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The Girl Next Door's avatar

This was such a sharp, incisive review. I really enjoyed it! I really appreciated how you articulated the difference between creative reinterpretation and tonal incoherence since that distinction is rarely made so clearly. I haven't watched the movie, but the trailer and the reviews online say enough about it. I feel your frustration in this and to be frank "WHAT HAVE THEY DONE WITH THE BOOK?" And the last metaphor on cauterizing the cultural wound is chef's kiss. I absolutely love your insights and commentaries and am back on track on reading all your works.

Ramya Yandava's avatar

Thank you so much!! I'm so glad you enjoyed reading! To be honest, I feel like it's not really necessary to watch the movie, as you get pretty much everything you need to know about it from the trailer. Hopefully someone will one day make a more accurate adaptation!

The Girl Next Door's avatar

Firstly, I always love your essays!!! I have also just ignored the movie because the trailer just gave me a million reasons not to watch it, and I hope we get a better adaptation soon.

Baird Brightman's avatar

Great critique, Ramya! I would mention the glorious “West Side Story” (both stage play and film) as a perfect example of how far you can stretch a new production and still remain faithful to the core intent of the source material (Romeo & Juliet).

Ramya Yandava's avatar

Thank you, Baird! I definitely agree with you about West Side Story, which reshapes the original material in a way that's new and wonderful!

Sugarpine Press's avatar

Ramya, your insights and prose never disappoint. How else does one come to read an essay about a film they'll never watch, based on a book they've never read?

I hope you'll take your hubby to see The Odyssey when it's released; not merely to discover whether it too recieves a satirical title (Lost - The Prequel?), but in the hope you'll be moved to write a review.

Ramya Yandava's avatar

Thank you so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed reading this review in spite of not having watched the film or read the book (I do very much recommend the book!)

We are 100% planning on going to see The Odyssey when it comes out, and I definitely want to review it!