jak15

I read the book as I visited Savannah recently and the experience added a lot to my visit. I was hoping for something similar regarding the movie, but was disappointed. While the movie has it's points, Eastwood tries too much to condense a book that was probably better left alone. Part of that is no doubt related to the book's literary success and the hopes that a movie would also be successful. But by condensing the book, Eastwood ends up loosely stringing together the various characters and scenes and flies over the issues of race and wealth that the book more prominently displays. The movie also displays some cliches that are pure crap. The longing looks through the window, Cusack's character finding love with the help of Minerva, and the walk in the park closing sequence are among these direction choices that demonstrate Eastwood's lack of maturity (as a director at least). Anyway, read the book and enjoy the characters that the movie passes over.

It's a credit to the actors and actresses of this film that they choose to work in a (intentional or unintentional) remake of the 1971 film Walkabout that takes place in Australia. Flattery is the best sort of compliment. Unfortunately, it doesn't lead to great movies. Far Off Place takes what was an amazing little-known film and moves it to Africa, adds a corny love interest, and of course includes some evil villains in an attempt to update the film for a wider audience. Gabo, the African guide, tells the characters "Don't look back" - well, Gabo "Don't look in the first place." Unless of course you promise to watch Walkabout, too.