Films

[Jessica]

A lot of us have seen films based on Greene's novels or those based on his screenplays. I thought this might be a place for discussion about them--

In my own case I want to read the book first, so I've a lot of reading to do before my film viewing--

[Jessica]

I will say that the 2 films I've seen are the fairly recent ones: 'The End of the Affair' and 'The Quiet American.' In both cases I came to the book after the film, and though a few years had passed since seeing the movie, I didn't like the feeling of having been there before in some way. For me, this was less true with TQA for some reason than The End of the Affair.

[Helen]

Fortunately for me, I read "The Quiet American" before I saw the movie. I thought Michael Caine was terrific, but that the American character played by Brendan Frasier was dumbed down. He was meant to be likeable, an innocent idealist, a danger in his own way, but in the movie, the treatment of bumbling Americans seemed heavy-handed, perhaps due to the hindsight we all have about what eventually happened in Vietnam. Also, if I recall correctly, the movie cut out the scene in the book where the American spy saves his rival's life, which makes the ending that much more wrenching.

I saw "The End of the Affair" in 1999, before I knew who Graham Greene was. I thought it was one of those movies that sticks with you.

I just finished reading the book a few weeks ago, coincidentally on the night it aired on public TV. I'm glad I saw the movie first--it deserved to be loved for itself, a really wonderful adaptation. Of course, I liked the book better--I missed the heart-stopping beauty of the language. Though, as compensation, the movie did supply the heart-stopping beauty of Ralph Fiennes.

What did you think? Have you seen "The Third Man?"

[Jessica]

I've never seen "The Third Man".
I'm told Fritz Lang made a movie of "The Ministry of Fear," which I'm reading now.

I did like both films--though I do agree about Brendan Fraser's character. In both cases, the book was the richer experience for me, but I have to say that many of the scenes from "The End of the Affair" have stayed with me...after many years. So, a good adaptation, yes.

[[deleted user]]

I haven't seen any of the films based on Greene's books, but did you know there are two versions of The End of the Affair? There is a 1955 version starring Deborah Kerr and Van Johnson.

[Jessica]

Oh I've never seen the earlier one. I'd be interested to see it.

Has anyone?

[[deleted user]]

I came across is on Blockbuster.com.

[Jen]

I think I've seen two- the Deborah Kerr and Van Johnson one and The Third Man. But it was a long time ago, and I hadn't been aware of the books at the time. I recently finished The Quiet American, and am working on a review. I wasn't able to dig as deeply into that book as I had for my reviews for the Power and Glory and The End of the Affair because there seemed to be a little less spiritual wrangling at times. Even so, I enjoyed it. Reading The Burnt Out Case and The Man Within right now.

[Jessica]

What's The Man Within? Is that the one Catherine gave him?

[Helen]

It was his first published book. It was actually the third book he wrote, the first two were rejected by publishers. Very interesting to read, just for comparison to the glorious work that would come later. I wrote a review, if you want to take a look.

[Jessica]

I'll take a look.
I also got Shirley's Hazzard's book, 'Greene on Capri: A Memoir', out of the library...

I remember reading good reviews of it some time ago. It's nice and slim.

[Gary]

I thought the movie THE QUIET AMERICAN was great. I've watched it,and rewatched it numerous times! Of course the book is always better!

[Gary]

I'd like to see the old b & w version of THE THIRD MAN. i hear it's amazing!

[Jessica]

nice review, HMS.
here it is for those who want a look (The Man Within):

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Torben]

I recently watched the movie "The Fallen Idol" based on the short story "The Basement Room". G.G. wrote the story on the ship home from Liberia in 1935 just to pass the time! It's a shrewd portrait of a boy who inadvertently is involved in grown up people's schemes with fatal consequences for all implicated. The movie has changed the act to a more happy ending. I clearly prefer the original story opposite the other famous Carol Reed/Graham Greene cooperation "The Third Man", a perfect film with an unforgettable ending! (Credit to Mr. Reed).

[Jessica]

thanks Torben, I'll look for that story (and film later on).

[Mike]

HMShankman wrote: "Fortunately for me, I read "The Quiet American" before I saw the movie. I thought Michael Caine was terrific, but that the American character played by Brendan Frasier was dumbed down. He was meant..."

I've seen "The Third Man" about a dozen times over the years --- but always because of an Orsen Welles fascination. Having not read the book yet, I can't say how directly it was adapted, but I highly recommend the movie which was filmed the late 1940's in post-WWII Vienna. So it has a very authentic feel, and a unique soundtrack. The acting is all very good, especially Joe Cotten, and the dialogue is tight, very Greene-ish.

[Ivan]

"The Third Man" is one of my all-time favorite films, and "The Fallen Idol" would certainly make my top 100. I have read neither book, but have them on my wish-to-read list. I enjoyed both "The Quiet American" and "The End of the Affair" as well.

[Greenelander]

"Monsignor Quixote" with Alec Guinness. A real treat.

[Jessica]

I can definitely see 'Our Man in Havana' as a film--it is very comic, very funny dialogue and scenarios...

[Jessica]

Okay, I guess this would be the place to review the new film, 'Brighton Rock', so go at it!

[John]

Greenelander wrote: ""Monsignor Quixote" with Alec Guinness. A real treat."

No way. Must see that.

[John]

Jessica wrote: "Okay, I guess this would be the place to review the new film, 'Brighton Rock', so go at it!"

I went to see Brighton Rock last night down the west end. Missed the first 20 minutes cos we were sitting in the wrong screen. Well funny. Any way, lots of period detail if not faithful the book. You makes up your own mind my Graham Greene friends.

Had a pint in a very old London pub afterwards. GG would have been proud. I would have stood him several G&Ts

Our Man in London.

[Jessica]

Dear Our Man in London,

GG would have been proud as am I.

Sounds good...must see the film now.

thanks.

[Sketchbook]

Paperback Percy wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Okay, I guess this would be the place to review the new film, 'Brighton Rock', so go at it!"

I went to see Brighton Rock last night down the west end. Missed the first 20 minutes c..."

What kind of "box office" (to be crass) is pic doing, any idea? I mean, is pic a hit or so-so?

[Greenelander]

Pretty so-so, I think. All in all, a disappointment, but GG fans will go see it anyway. This review gets it just about right.

http://www.totalfilm.com/reviews/cine...

[Kathleen]

I haven't seen any but I'd love to see Monsignor Quixote. I can't find it anywhere.