David Baldacci's first novel, Absolute Power, gave the real-time lawyer overnight success. This is a pretty decent film, especially with the performances of Clint Eastwood and Ed Harris.
I understand that making films based upon novels is no easy task. But why get rid of the MAIN CHARACTER in the book?! Jack Graham is a complex character who is both flawed and very likable. His relationship with his fiancé and ex (Kate Whitney, played by Laura Linney) is very deep and layered. His relationship to the main character in the film (Luther Whitney, played by Clint Eastwood) is a joy to read and dive into.
It's an easy shot to take saying the book is better than the movie... everyone does it. But it's definitely true in this case. It's still a decent thriller but I feel that all, or at certainly most, of the emotional impact with the characters, especially when certain ones die tragically, is completely removed from the audience's reaction.
I understand that making films based upon novels is no easy task. But why get rid of the MAIN CHARACTER in the book?! Jack Graham is a complex character who is both flawed and very likable. His relationship with his fiancé and ex (Kate Whitney, played by Laura Linney) is very deep and layered. His relationship to the main character in the film (Luther Whitney, played by Clint Eastwood) is a joy to read and dive into.
It's an easy shot to take saying the book is better than the movie... everyone does it. But it's definitely true in this case. It's still a decent thriller but I feel that all, or at certainly most, of the emotional impact with the characters, especially when certain ones die tragically, is completely removed from the audience's reaction.