Genius (2016)

A chronicle of Max Perkins's time as the book editor at Scribner, where he oversaw works by Thomas Wolfe, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and others.

Director:

Michael Grandage

Writers:

John Logan (screenplay by), A. Scott Berg (based on the book 'Max Perkins: Editor of Genius' by)

Stars:

Colin Firth, Jude Law, Nicole Kidman

1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Colin Firth	...	Max Perkins
Jude Law	...	Thomas Wolfe
Nicole Kidman	...	Aline Bernstein
Laura Linney	...	Louise Perkins
Guy Pearce	...	F. Scott Fitzgerald
Dominic West	...	Ernest Hemingway
Vanessa Kirby	...	Zelda Fitzgerald
Gillian Hanna	...	Julia Wolfe
Angela Ashton	...	Bertha Perkins
Eve Bracken	...	Zippy Perkins
Katya Watson	...	Jane Perkins
Lorna Doherty	...	Peggy Perkins
Makenna McBrierty	...	Nancy Perkins
Miquel Brown	...	Eleanor, Perkins' Maid
Corey Johnson	...	John Wheelock

Storyline

When, one day in 1929, writer Thomas Wolfe decided to keep the appointment made by Max Perkins, editor at Scribner's, he had no illusions: his manuscript would be turned down as had invariably been the case. But, to his happy amazement, his novel, which was to become "Look Homeward, Angel," was accepted for publication. The only trouble was that it was overlong (by 300 pages) and had to be reduced. Although reluctant to see his poetic prose trimmed, Wolfe agreed and was helped by Perkins, who had become a true friend, with the result that it instantly became a favorite with the critics and a best seller. Success was even greater in 1935 when "Of Time and the River" appeared, but the fight for reducing Wolfe's logorrheic written expression had been even harder, with the novel originally at 5,000 pages. Perkins managed to cut 90,000 words from the book, and with bitterness ultimately taking its toll, the relationships between the two men gradually deteriorated. Wolfe did not feel ...

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Plot Keywords:

book | editor | book editor | writer | novel writing | 

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Taglines:

Max Perkins discovered Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. But he never met anyone like Thomas Wolfe.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and suggestive content

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site [Japan]

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 June 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

Pasión por las letras

Filming Locations:

King Street, Manchester, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$98,274, 12 June 2016, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$1,358,018, 12 August 2016

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,346,531, 4 August 2016

Company Credits

Production Co:

Desert Wolf Productions,Michael Grandage Company,Riverstone Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color Black and White (opening sequence)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

A. Scott Berg's biography "Max Perkins: Editor of Genius", on which the film is based, won the National Book Award, upon the publication in 1978.

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Goofs

The letter in the film from Wolfe to Perkins is somewhat different than the actual letter, ie..."Fourth of July" changed to "November."

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Quotes

[first lines]
John Wheelock: [throwing down a manuscript onto his desk] Might want to read this one.
Maxwell Evarts Perkins: Please tell me it's double-spaced.
John Wheelock: No such luck.
Maxwell Evarts Perkins: Where'd you get it?
John Wheelock: A woman named Aline Bernstein. The stage designer? The author's her protege. Every other publisher in town has already tuned it down.
Maxwell Evarts Perkins: Is it any good?
John Wheelock: Good? No. But it's unique.
Maxwell Evarts Perkins: A quick look.
John Wheelock: Thanks, Max. I'm in your debt.

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Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Teachers Tournament Quarterfinal Game 2 (2017)

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Soundtracks

Flow Gently Sweet Afton
(Sottish traditional)
Composed by Jonathan E. Spillman
(1873)

User Reviews

Beautifully filmed and acted; compelling and touching look at the relationship between a larger than life writer and his editor

I, like other reviewers here, cannot understand why this movie has not received greater praise. I had already read some negative reviews but wanted to see the movie regardless, because of the strong cast and subject matter. I wound up entranced by this well-written, wonderfully acted film. Compelling throughout and a truly touching ending. Perhaps most of today's critics can only get excited by superhero movies. For anyone who loves great acting and a rare look into the creative process that is involved in producing great literature, this is a must see movie. Jude Law was spectacular and very moving in his role as Thomas Wolfe, as was Colin Firth as Scribner's editor Max Perkins. Kudos also to Laura Linney and Nicole Kidman. I loved it!