As an adaptation of the novel by Joyce Carol Oates, this film doesn't work in the slightest. On its own terms (the terms it should be taken on, of course), it almost realizes its potential.
I won't deny that the difficulty of making the film as a period piece (the novel is set in that peculiar Oates version of the 1950s) would probably have proven quite impossible. I think the general updating of the story to the 1990s was actually handled quite well. However, some of the character changes seem like forcing square pegs into round holes.
The character of Goldie is my main problem with the film. She's an utterly unbelievable character no matter which angle you study her from. The actress tries valiantly, but nothing could save that dimensionless piece of cardboard. The film also suffers from some major pacing problems, particularly in the midsection (it would appear that some heavy editing may have been involved).
On the other hand, the two lead characters are very well-drawn and well-played. As a refreshing antidote to macho male-bonding gang films, this is indeed a most welcome addition to the canon. The entirely new ending (which differs significantly from the ending of the novel) is also a knockout. I just can't help but think that somewhere in there was a great film that didn't quite make it out, and settled for being merely good.
I won't deny that the difficulty of making the film as a period piece (the novel is set in that peculiar Oates version of the 1950s) would probably have proven quite impossible. I think the general updating of the story to the 1990s was actually handled quite well. However, some of the character changes seem like forcing square pegs into round holes.
The character of Goldie is my main problem with the film. She's an utterly unbelievable character no matter which angle you study her from. The actress tries valiantly, but nothing could save that dimensionless piece of cardboard. The film also suffers from some major pacing problems, particularly in the midsection (it would appear that some heavy editing may have been involved).
On the other hand, the two lead characters are very well-drawn and well-played. As a refreshing antidote to macho male-bonding gang films, this is indeed a most welcome addition to the canon. The entirely new ending (which differs significantly from the ending of the novel) is also a knockout. I just can't help but think that somewhere in there was a great film that didn't quite make it out, and settled for being merely good.