The Time Traveler’s Wife
Aug 14th, 2009 by craig
I’m not one to want to see movies on the day they first come out. Even back when I was arranging private screenings of the Lord of the Rings it was a week or so after the release date. But I’m very intrigued by a movie that’s opening today, The Time Travelers Wife.
Ok, it’s a love story. A strong love story. It will probably fall into that “chick flick” category. Nevertheless, I’m drawn to it. I’m drawn to it because it was such a good book. Audrey Niffenegger blew me away with the book. The story wasn’t necessarily great (it’s a love conquers all story), but it was told in a wonderful, brilliant way. It’s the story of two people in love, and the story of a love that endures the catastrophe of those two people living completely different time lines. Written with alternating first person perspectives, I found the book engaging throughout. It was an instant addition to my list of best reads.
Rachel McAdams, who stars in the movie, was on Jon Stewart last night and during the segment they pretty much give the whole story away, but the concept is so strong that as Jon concludes, “I really have to see this movie” anyway. It is that concept, and Ms Niffenegger gift of portraying the concept that will ultimately lead me to the movie.
Ultimately, I’m sure I’ll see this movie, though I’m not going tonight, not sure that I will actually go out to the theater to see it anytime soon, unless I hear great things about it. Feel free to let me know what you think if you have or will see it.
For me, I think I’ll reread the book this week.
the preview’s for it seem really interesting. Haven’t you mentioned that I should read it?
I saw the movie tonight, and I really enjoyed it. It was kind of sad there were a few tears in the theater. But overall it was good. It made me come home and apprecitate what I have now.
I still need to read the book. My mother just loves it. I’m sure I will see this movie… but probably not until I read the book. Hopefully you love the movie as much as the book!!
J’Neil, I certainly could have said you should read it, but I may have said you should read it “when you’re older…”
There are certainly some sad moments, as there should be in a good, strong emotional work. Some critics thought the book was a little melodramitic, but I don’t remember thinking that.
Ashley, READ THE BOOK. In the whole history of mankind there has only ever been one movie that was actually better than the book. I can’t imagine that this would be a second.
It really is a great book; I hope the movie will do it justice.
I believe the Lord Of The Rings movies came out at midnight on Wednesdays and we had our private showing on Friday mornings. I don’t think we could possibly have waited a week to see them. 🙂
It was an amazing book! Rotten Tomatoes is not giving it a very good review, I’m not surprised. I didn’t think it would translate well onto the screen. One review said something about how he seemed more like a time traveling pedophile. Apparently the director doesn’t get the right feeling across for the scenes of a child Rachel McAdams. I will still be seeing it however, I love both of the main actors and the critics aren’t always right.
Craig, which one movie are you thinking was better than the book? For me, The Color Purple was much better as a movie than the book was… and I’ve always told people that it was the only instance I knew of where the movie was better than the book. Am wondering if that is the one you were referring to.
Right from the beginning of the book – the scene where she meets him for the first time in real time – I get a little teary-eyed. Ms. Niffenegger so well illustrates the timeless quality of loving someone. The give and take of a relationship is stretched to an extent that is indeed painful, but then it all comes together in the end. The very end. That we grow closer over time is magnified as the couple of the story grows old and their memories slowly become shared, instead of isolated to each individual. I just love the way she’s told the story. (sheesh…. it’s a good thing I’m very comfortable in my masculinity….)
Robert – the movie I was thinking of is “Field of Dreams.” I thought it was a great movie, but hadn’t read the book. Of course, because it was such a good movie, I expected great things from the book. After reading the book I was surprised it even got made into a movie.
I haven’t read or seen The Color Purple. I’ll have to check it out.
OMG, a movie buff like you hasn’t seen The Color Purple? LOL… I KNOW you will love it. That was a great movie. At the time, it was nominated for more academy awards than any other film in history, and didn’t win a single one… Many called that racist, but really – at the time, the academy was shutting the door to any recognition of Steven Spielberg. The movie made Whoopi Goldgerg and Oprah Winfrey famous. But my favorite was Margaret Avery, the singer Shug.
Oprah Winfrey re-produced it for the stage. And now it’s a broadway play.
I liked Field of Dreams (a guy flick as opposed to a chick flick? If there is such a thing?). Never read the book though.
I know, I know… perhaps I should turn in my movie fan membership card… I also haven’t seen Schindler’s List, any of The Godfather movies, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Apocalypse Now, The Silence of the Lambs, Casablanca, or Citizen Kane. However, I have seen It’s a Wonderful Life, many, many times.
Really, don’t bother with the “Field of Dreams” book.
I think I may need to read it again before seeing the movie….. or, perhaps wait til after the movie…..
Thanks, Craig & Kris from recommending this book to me several years ago – it was such a great story.