"All The King's Men " was a wonderful film

[Zomby Woof]

I had been anticipating it for weeks, and was not disappointed. The acting, the cinematography, the script, and the pacing - all at the top of the heap. Sean Penn really has the chops, and for that matter, everyone stepped up. What few changes it makes from the novel are inconsequential in terms of the integrity of the storyline. True to the book to the point it doesn't sell out.

This story is as timeless as Shakespeare, and a new generation can now be made aware of it. This remake needed to be done - the screenwriter was a student of novelist Robert Penn Warren (and also wrote the screenplay for "Schindler's List"), and it serves as a loving elegy to his novel.

Ambition, power, love, betrayal, the conflict between idealism and corruption - it's the full package. A movie for adults, by adults. Which is amazing and refreshing these days.

[StellaBlue]

1. glad to hear it

since it's getting such mixed reviews

and I have been anxiously awaiting its release for like two years!!!

I LOVE Sean Penn.

[Zomby Woof]

2. I know why it gets mixed reviews

Because it defies Hollywood formula. There are no cliches, no trite wrap-ups, and the script often lifts directly from the book. Let's face it - most critics are hacks for their local rags, and not as astute or well-read as they would have you believe. That is to say, the English lit snobs among us will just have to lord that over a few critics. ;-)

The two main liberties it takes with the novel: It is set in the 50's rather than the 30's, but in the deep south, that isn't much of a change. And it is set - filmed on location - in Louisiana, whereas the novel and the first film version from 1949 are not specific. Since Willie Stark is based so much on Huey Long, this version just takes it to that logical conclusion.

Sean Penn deserves the Golden Globe, the Oscar, or whatever awards you want to throw at him. He is sublime and mesmerizing.

If you can find it, read the L.A. Times review - it gets into the meat of the film, especially in terms of its literary roots.

It's also the only film I can recall that had the music of Howlin' Wolf, Mozart, Hank Williams Sr., and Beethoven. :D It contrasts the two different worlds presented - the underclass and the aristocracy.

[StellaBlue]

3. I am psyched now!

I am supposed to go see Idiocracy for the second time tomorrow (it is AWESOME - see it if it happens to be playing in your market, or get the DVD ASAP!), but I think I will go early alone and see this, too!!!

[Arkham House]

4. Thanks--am now decided definitely to see it...

...assuming I can overcome my hatred of the *&^$%(*& theater owners and nerve myself to be treated like crap the the local plex... Still--have to wonder a bit about taking Stark/Long out of his Depression context...but then I remember Wallace, and it makes a twisted kind of sense...still--Long was less racist than a lot of Southern pols...thanks for the good words about the film...

[speedoo]

5. Glad to hear your comments.... want to see it.

I have been suspicious of the so-so reviews. generally they are not from critics I respect.

If Sean Penn's in it, I am seeing it.

[Crazy Dave]

6. Sean Penn and Anthony Hopkins...

...that's all anyone has to say for me to go see it.

[Darth_Kitten]

7. Jude Law is surprisingly handsome

;)

He was good is his role.

It was a very good movie, though sometimes Penn's accent left me wondering just want he said. ;)

Go see it. :)