Rented a DVD of the Young-Gish "Double Life" because the plot seemed interesting. Watched it once, then watched it again because Alice (played by Lillian Gish) was so remarkable. Then read the play "The Great Adventure" the movie was adapted from. Then read the novel "Buried Alive" the play was based on. Alice went from "a plain widow" in the book to "a nice little package" in the play to the beautiful Lillian in the movie. And the plots and endings of the three works varied extensively. But the personality of Alice (aka Janet) is consistent. She is the eminently sensible, practical woman. A rare creature. Any sensible man would be delighted to have her as his companion. Watch this movie if only to experience the character of Alice.
Reviews
2 Reviews
It led me to read the book.
6 December 2005
What a read! Started with "Time Regained," noted that I was missing things, went back to page 1 of "Swann's Way" and spent the necessary MONTHS to read the whole work. A major effort -- there are sections that are excruciatingly boring, but offset by the most original descriptive writing I have ever read. And I will read it again! Perhaps in French.
If you really liked the movie and haven't read the books, wait until you see it AFTER reading the books. Once you become familiar with the characters, as described by Proust, you may have problems with the casting of some of the minor characters, but you will no longer be uncertain about their roles.
The whole experience, triggered by the film, was life-expanding.
If you really liked the movie and haven't read the books, wait until you see it AFTER reading the books. Once you become familiar with the characters, as described by Proust, you may have problems with the casting of some of the minor characters, but you will no longer be uncertain about their roles.
The whole experience, triggered by the film, was life-expanding.
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