17 reviews
I had several problems with the movie:
(1) The screenplay -- specifically, Kim Basinger's voice over: Movies are not books; they should *show* the action rather than have a voice over *tell* us what's happening. Occasionally I find a movie with a voice over that works, but here it seemed more of a lazy way of writing the script. In fact, it sounded to me as if she was practically reading excerpts from the novel in her voice over.
(2) I felt no emotion in the relationship between Jessie and Brother Thomas and also felt that Alex Carter's acting was pretty bad. That's a significant failure for me in defining Jessie's and Thomas' characters -- with no connection between them, it seemed to me as if she just wanted a stud and that for him it was a matter of being sex-deprived. If it had been properly done, the relationship between them would have given much more context to the story.
(3) With the book, I understood Jessie's mid-life crisis. In the movie, it seemed more like just plain boredom.
On the plus side, I didn't think the movie was so bad as for me to turn off the TV . . . though that thought did occur to me.
(1) The screenplay -- specifically, Kim Basinger's voice over: Movies are not books; they should *show* the action rather than have a voice over *tell* us what's happening. Occasionally I find a movie with a voice over that works, but here it seemed more of a lazy way of writing the script. In fact, it sounded to me as if she was practically reading excerpts from the novel in her voice over.
(2) I felt no emotion in the relationship between Jessie and Brother Thomas and also felt that Alex Carter's acting was pretty bad. That's a significant failure for me in defining Jessie's and Thomas' characters -- with no connection between them, it seemed to me as if she just wanted a stud and that for him it was a matter of being sex-deprived. If it had been properly done, the relationship between them would have given much more context to the story.
(3) With the book, I understood Jessie's mid-life crisis. In the movie, it seemed more like just plain boredom.
On the plus side, I didn't think the movie was so bad as for me to turn off the TV . . . though that thought did occur to me.
The castle is in British Columbia, Canada - http://www.hatleycastle.com/- view and read details here - it's been used in many TV shows and movies. "The Castle was completed in 1908. From 1941 until 1943 when Grant Block was completed, the Castle served as dormitory and mess hall for cadets and staff officers at Royal Roads Military College. It is now the administrative centre of Royal Roads University. It houses the President, Vice-President, the Managers of Finance and Facilities, and the administrative support staff for Royal Roads University." "On 22 February 1994, it was announced that Royal Roads Military College would close in the following year. Due to public support, the Province of British Columbia entered negotiations with the federal government of Canada to lease the property and facilities in order to continue its use as a university. Royal Roads University was created on 21 June 1995 by an act of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia. On 31 August 1995 Royal Roads Military College ceased to exist and the facilities were turned over to Royal Roads University on 1 September 1995."
- Writer_Lady
- Sep 9, 2006
- Permalink
Didn't care for the movie, the book was better. Does anyone know where it was filmed? *** this was my first visit to your site...just found the answer to my question. so now I look like a dummy, but I think I'll still submit my comments. and yes, British Columbia is lovely ***Or why they took it from its South Carolina Coastal setting?(this question stands) The place was essential to the fabric of the book and its change was part of my disappointment with the movie. Oh, I just read where I need to write at least ten lines. Here's my other main issue with the film. Kim Bassinger was too vapid and not at all what I pictured from the book. I know, the book was the book and the movie; well not so good. I found the character in the book much more empathetic. Also the book evoked rustic, almost primitive images of the monastery. While the "castle" in the film was much more visually impressive, it distorted the feel of the story and seemed at odds with the characters.
- petercapozzoli-750-879072
- Apr 15, 2014
- Permalink
and shot in Vancouver with the 'mountains' of the low country of South Carolina visible in the background. For heaven's sake, they should have reset the location. There are no coastal mountains in South Carolina. Period.
Lame visuals. They should have been beautiful. And the story limped along.
I really don't understand why it was such a hit as a book, although I have to admit it's one I haven't read as yet. Usually I read the book and give the film a miss. There was nothing in this movie that made me want to buy the book, or even borrow it from the library.
Verdict: The Mermaid Chair seemed pretty shallow to moi.
Lame visuals. They should have been beautiful. And the story limped along.
I really don't understand why it was such a hit as a book, although I have to admit it's one I haven't read as yet. Usually I read the book and give the film a miss. There was nothing in this movie that made me want to buy the book, or even borrow it from the library.
Verdict: The Mermaid Chair seemed pretty shallow to moi.
