Tristan and Isolde - movie

Overall, this movie was enjoyable if a bit shallow. The story is beautiful, closely along the lines with Lancelot and Guenevere, although the ending is a bit sappy. The movie doesn't do a very good job of showing the conflict in either Tristold or Isolde. Isolde actually seems a bit of a strumpet rather than someone torn between duty and love. Tristan's conflict between his dedication to Lord Mark and his love for Isolde is shown mostly by frequent walking in the woods and head-shots of the actor (who actually played a much-better Harry in the Spiderman series). Although the music, costumes, and scenery are all beautifully done, the story could definitely be done more justice.
Recommendation: May be worth it on a lazy rainy afternoon.

The Crucible - Arthur Miller

Saw a Steppenwolf production of this play Friday night. It was very well done. Only the second time that I've been to the Steppenwolf, but I have to admit I'm impressed. The vast majority of the acting was exceptional - not overdone, which is easy to do with this type of play. Set was minimal but sufficient - nicely spartan. Having never read The Crucible, but being familiar with the historical events behind it, I was very impressed with both the historical accuracy and use of the historical situation to describe mob think. I read Miller was trying to address McCarthyism, but of course the beauty is the universality of the concept. So easy to get caught up in insanity in a closed system...

His Dark Materials Trilogy - Phillip Pullman

We were supposed to read 'The Golden Compass' for my book club, and I decided to read the whole trilogy since I was going to be on vacation anyway. What a mistake. I read some people comparing these books to the Lord of the Rings, and talking about all of the parallels to Paradise Lost. I saw no resemblence, either in quality, style, or story. Probably these books are fine fantasy novels for adolescents but there was really nothing of quality for adults at all. Characters were poorly developed. The story was superficial at best. The "new world" the novels were set in was only slightly different from our own and not even very well fleshed out. The only similarity I saw to Milton was the apple scene, and that was tenuous at best. Perhaps I'm missing something - happens sometimes. I somehow couldn't buy that a first kiss/more? between two random children could alter the fabric of reality.

Rating: put it down and walk away, very slowly

Timon of Athens, Shakespeare

Since this is my first Shakespeare post, I'll let you know from the start that I'm a fanatic. I've been slowly working my way through a leather bound version of the complete works, and have a new goal to see all of the plays performed on stage. I'm making steady progress. I have to admit that I'm partial to the comedies over the tragedies and like the histories best of all. I'm only in Act 4 currently, but Timon of Athens thus far is not one of my favourites. It appears to be more of a morality play than an actual examination of the complexities of human character. Timon is supposed to be likeable but is a bit simplistic, as are the fawning lords who take his gifts without supporting him in return. It's hard to be sympathetic to someone who spent his entire fortune without realizing it.

Rating: one for the collection, but probably better on stage

In Cold Blood, Truman Capote

I find that I'm enjoying this book. The language is simple - giving the impression of a journalistic report. The details are extensive, however, and the investigative capacity of Capote is very impressive. I have to admit my views of the book are somewhat tempered my the recent viewing of the movie, which I thought was well done. I find myself imaging Hoffman instead of Capote interviewing all of the people discussed, and am amazed by the depths that both witnesses and criminals confessed. All that being said, however, it doesn't stand alone as a piece of literature. As with most "based-on-reality" stories, there's a certain freedom of language and identification which is missing. It is a story and not a work of art.

Rating: get it at the library, you aren't likely to want to read it again