Having just read and finished the novel today, I had heard many negative reviews on the Demi Moore adaptation. I knew the ending had changed and that the movie takes an hour or so to lead up to the actual beginning of the novel. I went into watching this movie with as much as an open mind as I could as I understand not everything can be translated to the screen and if changes are to be made, if I feel they are justifiable in enhancing the story in some way or providing deeper meaning then it might be the more better for it.
And at the start, I actually enjoyed the lead up to the point where the novel starts. You do get some background (though not much) into Hester and Arthur and there is some nice scenery to be had. However, the development of the love I felt was done way to fast but then I think it was more to show how lust took over so I could forgive that.
Gary Oldman stands out and gives a pretty good and convincing performance. He is charismatic and pulled the role off well. Demi Moore however is very hit and miss. She does have some moments where her acting is decent however I just don't think she was the right choice for this movie. For one her accent sounds half baked and doesn't pull off a convincing english accent.
My main criticism is that the main theme of the novel of guilt but also rising above shame feels somewhat overlooked. The scarlet letter Hester wore starts off as a badge of shame however she is able to overcome this in the novel and ends up gaining respect as her good deeds throughout her life end up shining over her adulteress act. The movie unsuccessfully (if it tried) to capture these themes and instead goes for some occasional nudity and some rather awkward shots of Gary Oldman and Demi Moore in slo mo scenes similar to what you would see in soft core porn.
The Indian vs the English subplot also was unnecessary and didn't really add anything to the film rather than to serve the changed ending. I knew the ending was coming but the way it is done is so typical of a Hollywood like final action scene that it just didn't work. I found myself laughing at how silly it was and kind of seemed to come out of nowhere.
Hopefully a better adaptation can be made in future that at least captures the main themes of the original story. Be it a lesson learnt that you should only change things when they are broken or suffer the consequences.
And at the start, I actually enjoyed the lead up to the point where the novel starts. You do get some background (though not much) into Hester and Arthur and there is some nice scenery to be had. However, the development of the love I felt was done way to fast but then I think it was more to show how lust took over so I could forgive that.
Gary Oldman stands out and gives a pretty good and convincing performance. He is charismatic and pulled the role off well. Demi Moore however is very hit and miss. She does have some moments where her acting is decent however I just don't think she was the right choice for this movie. For one her accent sounds half baked and doesn't pull off a convincing english accent.
My main criticism is that the main theme of the novel of guilt but also rising above shame feels somewhat overlooked. The scarlet letter Hester wore starts off as a badge of shame however she is able to overcome this in the novel and ends up gaining respect as her good deeds throughout her life end up shining over her adulteress act. The movie unsuccessfully (if it tried) to capture these themes and instead goes for some occasional nudity and some rather awkward shots of Gary Oldman and Demi Moore in slo mo scenes similar to what you would see in soft core porn.
The Indian vs the English subplot also was unnecessary and didn't really add anything to the film rather than to serve the changed ending. I knew the ending was coming but the way it is done is so typical of a Hollywood like final action scene that it just didn't work. I found myself laughing at how silly it was and kind of seemed to come out of nowhere.
Hopefully a better adaptation can be made in future that at least captures the main themes of the original story. Be it a lesson learnt that you should only change things when they are broken or suffer the consequences.