I must agree with another reviewers' observation that the film should in no way be compared with the novel and should be viewed as a separate work of art in another medium based rather loosely on a small part of the Steinbeck masterpiece. The complexity and richness of the work could obviously not be conveyed within the time constraints of a single film. The cinematic beauty of the NorCal coast and the historical recreation of the turn of the century are merely backdrops for a minimalized stark enaction of the story as Greek tragedy thus enabling the director to avoid the daunting task of suggesting any real depth in the characters' motivations beyond the Judaeo-Greecian archetype. In an overwrought 50s generational angsty kind of way it was enjoyable.
What I can't understand is why the Asian-American film community never picketed the film for the complete omission of the Lee character, to me the most memorable part of the book. It was also a little difficult accepting the dumbed down characters in this new stylized format after being moved by their realistic interactions in the novel. I could not find myself liking any of the characters in this larger than life dramatic context, but then I can't picture myself knocking back a few ouzos with Oedipus at Colonos Bar and Grill. Overall, an interesting effort by a director I've always admired.
What I can't understand is why the Asian-American film community never picketed the film for the complete omission of the Lee character, to me the most memorable part of the book. It was also a little difficult accepting the dumbed down characters in this new stylized format after being moved by their realistic interactions in the novel. I could not find myself liking any of the characters in this larger than life dramatic context, but then I can't picture myself knocking back a few ouzos with Oedipus at Colonos Bar and Grill. Overall, an interesting effort by a director I've always admired.