Last week was a very busy week for me, but I still managed to make three trips to the cinema and watch a few hours of shows on streaming channels!
In normal circumstances I would have told myself that I couldn't fit in all that screen time but it depends on your priorities doesn't it?! I knew that if I didn't get to see the films this week, the opportunities would have passed me by. They didn't have any other showings at the cinema and my free offers on the streaming channels came to an end this weekend!!
Looking back, each film or series was an adaptation of a book and it's been interesting considering how I've responded to them all.
There were the books I hadn't read which I saw as films at The Riverside - 'Touch', a novel by Swedish writer Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson, and 'Outrun', a memoir by Amy Liptrot. Both interesting films, beautifully shot, though a little slow, and which haven't left me keen to read the original text.
And there were the books I had read - 'Disclaimer' by Renée Knight and 'Slow Horses' by Mick Herron, both streaming on Apple TV.
It's so difficult to work out what makes a good adaptation, isn't it? I think 'Slow Horses' is brilliant because the cast of characters worked so well. The book was good (I've only read the first in the series, and some time ago) but the tv version has had me completely gripped and I'm eager now to return to the books.
But 'Disclaimer', despite having Cate Blanchett as the lead and beautiful settings, hasn't held my attention. This when I thought the book a great concept, and will always think of it fondly because Renée held her book launch with me at Browsers in Woodbridge many years ago. I urge you to read the book!
I feel I might be taking a risk in a few days' time, though, because the animated film of the children's book I mentioned recently is showing at The Riverside cinema. 'The Wild Robot' was a wonderful story with a powerful message. I know the film has received good reviews so I'll be going to see it with high hopes!
Thank you for reading.