making her even more vulnerable. Zellewegger as Ruby was OK, but her character should have been less comedic and more down to earth.
Having said that, the performances were OK, but the screenplay left a lot to be desired. Inmans' journey was a series of separate scenes that didn't flow very well. Adas' struggle should have been harder. In the end the viewer just didn't have the emotional tie to the characters that made the book so outstanding.
At the end of the book I found myself screaming "No" at the pages, at the end of the film I found myself groaning "No" at the screen.
5 out of 10