This movie is SO underrated
This is a great movie. I liked it when it came out and I still like it now.
shareUnder-rated is an under-statement when it comes to this movie.
Though admittedly, I didn't read the novel, so I can't judge how bad it is as an adaptation. I can only judge how good it is as a film.
My advice - if you love the movie DON'T read the book and if you love the book DON'T watch the movie. I did both and I can tell you I detest the movie so unless you want your love of the movie to change, stay away from the book. And if you read the book, don't watch the movie - it will only disappoint you.
shareI think I'm an oddity in that I enjoyed the movie for what it was. But I couldn't see why it was so hated so I started to read the book and well- I can definitly see why people would hate the movie after reading the book.
The book is amazing.
The movie is....well its not bad per se, its just, kinda average. And preachy.
Even I though Morgan Freeman's BIG SPEECH at the end was a bit ridiculous in contet with the film.
And I can definitly see that if you wanted the book characters brought to life Tom Hanks and Bruce Willis especially are the worst casting choices possible.
Still, its an ok movie. I always tend to view novels and their adaptations as two seperate entities. For what it is, The Bonfire of the Vanities is an average but odd film in De Palma's body of work. It deals with subjects he loved to tackle- racism- but did it in the most banal and safe way possible.