As someone who enjoys teaching the novel Between Shades of Gray to my students, I was disappointed with much of this movie. The acting and cinematography are fine, but there are so many missing plot points and character development. Mr. Stalas is one of my favorite characters in the book, and I was excited to see Cosmo play that role. However, I was let down that he was just a face in the crowd. He's the most recognizable actor in one of the most pivotal roles from the novel, and he does next to nothing? Plus, this adaptation proves Lina right about Kretzsky. Instead of she being wrong about him being just another cog in the Soviet machine, he finds a way to be unredeemable. They no gray area in this book. The Lithuanians are all wrongly persecuted, and the Soviets are all maniacally oppressive abusers. Book Kretzsky is a representation of there being people who shine light within corruption.
The scene that gave me the most hope was when Lina drew Komorov. Despite her envisioning a snakehead in the novel, she draws a flattering portrait. Though a beautiful drawing, my hope of the devilish sketch being her imagination fell short.
The movie was fine, but I can at least confidently tell my students to not watch it.
The scene that gave me the most hope was when Lina drew Komorov. Despite her envisioning a snakehead in the novel, she draws a flattering portrait. Though a beautiful drawing, my hope of the devilish sketch being her imagination fell short.
The movie was fine, but I can at least confidently tell my students to not watch it.