Nights In
Rodanthe
Didn't Measure Up
Shelli Carlisle
'Message in a Bottle,' 'The Notebook' and now 'Nights in Rodanthe.' What could be better than a movie adapted from a Novel by Nicholas Sparks? Not much, but unfortunately this film did not measure up to its
predocessors.
No It Factor
Let me start by saying that I really do read Nicholas Sparks and I love his sensitivity and creative plots. When I saw the previews for Nights in Rodanthe I was interested. When I saw that it was starring Richard Gere (wow) and one of my favorites Diane Lane, I put it on my 'must see' list. I wanted to love this movie as much as Message and Notebook but the it factor just wasn’t there.
The film started out generic and the relationship between Gere and Lane was awkward at best. The story did not flow smoothly and I found it hard to believe that two people would want to make-out during the middle of a hurricane where the home in which they are staying is being tossed to and fro. It does get better after that and the film eventually gets on track when they attend a local clam fest together.
Got Better and Predictable, too
And what Nicholas Sparks Novel would not be complete without a tear jerking ending. I saw it coming and was hoping it wouldn’t. But, it did. Diane Lane's heart wrenching performance is very convincing; I just wasn’t prepared for how hard it would be to watch her breakdown. All in all, I was disappointed. It would be nice once in a while to see the couple actually get their happy ending.
Author Nicolas Sparks and Nights in Rodanthe
By Angela Da Costa
One cannot help but to feel the emotional weight of this film. Nicolas Sparks, the author of the novel 'Nights in Rodanthe' writes with the sword (pen) of Greek Tragedy.
Nicolas Sparks Reflections
In the question and answer after the screening of the film, Sparks said, "Love is magic at any age and I feel that love is equally powerful as you get older. But, it’s tempered with reason."
Sparks originally won over audiences with 'The Notebook.' He said the story was based on his wife’s grandparents true love story. For him his novels stay true to the theme of love and sacrifice.
I don’t want to ruin the film but needless to say, I think Living Life…Boomer Style readers can more than embrace and welcome the films thematic storyline. Sparks writes Modern Day Greek Tragedy because he sees it as a journey that takes you through all the emotions. But, he also is drawn to creating stories, which for him, he "feels [are] very universal" and he likes the job of "making it very unique" as a story, not something that he’s already seen done by someone else.
Nicolas Sparks with Angie Goff at the
film screening of 'Nights of Rodanthe' in Washington, D.C. with Angie Goff from the Channel 9 news team.
Photograph courtesy Angie Goff who does Traffic for WUSA 9 Now News. |
Sparks Behind the Scenes
Sparks said for this film, they were lucky to get George C. Wolfe, who is primarily a stage director. He has only chosen to do two films, this one and 'Lackawanna Blues.' They felt his theater background gave their film a unique feeling and that George knew where everything was--down to the smallest detail. Also, Sparks credits the successful film collaborations of his film-making to Denise Di Novi because she has produced all of his films.
Sparks New Novel
On the future horizons for Sparks is a film in pre-production right now "Dear John" and the release of that novel due out very soon, Sept. 30, 2008.
Da Costa on the Movie
All I can say is bring some tissue, but expect to feel redeemed as humans are always a work in progress. The film is very much focused on an artist’s perspective. But, I have to also note, and for me it is a moral imperative; Christopher Meloni plays Diane Lane’s characters husband. Their separation serves as great confusion for Lane’s character. Meloni is known for his role in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and is a Washington, DC native.
So, go…go…have love reaffirmed in your life. One line Lane’s character, Adrienne Willis, says to her daughter played by Mae Whitman is she wants her daughter to know she deserves love that makes you stronger and makes you feel more of yourself than less of yourself. A great message at any age. Richard Gere’s character has a son played
by Spiderman’s famed, James Franco.
Photograh Angela Da Costa
Movie goers flock to the screening of to 'Nights in Rodanthe' in Georgetown. They also got to spend time with the incredible novelist, Nicolas Sparks after the screening.
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Overall a spectacular film. The run time is listed as 97 minutes, but you get so lost in the story you lose track of time. This film is certainly a tear jerker, because it is after all, rich with Greek Tragedy. In the end I felt hopeful on some level. Though an emotional journey, I think it is one worth taking. There were great moments of humor and moments where you could emotionally bond with the characters.
Sparks novel to film adaptations include:
• A Walk to Remember
• Message in a Bottle
• The Notebook
• Nights in Rodanthe |
Synopsis
Richard Gere and Diane Lane reunite on screen in the romantic drama "Nights in Rodanthe," based on the Nicholas Sparks best-selling novel about two people who discover there is always a second chance to find the love of your life.
Betrayal
Adrienne (Diane Lane), a woman still reeling from her husband's betrayal and struggling to rebuild a life without him, has just learned that he wants to come home. Torn by conflicting feelings, she welcomes the chance for escape when an old friend asks her to manage her inn in Rodanthe for a weekend. There, on a remote spot along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Adrienne hopes to find the tranquility she needs to rethink her life.
A Solitary Guest
It's the off-season and the inn would be shuttered but for the unlikely arrival of its solitary guest, Paul (Richard Gere), a doctor from the city. A man who long ago sacrificed his family to his career, Paul has come to Rodanthe to fulfill a difficult obligation and to face his own crisis of conscience.
Two Strangers
They are two strangers sharing the same roof. But as a major storm closes in, they turn to each other for comfort, and set in motion a life-changing romance that will resonate through the rest of their lives.
Cast and Credits
Cast: Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Scott Glenn, Christopher Meloni and Viola Davis
Director: George C. Wolfe
Rated PG-13 for some sensuality
In Theatres Friday, September 26, 2008
Nights in Rodanthe Trailer
Slide Show
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