But reading the story took the movie to a different level for me. Mostly from the character Thomas, the storyteller. Thomas was portrayed as a weak person in the movie, physically smaller, a different perspective on life that was outside everyone else's standard. He was probably considered the geek of the neighborhood. But he loved to tell stories. In the movie, his stories bordered on fantasy, mixing reality with his perceptions. His stories seemed to annoy people more than fascinate them, and they definitely had some embellishment.
While reading the story, it seemed to me that it was Thomas' story, his version of what happened on the journey with Victor. Victor was friendlier to Thomas, respectful, treating him like an equal. And Thomas' stories were prophetic, seeing the past and future. People listened to Thomas' stories, and didn't make fun of him. I like this because I like to believe the all people are inherently good, and even though it's plainly obvious that Thomas is a good person, he is seen as a respected member of his tribe to other people, and especially to the one person that Thomas wishes the most respect from, his friend Victor.
Hi Carrie,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Thomas in the film is significantly different than the Thomas in the story; I too prefer the Thomas in the story. The characters are more complex and multidimensional in the story; I wonder if this the result of the medium. I'm not sure film conveys a character's depth as readily as written text can.
I love your opening observation. People have to go out of their way to see a film with actors who aren't Hollywood celebrities (or Hollywood- sanctioned actors). In this film, the characters are portrayed by people we'd expect to see in real life.
Thanks for your insights.
Take care,
Lauren
Hi Carrie,
ReplyDeleteI finally found someone else who enjoyed the story more than the film. We saw things very similar which is very interesting. I believe in the story Thomas and Victor's relationship seemed quite different from one another. In the story, Victor seems to be much nicer to Thomas than they protray him to be in the film. Also, you are right, Thomas seems to be a different character as well and that's why I emjoyed the story so much more. I usually enjoye the film more than the story as well.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dina
Carrie,
ReplyDeleteThis film was great because, like you said, it didn't have glamourous actors. The actors that portrayed all the characters in the story actually looked like ordinary people. I really appreciate this in a film which is why I tend to like watching independent films. The majority of them don't have well known actors and it makes it easier for us to connect and relate to the characters in the film.
Who honestly wakes up in the middle of the night looking flawless? I have a hard time believing anyone does. It's nice to watch films that have real people. People that don't always look great or that are surprisingly handsome. It allows us to look past their appearance and instead focus on their qualities.
Hi Carrie-
ReplyDeleteFirst I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed reading you blog. It kept me interested. I like how u said that the actors in the movie were not glamorous, it was nice to watch it and view the characters for who they were instead of how they look.
I liked the story more than the film as well, its shorter, more to the point and the characters are not so detailed, Victor is not so mean and bitter and Thomas is not such a nerd.
Emily
Hi carrie!.I too think Thomas in the story and in the movie are different.And i agree it seemed like victor was more friendly then i think they showed in the movie towards thomas.
ReplyDeleteThe story was shorter but I think the film gave us a clearer understanding of the entire story not just a short snip it. I liked your blog and I also agree that they were not large actors or actresses so we were more capable to follow along with the movie and the story line. Thankyou!
ReplyDelete