Mark Rubinstein's Blog - Posts Tagged "adaptations"
Savages by Don Winslow - Chillingly Real
Some of you may have seen previews for the new Oliver Stone film,
Savages
, based on the 2010 book by Don Winslow. Here's my review of the book:
Savages
is a uniquely creative novel. It's quirky, filled with ticklish wit and unforgettable descriptions, and beautifully written by the same author who gave us The Winter of Frankie Machine and The Death and Life of Bobby Z, Don Winslow.
It's the story of two men from Laguna Beach, California--Ben, a genius botanist who grows the finest weed in the world, and his longtime best friend, Chon, who provides the muscle for their boutique enterprise--and they woman they share, Ophelia, otherwise known as "O." The trio makes for a compelling mix of wit, sex, and brilliant dialogue. There's a shopping spree (and a sex scene) that cannot be topped by anything in contemporary writing.
When the Mexican Baja cartel decides it wants Ben and Chon to work through them and not independently, the men won't cooperate. Cartel thugs kidnap O as a bargaining chip, and all hell breaks loose.
In this novel, Don Winslow uses language in a hip and magical way, at times even writing scenes in screenplay format. He conjures images, thoughts, and feelings with a touch that's so chillingly real, it makes your spine tingle with a mixture of awe, fear, and admiration.
Yes, the bullets fly and blood and guts splatter with abandon, but the heart and soul of the story is the unyielding bond among these three characters and their refusal to yield to the greedy forces that threaten to overwhelm them.
I'm holding my breath waiting to see how Oliver Stone has translated this incredible novel into a film. Savages is a must-read for anyone who loves contemporary writing.
-- Mark Rubinstein, author, Mad Dog House (October 2012)
Savages
Savages
is a uniquely creative novel. It's quirky, filled with ticklish wit and unforgettable descriptions, and beautifully written by the same author who gave us The Winter of Frankie Machine and The Death and Life of Bobby Z, Don Winslow.It's the story of two men from Laguna Beach, California--Ben, a genius botanist who grows the finest weed in the world, and his longtime best friend, Chon, who provides the muscle for their boutique enterprise--and they woman they share, Ophelia, otherwise known as "O." The trio makes for a compelling mix of wit, sex, and brilliant dialogue. There's a shopping spree (and a sex scene) that cannot be topped by anything in contemporary writing.
When the Mexican Baja cartel decides it wants Ben and Chon to work through them and not independently, the men won't cooperate. Cartel thugs kidnap O as a bargaining chip, and all hell breaks loose.
In this novel, Don Winslow uses language in a hip and magical way, at times even writing scenes in screenplay format. He conjures images, thoughts, and feelings with a touch that's so chillingly real, it makes your spine tingle with a mixture of awe, fear, and admiration.
Yes, the bullets fly and blood and guts splatter with abandon, but the heart and soul of the story is the unyielding bond among these three characters and their refusal to yield to the greedy forces that threaten to overwhelm them.
I'm holding my breath waiting to see how Oliver Stone has translated this incredible novel into a film. Savages is a must-read for anyone who loves contemporary writing.
-- Mark Rubinstein, author, Mad Dog House (October 2012)
Savages
Savages, the Film & Book
I've just seen Oliver Stone's rendering of Don Winslow's "Savages." The film is a wonderful translation of the novel, done with typical Oliver Stone flair: quick cuts, an almost cartoonish touch at appropriate times, and a fast-driven, hard-hitting narrative drive that seems almost electric.
People who see a film often wonder if it's worthwhile reading the book on which the film is based. In this case, the answer is YES!
The film has its own artistry and is rich in the many ways a film can be. I still contend the book is as rich as contemporary writing can get, but in a hip, stylized and exciting way that's difficult to describe, especialy if you love language. There are scenes beautifully depicted in the book that can only be visually hinted at in the movie,and Don Winslow's use of language and style make the book a worthwile read, even if you've seen the movie. Don't miss this book.
People who see a film often wonder if it's worthwhile reading the book on which the film is based. In this case, the answer is YES!
The film has its own artistry and is rich in the many ways a film can be. I still contend the book is as rich as contemporary writing can get, but in a hip, stylized and exciting way that's difficult to describe, especialy if you love language. There are scenes beautifully depicted in the book that can only be visually hinted at in the movie,and Don Winslow's use of language and style make the book a worthwile read, even if you've seen the movie. Don't miss this book.
