sfletcher26's review against another edition
4.0
This is as much a great idea as it is a great book containing as it does the original short story (which in a mere 30 pages is a truely heartbreaking story of love and loss), the screenplay and three monographs on the experience of writing the story, the screenplay and on the making of the film. As such it is a great insight into the film world.
ehponies's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
dallasfangmann's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
yeller's review against another edition
5.0
This short story was far better and close to the actual movie than I expected. I absolutely adore Annie Proulx, though, so that's to be expected.
Honestly, I think more people should read the short story and actually pay attention to it, because this is not about "two gay cowboys". First of all, they aren't gay. Second of all, they aren't cowboys. Third of all, it's not about their romance. It's about homophobia and society pressure, both external and internal. And it is absolutely wonderful. By far, one of my favorite short stories. The prose fits the plot and setting of the story: spare, bare, without embellishment. Raw. Proulx is an absolutely fabulous writer. She manages to fit more detail into about 30 pages than most writers do into a novel. Honestly, this story was the perfect length. I don't even wish it were longer, because it is perfect.
Reading the screenplay right after the short story is also a wonderful experience, because you get to compare the two. The authors are right. Why don't more people adapt short stories? Get on that Hollywood! It's truly a great adaptation, the screen writers often taking not only dialogue, but even prose straight from the short story and copying it word for word into the screenplay. Simply wondrous.
I could go on for a very long time about the politics of this story and it's movie, but that's not what this is for. Just suffice it to say, you won't regret reading it.
Honestly, I think more people should read the short story and actually pay attention to it, because this is not about "two gay cowboys". First of all, they aren't gay. Second of all, they aren't cowboys. Third of all, it's not about their romance. It's about homophobia and society pressure, both external and internal. And it is absolutely wonderful. By far, one of my favorite short stories. The prose fits the plot and setting of the story: spare, bare, without embellishment. Raw. Proulx is an absolutely fabulous writer. She manages to fit more detail into about 30 pages than most writers do into a novel. Honestly, this story was the perfect length. I don't even wish it were longer, because it is perfect.
Reading the screenplay right after the short story is also a wonderful experience, because you get to compare the two. The authors are right. Why don't more people adapt short stories? Get on that Hollywood! It's truly a great adaptation, the screen writers often taking not only dialogue, but even prose straight from the short story and copying it word for word into the screenplay. Simply wondrous.
I could go on for a very long time about the politics of this story and it's movie, but that's not what this is for. Just suffice it to say, you won't regret reading it.
dmrjr13's review
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
marryallthepeople's review
3.0
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11030069
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11030069
readsreaders's review
3.0
This was an okay story. I felt it was a little rushed but most short stories are. I will always find the movie sooooooo much better then this. It was interesting reading the screenplay right after the short story and the extra stories in this were interesting as well I guess. Overall I still ove the love between Ennis and Jack :)
bernardblack's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
jack twist is literally me fr <3