JanetDenise Review of The Dive from Clausen's Pier

The Dive from Clausen's Pier (2005 TV Movie)

If you've read the book...don't bother with the movie!

[1/10 · 28 July 2005]

I read the novel "The Dive from Clausen's Pier" and found it to be heart-wrenching and a great look into the mind of a torn young woman. The Lifetime movie just chopped it up, altered it horribly and left me appalled. If you have not read the book and watch the movie, fine. But if you've read the book....I recommend not watching the movie. If you must though, be warned. There was so much richness in the book and important moments and character development that the movie skips over and alters. Originally the character was named Carrie Bell in the book and the movie changes her to Carrie Beal...not a huge deal, but that is the gateway for all the changes in the plot. I understand films adapt books into the given time slots, but this movie wasn't adapted but more of chopped up and shoved into a formulaic display of scenes that do not capture half of the emotional journey Carrie undergoes. The most difficult part of the movie was the rapid progression of time that is never explained or detailed well. Carrie seems to always be wearing the same clothes so distinguishing the passage of time and seasons is difficult. If you must watch this movie...supplement the choppy pace and lack of depth with reading the novel.