MovieChat Forums > Wonder Boys (2000) Discussion > Is it just me or...?

Is it just me or...?

posted 15 years ago by The_New_Corinthian
9 replies | jump to latest

Does anyone else think that the conclusion of the 'Vernon' subplot in the film improves on that in the book? (It's the only significant departure from the text that I can recall.)

[–] britwrit 15 years ago

Yes. It was a better resolution - with the girlfriend getting the jacket and all.

The performance by the-guy-who-played-Vernon-but-who-I-can't-spend-two-seconds-looking-up-his-name was also great.

[–] Thomasina 14 years ago

Yes. It was a better resolution - with the girlfriend getting the jacket and all.

I think that emotionally it is a better resolution, but practically and logically, doesn't it mean that Grady is left liable for the replacement price of what has to be a pretty expensive jacket? The real thing cost over $33,000.00 at auction in 1998: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,616640,00.html.

[–] DryToast 14 years ago

practically and logically

I agree, Thomasina. I think that it is extremely improbable that Grady could have negotiated a reprieve for James that did not include the return of the jacket.

"Have no fear, little one. I am here to protect thee."

[–] jackbusch 15 years ago

Agreed! In the beginning of the movie, I was extremely pleased at how true to the book the movie was. And at the end, I was even more pleased at how things worked out with Oola and Vernon. Funnier and a tidier ending for a movie.

Not since Fight Club have I seen such a successful departure from the source material.

[–] chimp26 15 years ago

I totally agree, this was a very good adaptation which has been sadly overlooked. I thought the departures from the original book all made sense in the context of the film, the vernon hardapple story was probably the most noticable but worked really well. Has anybody read any other Michael Chabon books? If so what are your thoughts on whether or not they would make good films. I've heard rumours about the amazing adventures of kavalier and Clay being made for years but it never seems to happen.

[–] yayamagic 13 years ago

It's been a while since I read this book but I know exactly where it is on my shelf.

Not to give too much away but I seem to remember that Grady's ex-wife had a pet that ended up much like Poe. Maybe even WITH Poe?

[–] DryToast 13 years ago

Not to give too much away but I seem to remember that Grady's ex-wife had a pet that ended up much like Poe. Maybe even WITH Poe?

I think the slithering beast you're referring to was the pet of Grady's wife's adopted brother (the three siblings were all Korean orphans I think). Grady accidentally runs over it when driving away from his in-laws' house and ends up taking it along with him. It comes in handy during the confrontation with Vernon (if I'm remembering correctly).

You may as well go to perdition in ermine; you're sure to come back in rags.

[–] blooddrivendream 13 years ago

No, I liked the conclusion in the book more.

[–] Foxbarking 11 years ago

I like the way the "Vernon" subplot worked in the movie more than the book. But it was hardly the only significant departure.

One third of the book takes place at Emily's house while they are celebrating Passover. This is a large interplay with Grady and Emily's father. The father loves Grady's book and is upset about them separating. Emily is there with her adopted siblings and when she finds out Sarah is pregnant, she kicks Grady out.