Bailey answers “Does anyone else think this book deserves...”

Melissa B asked this question about White Oleander:

Does anyone else think this book deserves a netflix remake? The only thing i really like about the first movie was how well Michelle Pfeiffer captured Ingrids angry artist sociopathic behavior. Other then that there were huge chunks skipped in the book. They don't mention her apartment neighbor who read books on tape, the time spent with her foster mother Marvel or Ameila, or her 2nd affair with Sergei.

Bailey I completely agree. Michelle Pfeiffer was really well cast as Ingrid but I feel like a movie doesn't give enough time to properly explore the people a…moreI completely agree. Michelle Pfeiffer was really well cast as Ingrid but I feel like a movie doesn't give enough time to properly explore the people and experiences that shaped Astrid at each of her foster homes.
I mean, where was everything that shaped her with Marvel and Olivia? Amelia and the starving girls? As you said, it didn't explore Sergei or her wider approach towards men throughout the book.

I also think we needed more time to appreciate the fall out between Astrid and Ingrid. In the book it is Astrid slowly learning (through letters) how toxic Ingrid is. It happens long before Claire ever meets Ingrid and I think the movie couldn't show the subtlety in Astrid's changing opinion of her mother because it was pushed into a 2hr slot.

A longer TV series of 4 x 1hr shows (for example) could properly show this and I know the book made me think more about the varied 'luck' of foster children, I would really hope that would come across in an on-screen adaptation.(less)

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