Today was the polish premier of this film. Based on my favourite book by Coelho, I had great expectations about this one.
Spoiler
Gellar => great appearance, except for 2 scenes. First, the one when found out that she will die. In the book Veronica was happy that she succeeded. Gellar looked frighten, scared. My girlfriend said that it could be cause of the time she had left… but I didn’t believe that explanation. Second was a moment when she looked… sad? She had eyes like that Puss in Shrek. That… didn’t work for me.
Tucker => great Eduard playing, nice eyes talking, though no visions of paradise, no explanation of Eduard’s past, only some mentioning that he had a car accident (not a bike one), and his girlfriend died. We also see her photos at the middle and end of the movie.
Claire (Zedka) => name and history changed, she mentions Veronica about her Astral Journey, which…. sux. Book was more private about this. And finally, she doesn’t go out of Villette, whereas in the book she does. Though Christiansen played quite well as a character.
Mari => in love with Blake (Igor)? Naaah. Don’t believe it. Also no explanation of her panic attacks, no charity history and she finishes the movie by coming back to a law company.
Blake (Igor)=> great played by David Thewlis, love him as an observer not a participating guy. Really liked how he interacted with Veronica, as she was “dying”. He’s a plus for this movie.
Some problems:
1. No Fraternity, only some members mentioned by name
2. Sufi master for all of the patients, no rose, the explanation about yourself made just by the master, no Veronicas question.
3. Fairy tale about the kingdom…shortened. Though the essence was there.
4. And… she met her parents, while in the book it doesn’t happen even once.
5. New York. WTF New York?
Now good things:
1. There was the… masturbation scene!! I really though the director will cut it out. Though she didn’t. For me this is the most important scene in the book. I really hoped it will be in the movie. And it was. That’s a big +
2. More focus on Eduard. Liked that.
3. Great soundtrack. The “Moonlight” Sonata played sound great. Loved it.
End of spoiler
In summary Veronica is a great movie to watch, to think through, to spend some time on it. Though you shouldn’t watch it if you think that it will be the same as the book. And you should read the book before watching the movie
October 3, 2009
Categories: Reviews, Think-throughs . . Author: fafiq . Comments: Leave a Comment