- lexyladyjax
- Sep 8, 2006
- Permalink
I've seen nothing but mediocre to bad reviews for The Mermaid Chair. Frankly, I think it was a very good book and chick flick. The music was lovely; the scenery was enchanting; the actors were entertaining. The plot is, indeed, a fantasy. But it is consistently the root of all the characters built around it. The characters compliment the story in a very beautiful manner. Frankly, it's one of the few movies that stem from bestseller novels that I've enjoyed. As far as reality is concerned -- come on, folks...it's a s.t.o.r.y!! One of the most inviting things about movies and novels is the chance to escape from a world that is far too realistic. Viewers, please take time to view this wonderful movie. You won''t be sorry.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Mermaids Chair, it had romance, love, sadness, pain, and healing all in one. It kept me enraptured for the whole 2 hours, (well without commercials it would have).. I could feel Jesse's pain, and her sadness, and the pull towards the handsome monk............all the turmoil she must have been going thru was there, her mother, husband, daughter, and then meeting this wonderful man, who met her needs and fulfilled her in her time of need. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the women, which is something we don't recognize in these times we live in...........how much we need that togetherness of women. It was well done. Hope there will be more like it soon. Aloha
- perryellenstevens
- Sep 10, 2006
- Permalink
It's a typical Lifetime movie except Kim Basinger is a really good actress. She really does the character justice and adds the element of mystery to her character. Sure the kind of movie has been done countless times and these movies never seem to do the book justice...it's unfortunate. It's OK. I'm liking it so far and it is not a bad movie, not by a long shot. It's very interesting and mysterious, anticipation grows and the storytelling by Basinger is flowing nicely. The portrayal of the monk's character is also done nicely. The monk is a sensitive person who seems to be unsure of himself, more so as the relationship between himself and the woman grows. Adultery is what's being committed here, although it seems to be a mixture of love and lust. How the story unfolds? It's quite the story.
- DonnieDarko_lfpe
- Sep 10, 2006
- Permalink
I saw the movie on Sat.... and was more interested in the beautiful architecture of the monastery...does anyone know what/where that building is located? Is it in the Vancouver Island for real? Movie was OK.... It was good to see Kim Basenger back in the swing of acting, but also the movie didn't answer a lot of questions already posted by others before me. If anyone has a clue where it was filmed...please let me know.. as I just can't stop thinking about the ornate Italian architecture and where that might be somewhere off the edge of an island. I was so fascinated with the details of the building...sorry that I took a different focus...
Thanks! Ana
Thanks! Ana
- earthenroots
- Sep 10, 2006
- Permalink
I loved this movie, it was engrossing - never knowing what was coming up next. The acting was superb & the scenery beautiful. This is the soulful type of movie there should be more of. Great work by the writers, producers & actors, Kim B is the best actress with her expressionful face & fantasy figure. The male actors all fulfilled the roles eloquently. I will recommend this movie to all my friends as one not to be missed. The lifestyle portrayed is the dream of every human, one we would all like to have. The Mermaid Chair takes you to another world where the stresses of our everyday life are forgotten while watching the wonderful movie. I can't wait to watch it again on DVD.
Alex Carter is absolutely gorgeous. The love scene on the beach was to die for; had to tune in for the next two showings to see it again and again. I was fortunate enough to catch him on a rerun of CSI. Cannot wait to see him in other roles. Watch out for this guy, people--he is not going away. I had read The Mermaid Chair and loved it. I thought Lifetime showed a very good screen adaptation and stayed true to the story. Sue Monk Kidd also wrote The Secret Life of Bees; might want to check it out-a really good read. Love Bruce Greenwood. Kim Basinger looked wonderful, haven't seen much of her in a while. Her wardrobe was pretty, too. One should also check out Thomas Merton's prayer that Father Thomas spoke of to Father Dominique. It is a beautiful prayer, very thought provoking. Yes, it is definitely a chick flick and I along with several friends really enjoyed it.
Forget what harsh critics say about clique, or political-correct assortment of characters, this movie is a real find. Oyster Rochefellar is a classic dish, will you run from it just because you had it once and liked it ? When I first saw Kim Bassinger as the lead, images of her as bond girl or mistress of bad guys in bad movies cast doubt. I say they were largely erased by the movie's end. And the ending was quite acceptable and way better than what was predictable.
A soothing, thoughtful soundtrack guides the audience along. The scenery was gorgeous and had just enough of a haze to get that feeling of the sea. The first boating encounter between male and female lead was spontaneous and perfectly played, with careful restraints. The second encounter was too abrupt as no questions were posted between adults about such an improper relationship.
I like the fact that the slow pace cruised to a climax for which everything were explained. The aftermath displays care and nice touch. A nice find if you like slow, introspective movies.
A soothing, thoughtful soundtrack guides the audience along. The scenery was gorgeous and had just enough of a haze to get that feeling of the sea. The first boating encounter between male and female lead was spontaneous and perfectly played, with careful restraints. The second encounter was too abrupt as no questions were posted between adults about such an improper relationship.
I like the fact that the slow pace cruised to a climax for which everything were explained. The aftermath displays care and nice touch. A nice find if you like slow, introspective movies.
- sq8188-162-458059
- Oct 11, 2012
- Permalink