Anyone read the book?
I just finished it and wonder if the movie's even worth a look.
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I loved the book and sought the movie out after reading it. I didn't care for the movie at all because it was so different. But several years later I ran across the movie on cable and it totally worked for me. The movie isn't that similar to the book, but I think it works on its own merits. This is an atypical Pacino performance which works for me. And the countryside is amazing. I'd give it a chance, but don't go in expecting the book.
shareHello, Kavan: Could you expound on how the book differs from the film? Does it involve more racing and less melodrama, maybe? Is the female lead a bit more likable, perhaps?
I agree this is an atypical Pacino performance, and he's very enjoyable here, subtle and likable. As for his love interest: Not so much. But the scenery and atmosphere made up for some of the weaknesses in the story. 7/10 stars from me.
The book is placed in the mid 50s, about 20 years before the movie's action takes place. The similarities are varied - from strong to vague. For racing fans, it's variable, from nearly comical to engrossing, depending on your view of Grand Prix racing of the era. Far from a masterpiece, I saw it new and again recently - it held up well, but not as well as many other films of the era or racing films.
I'd suggest that Keller does the best job among the main characters but they all are barely doing more than reading cue cards, compared to other performances later in their careers.
All in all, the book is significantly better, but that's a common analysis, isn't it?
Thanks very much for your views on the book. It doesn't sound like one I'll be seeking out soon because I don't have much interest in the subject matter. And yes, books are almost invariably better than movies made from them.
shareExcept for the case of TGF.
Yeah based on the poster's description, I don't think I want to read the book either.