Best of the authors are the most decadent ones in their personal lives, quite troubled too even. Before the films took over as prime storytelling medium, novels were the subject of public fascination. They still are but the romance with them is much more subdued. Nowadays, novelists attain 'celebrated' status when their works are adapted into a film or television series. That was not the case during the times of such geniuses as F Scott Fitzgerald, Hemingway or Thomas Wolfe. They were stars of their day through their books alone. Much to the credit of their editor Maxwell Perkins' monumental dedication and honesty. "An editor must remain anonymous" says Colin Firth who plays Maxwell in this movie. Its a commandment that the life long devotee of words lived by. His client and friend, the famous writer Thomas Wolfe wanted to dedicate his new novel to him. Max probably knew through his experience as an editor that this was a bad idea. Does it make him the true genius?
1920s and 30s were promising times and also the most depressing times. New realities were hitting the American society. As Fitzgerald's stories often talk about, new classes were emerging and women were beginning to enjoy a new sense of freedom. These literary greats of their times were like snowflakes. Each unique in their way but also eccentric and fragile. Often vulnerable to creative bankruptcy. Their needy, self centered lives were kept from spiraling out of order by the steadfast editor, who was like a rock. They could all turn to him for inspiration, for moral support and even for sharing personal issues. As if he was not just an editor but a spiritual counselor and a therapist as well! Those were probably less judgmental times and some people like Perkins were as dependable as a Swiss watch. So, there is little doubt that he might have been more important to the famed authors than their spouses and muses. Its a fraternal bond that is worth celebrating. Cinema or otherwise.
Although the movie is a bit monotonous for a period drama, director Michael Grandage's first outing makes for a decent film. He has earnestly tried to tell an interesting story. There is no lack of intensity but the star studded cast must have been a bit overwhelming for the playwright veteran turning to cinema. This medium is more about glamour and less about articulation. Audiences have unusual expectations from period dramas. They like to see anachronistic elements in them. Fancy costumes, classic cars and hip hop music thrown into the mix. No one want's to see an author and his editor arguing about the word length of the upcoming novel.
The movie is too straight in its narrative. Jude Law's loud performance as Thomas Wolfe is distracting in the beginning but as more characters join in, we get used to his antics. Wolfe may have been an overtly passionate man for his times due to his desperation to stand up among peers. I have one contention about the plot though. There are some strong historical women in the film but they are all peripheral to the story. They don't do much except getting disrespected by their men and cribbing about their ambitions being stubbed. Poor Zelda, she didn't even have a line. Maybe that is how the social zeitgeist was back then. If so, then we've surely come far from those chauvinistic times.
1920s and 30s were promising times and also the most depressing times. New realities were hitting the American society. As Fitzgerald's stories often talk about, new classes were emerging and women were beginning to enjoy a new sense of freedom. These literary greats of their times were like snowflakes. Each unique in their way but also eccentric and fragile. Often vulnerable to creative bankruptcy. Their needy, self centered lives were kept from spiraling out of order by the steadfast editor, who was like a rock. They could all turn to him for inspiration, for moral support and even for sharing personal issues. As if he was not just an editor but a spiritual counselor and a therapist as well! Those were probably less judgmental times and some people like Perkins were as dependable as a Swiss watch. So, there is little doubt that he might have been more important to the famed authors than their spouses and muses. Its a fraternal bond that is worth celebrating. Cinema or otherwise.
Although the movie is a bit monotonous for a period drama, director Michael Grandage's first outing makes for a decent film. He has earnestly tried to tell an interesting story. There is no lack of intensity but the star studded cast must have been a bit overwhelming for the playwright veteran turning to cinema. This medium is more about glamour and less about articulation. Audiences have unusual expectations from period dramas. They like to see anachronistic elements in them. Fancy costumes, classic cars and hip hop music thrown into the mix. No one want's to see an author and his editor arguing about the word length of the upcoming novel.
The movie is too straight in its narrative. Jude Law's loud performance as Thomas Wolfe is distracting in the beginning but as more characters join in, we get used to his antics. Wolfe may have been an overtly passionate man for his times due to his desperation to stand up among peers. I have one contention about the plot though. There are some strong historical women in the film but they are all peripheral to the story. They don't do much except getting disrespected by their men and cribbing about their ambitions being stubbed. Poor Zelda, she didn't even have a line. Maybe that is how the social zeitgeist was back then. If so, then we've surely come far from those chauvinistic times.