Movie Review -- The Player (1992)
Not long ago I reviewed the novel The Player, and unsurprisingly a novel about making movies was made into a movie not long after the book was published. Well, I'm glad somebody in Hollywood was able to see the light regarding this story. Director Robert Altman was wise in having Michael Tolkin monitor the making of the movie for the sake of preventing disastrous changes in adaptation that make up for so much humor in the novel and the movie, albeit in different ways.
As with any book to movie adaptation, there are changes. Fortunately, much like in High Fidelity, any notable changes really don't make a huge difference, at least to the point where the movie overall changes. June's last name switches from Mercator to Gudmundsdottir, minor characters in the novel like Bonnie are given more screen time, and there's another detective working on the murder case. Whereas in the novel Griffin Mill murders Kahane with no provocation, in the film Kahane actually strikes Griffin first. Also, the role of the writer is somewhat reduced, although not completely diminished. There is more focus on Griffin's pursuit of June after he kills David, and their bizarre attraction to each other.
The biting satire in the novel feels more subtle in the movie, but that doesn't make it work any worse. The opening shot, filled with ironic dialogue about famous opening shots and random cameos, gives a typical day of Griffin and several movie executives who have to hear plenty of nonsensical movie pitches, but of course directors consider them works of genius. For some, Graduate 2 is the next Oscar winner, especially since it's "Graduate 2, With a Stroke!" Or, if not that, it's an established director trying to cram in every single genre into a movie, and with heart. Overall, the film does a great job showing the absurdity of Hollywood in several characters, and in some cases simple cameos, whereas the novel had to extract that theme through the actions of Griffin. For a movie, the showing works, so no harm done.
This is definitely one of the best book to movie adaptations I have ever seen. It's a shame that Tolkin's novel is out of print because I think it will have a lasting impact on those who read it. Fortunately, the movie can do just as good of a job, as well. From the silliness of wannabe writers creating THE great American movie, to the chilling exploration of Griffin's psyche, this movie can say all that needs to be said about the corruption and lack of creativity plaguing Hollywood.
A