I guess one of the real problems is that there are films of books that have one or two things right, and the rest is a mess -- what you really want is to keep or transport one or two people from one into another. For example, Sam Waterson in the Robert Redford Gatsby was absolutely perfect, but in the wrong version. Gary Cooper was terrific in For Whom The Bell Tolls, but the rest of the movie was ridiculous.

In the recent version of the Patrick O'Brian books, Master and Commander, everything was perfect except the two leads -- the Stephen was nothing like the brilliant dark quirky figure one wants. And where was Diana?

That is what drives one crazy -- millions of dollars spent, and one thing or two that screws it up. I refer to this as Mia Farrow syndrome (viz. the Great Gatsby).

yours,

Peter T.