There were plenty of reasons for wanting to see 'Sharp Objects', and it was not just the hype. The book is one of the best debut novels this reviewer has read, not many debut novels had me having gotten a quarter of the way through the book on an hour long train journey. Which was read after being so impressed by 'Gone Girl', both the book and film (despite not being fond of the ending in either). Also have a high opinion of Amy Adams and Patricia Clarkson.
'Sharp Objects' did not disappoint. It is not perfect and won't be for anybody, but as far as book to series adaptations go it compares extremely favourably. As an adaptation, while not one hundred percent faithful (neither was 'Gone Girl' on a side note) it fares better than most. With it being true to the darkly unsettling, at times dreamy and suspenseful spirit of the book (capturing the spirit of its source material is also what 'Gone Girl did really well), which some book to film/series adaptations do not manage. While also maintaining the important details. On its own terms, which is a much fairer way to judge, 'Sharp Objects' is wonderful and really does stand incredibly well on its own.
Is it perfect? As has been said, no. Amma's backstory, which is fascinating in the book, could have been fleshed out more. It felt on the rushed and choppy side.
Having said that, 'Sharp Objects' has a lot to recommend. Adams is a revelation, playing her role initially with charm but as Camille descends she becomes very unsettling. Clarkson has never been more chilling, while Eliza Scanlan unsettles effortlessly. This is a very well cast adaptation all round. The characters are not a pleasant lot, but that is true of the book and of Flynn come to think of it. Regardless of their lack of likeability, which actually 'Sharp Objects' does not overdo (as these are characters not meant to be rootable as such), the characters are fleshed out very well and are interesting.
Furthermore, 'Sharp Objects' is impeccably filmed and cinematic worthy. Absolutely loved the darkness of the photography, which suited the psychological darkness of the story perfectly. The music is hauntingly hypnotic while not being overbearing. The script, which Flynn herself had a hand in, is thought probing and taut enough. The story is darkly suspenseful and even with it being a slow burner it didn't feel dull or over-stretched.
It is very flashback heavy, but this structure does not bog down the momentum (which flashbacks are prone to do) and personally did not find the way they were structured confusing. The ending left me floored in the book, and still comes over as ingenious in structure and what is revealed and truly creepy. One of those unforgettable and one for the ages sort of endings.
Overall, wonderful. 9/10.
'Sharp Objects' did not disappoint. It is not perfect and won't be for anybody, but as far as book to series adaptations go it compares extremely favourably. As an adaptation, while not one hundred percent faithful (neither was 'Gone Girl' on a side note) it fares better than most. With it being true to the darkly unsettling, at times dreamy and suspenseful spirit of the book (capturing the spirit of its source material is also what 'Gone Girl did really well), which some book to film/series adaptations do not manage. While also maintaining the important details. On its own terms, which is a much fairer way to judge, 'Sharp Objects' is wonderful and really does stand incredibly well on its own.
Is it perfect? As has been said, no. Amma's backstory, which is fascinating in the book, could have been fleshed out more. It felt on the rushed and choppy side.
Having said that, 'Sharp Objects' has a lot to recommend. Adams is a revelation, playing her role initially with charm but as Camille descends she becomes very unsettling. Clarkson has never been more chilling, while Eliza Scanlan unsettles effortlessly. This is a very well cast adaptation all round. The characters are not a pleasant lot, but that is true of the book and of Flynn come to think of it. Regardless of their lack of likeability, which actually 'Sharp Objects' does not overdo (as these are characters not meant to be rootable as such), the characters are fleshed out very well and are interesting.
Furthermore, 'Sharp Objects' is impeccably filmed and cinematic worthy. Absolutely loved the darkness of the photography, which suited the psychological darkness of the story perfectly. The music is hauntingly hypnotic while not being overbearing. The script, which Flynn herself had a hand in, is thought probing and taut enough. The story is darkly suspenseful and even with it being a slow burner it didn't feel dull or over-stretched.
It is very flashback heavy, but this structure does not bog down the momentum (which flashbacks are prone to do) and personally did not find the way they were structured confusing. The ending left me floored in the book, and still comes over as ingenious in structure and what is revealed and truly creepy. One of those unforgettable and one for the ages sort of endings.
Overall, wonderful. 9/10.