Jump to content

HBO's Sharp Objects


Theda Baratheon

Recommended Posts

So...sharp objects and hidden words...

The first episode is incredibly compelling; I'm a big fan of Adams and this looks like an incredibly meaty role for her to play. 

Things this episode does so right:

  • seemless flashbacks that integrate smoothly into the present...just like real memories do. 
  • kid actors that look like their adult counterparts
  • dialogue: ''Old money and trash...'' 
  • a brilliant portrayal of the compulsion behind self harm and self destructive behaviours...spot the negative words in the background and give me the number you end up with. 
  • a compelling story that you want to see unfold.

This HBO series is based on a book, one I haven't read, and will avoid spoilers from the book here please. 

Am interested to see everyone else's thoughts...

Also...my number is 5. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It seems pretty strong so far. It also seems like a very faithful adaptation. Not that I'm a slave to the notion that only faithful adaptations can be good ones but the interactions between characters arouse the same feelings they did when I read the book.

The step-father dressing like he's weekending in the Hamptons cracks me up. 

I had to do a quick rewind to see what she had carved into her arm in the final scene, which I think is cool - because it flashed up suddenly and I wasn't certain I'd seen it or not. 

I'm sad I've got to wait between episodes because I want to see more. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Got around to watching this last night. Very intriguing first episode with plenty of unanswered questions. Feels like there's a mystery going on here at multiple levels. The end was genuinely shocking to the uninitiated. A couple of observations:

  • I haven't read the book, but since @Isis points out that it's very faithful I have to say this - Gillian Flynn (between this and Gone Girl) does a phenomenal job of illustrating the actual vibe and atmosphere of "middle America." Not some romanticized or generic version of it. The real shit: Boring landscapes dotted with sleepy houses, farm animals and bland commerce, populated by miserable people kind of fumbling through life. I absolutely love it. It reminds me a lot of how effective season 1 of True Detective was at showing the deep South in all its glory.
  • The mom (Patricia Clarkson, who is awesome in everything) reminded me so much of my own mother that it made me a bit uncomfortable for Amy Adams' character. Looking forward to seeing what is behind that dynamic.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 7/13/2018 at 1:47 PM, Ferrum Aeternum said:

Got around to watching this last night. Very intriguing first episode with plenty of unanswered questions. Feels like there's a mystery going on here at multiple levels. The end was genuinely shocking to the uninitiated. A couple of observations:

  • I haven't read the book, but since @Isis points out that it's very faithful I have to say this - Gillian Flynn (between this and Gone Girl) does a phenomenal job of illustrating the actual vibe and atmosphere of "middle America." Not some romanticized or generic version of it. The real shit: Boring landscapes dotted with sleepy houses, farm animals and bland commerce, populated by miserable people kind of fumbling through life. I absolutely love it. It reminds me a lot of how effective season 1 of True Detective was at showing the deep South in all its glory.
  • The mom (Patricia Clarkson, who is awesome in everything) reminded me so much of my own mother that it made me a bit uncomfortable for Amy Adams' character. Looking forward to seeing what is behind that dynamic.

 

 

Flynn is really a brilliant writer. As well as her full length novels, I also enjoyed her short story in Rogues. And looking it up quickly, I see she is showrunning Utopia on Amazon which has suddenly become a must watch for me!

Wikipedia (I know I know) also lists Flynn as the writer for a few episodes which is all to the good

On 7/13/2018 at 3:22 PM, Theda Baratheon said:

Patricia Clarkson really is just absolutely bloody fantastic in everything she does. 

She is indeed. Amy Adams too; knew she was talented but something about her performance in episode one really worked for me and I dunno, almost made me forget I was watching someone act if that makes any sense at all? 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It didn't grab me like Westworld did, and I have a strong hunch of how it will all work out in the end, but I am a sucker for atmospheric, noirish type of stuff, so I will keep watching.  And I agree w/everyone else that Patricia Clarkson is a fucking boss....although I was a little unsure of what the symbolism of candles being lighted all over the house was supposed to be, beyond I guess, she needs everything bright to detract from the dark corners of her denial, but that many candles in a house that big...fire hazard:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, kairparavel said:

It's my favourite GF book but I don't think I can handle the claustrophobic anxiety and grimness of it on screen right now. I'm feeling pretty bleak catching up on Handmaid's Tale.

That’s fair. I still haven’t finished the second half of the new Twin Peaks and it must be like...a year now. I was watching it alongside the 1st season of Handmaids Tale and it was just too much for me...too depressing. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, Theda Baratheon said:

That’s fair. I still haven’t finished the second half of the new Twin Peaks and it must be like...a year now. I was watching it alongside the 1st season of Handmaids Tale and it was just too much for me...too depressing. 

 

You’re not missing much, unfortunately. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would like to say that I plan on just watching the first couple of episodes and then deciding on whether or not to watch the show depending on if I like it...... but that'd just be a lie. Who am I kidding? I'm watching the whole season even if it takes a massive downhill turn in quality. I've watched one episode, I'm committed now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, kairparavel said:

It's my favourite GF book but I don't think I can handle the claustrophobic anxiety and grimness of it on screen right now. I'm feeling pretty bleak catching up on Handmaid's Tale.

That’s a fair position. The Handmaid’s Tale had a brilliant first season but was very difficult to watch. Perhaps that’s why I keep putting off the second season. Anyway, I can definitely see why you wouldn’t want to watch this at the same time, there’s only so much bleakness you can handle 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...