MovieChat Forums > Smooth Talk (1985) Discussion > Why why why ...

Why why why ...

posted 17 years ago by Holly_Like_the_Berry
4 replies | jump to latest

Did they change the ending from the original story? I mean I know when movies are based off of books/stories they keep the main plot, but they usually don't change the ending that drastically.

Oates's story ends with Connie stepping out of the house, sacrificing herself for her family, and she sees vast reaches of sunlight surrounding Arnold and the valley. And that's it.

Whyyy did they have to extend it the extra ten or fifteen minutes? The story is so much richer when the reader/viewer is left wondering what really happened, instead of her being able to go back home for a happy ending.

Anyone else agree?

Take that you winged spawn of Satan!

[–] pennywishes4u 17 years ago

I agree, but I think for the average movie viewer (who most likely hasn't read the story) it might be too drastic. People like happy endings, even if they don't fit as well as sad/scary/provocative ones.

[–] Lunar_Park 17 years ago

I am a movie buff and to be honest, I would have prefered the ending from the book.

This wasn't suppposed to be an "empowering" or "happy" situation.

*I Got Million Dollar Charm, Cousin.. I've Got Headaches & Toothaches & Bad Times Too Like You....*

[–] jolypm 17 years ago

Just saw it yesterday on a video and I thought it was really good! So true to nature's young girls dreams. Laura Dern was excellent and very beautiful. The scene when Arnold/Treat Williams gives her the smooth talk was so captivating I couldn't stop watching what was going on... And I like the ending... Was it true was it her imagination? Could be both... Didn't read the book so... didn't interfere too much with what I was looking at. Williams is kind of deceiving as an actor... He's had so many good roles but never really made any of them supergreat! He's kind of boring me with time... Overrated as an actor, I think... Dern is superb! Absolutely superb! And Joyce Chopra's direction fine, real fine. Liked it. Quite much. 8 on 10! Am going to watch it again.

[–] Lunar_Park 17 years ago

I watched it twice too when I rented it. Although it doesn't follow the short story, I do believe it earned its Sundance Film Festival award.

I don't know if I'd say it was all true to a young girl's dreams because I didn't dream that way at that age and I think I'd lock the door and call the cops if a guy came over like "Arnold Friend". Man, just that character's name creeps me out.

I hardly think Treat Williams is overrated by any means. I've seen many of his movies and unfortunately, he's only been in a handful of "good" movies and in even a smaller amount of "great" movies. Unfortunately, I will always think his greatest role was as "George Berger" in the movie musical, "Hair"...but I've just seen the first season of "Everwood" and loved his character/acting in that too.

Laura Dern is spectacular in "Smooth Talk". She just turned 18 and was given the role. She was a total natural for the part.
I just saw her in a movie with John Travolta called "The Lonely Hearts" - she's aged beautifully and continues to be a phenomenal actress.

Glad you enjoyed it, 'jolypm'.

*~*I AM GOZILLA! YOU ARE JAPAN!*~*