Did you happen to see the Lifetime premier of The Memory Keeper's Daughter last Saturday? If you missed it, you can get it on iTunes. I recorded it because I was at the Gala that night. I finally got around to watching it Friday night and thought I'd share my impression.
This movie is based on the book of the same name by Kim Edwards. It is a New York Best Seller. I had the opportunity to hear Ms. Edwards speak last year at the National Down Syndrome Congress Annual convention. Unfortunately, we had the girls with us and I missed the beginning of her speech. I came in too late to realize who she was. I had not heard of her book, but read it soon after the convention.
In case you are unfamiliar with the plot, a doctor's young wife gives birth to twins in the 1960's. The doctor has to deliver his own children in a snowstorm. The son is typical developing, but the daughter has Down syndrome. For many reasons, he asks his nurse to take the child to an institution. When the nurse gets to the institution, she cannot leave the baby and ends up raising the child herself.
I was really excited when I heard the book had been made into a movie, although I was disappointed it would be on Lifetime. I would have preferred it be a box office movie or at least a made for HBO movie. I felt the movie was rushed at times and skipped many important subplots. It was a 2 hour movie and had many commercials, making the actual running time around 1 hour and 30 minutes. I thought the acting for the most part was good. The music got a little cheesy at times, but overall, I would recommend it.
As I was watching the movie, I wondered if I would have been lost or confused had I not read the book. Did anyone see the movie first? Were you able to follow the storyline? Have you decided to read the book? I would love to hear your thoughts on the movie.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
The Memory Keepers Daughter
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14 comments:
We are so cheap, we don't have extended cable so we don't even have that channel.
However, I have read that book. SOOOO good. Loved it!
Although my only complaint was that, since I spent 8 years living in Pittsburgh, some of the things/places they went weren't feasible. There was one scene in the book where someone (I can't remember who), walked from Carnegie Mellon to the Point. Unless he walked through a very dangerous ghetto area, or down a 6 lane highway, there is really no way to actually do this. This just bugged me.
Other than that...GREAT book!!!
Hi Irene,
Having never been to Pittsburgh, I'll have to take your word for it. If I remember the part you are talking about correctly, that was Dr. Henry. That wasn't even in the movie. I know a movie can't have all the storylines a book does, but I think this book needed more movie time to tell the story properly. On a personal advocate note, if it had gone to the theaters it would have received more exposure and educated more people.
Thanks for joining in the discussion!
We were in St. Louis when this aired, so I watched it with my MIL who had read the book. I have not...can't imagine time to read anymore if it's not an online article. :o)
I thought the movie was ok. Not great, but not horrible. I thought the young lady who played Phoebe at oldest point was just great. But why did they have to put such a horrid wig on her?!? 18-year-olds with DS can't have good hair? I know, that's petty, but it really bugged me.
My MIL was frustrated with the left-out parts and thought it really diminished the movie, and after she told me what those parts were, I can understand that. I don't know why they didn't do a 3-part mini-series or something and do a better job, but I'm not the boss.
I have to say that I laughed when I read Irene's comment...I do that alot with movies set in places I've lived (there's alot of them). I'm glad I'm not the only one who picks things out like that.
Overall, I think it's worth the watch for sure.
Hi RK-
I agree completely about Phoebe. She was great and her boyfriend was so cute. A mini-series would have been a great idea. They rushed the ending so much I thought I hadn't recorded all of it.
One thing that I noticed was little Phoebe had glasses but grown up Phoebe didn't. See, I nit pick, too!
I'm so out of the loop that I hadn't even heard of the book. We have no idea what movies are out, and dont' have cable. (Gosh, we sound Amish, don't we?!) I'll have to get the book, sounds like a winner.
I watched the movie but haven't read the book. I have to say I was quite disappointed. I'm not sure what I was expecting. I think I thought I would be flooded with emotion but I wasn't. My sister is bringing the book to me today. I can't wait to read it and hope it is much better, as I hear it is.
Hi Mary,
The book is much better and it explains how this decision affected so many lives in different ways. I don't think the movie really set that out clearly. I think you'll enjoy the book.
deb
I totally agree with you it could have been done better
Hmm... I haven't read or seen the book/movie but I see that my sister did and we read a lot of the same books. I'll have to ask her about it!
I watched the movie last Sat night and thought it was pretty good. I had heard the book was so much better. I picked up the book at the Library the other day. I have only read a few chapters, but so far I can already tell how much detail the movie left out.
I'm looking forward to finishing the book.
I thought it was a wonderful book, and as usual a lot was cut out of the movie. I thought they did an okay job with the movie, the actress did a great job. I would have liked to see more of what was in the book - and agree with RK that a mini series would have been a great idea!
You know, I really need to read that book. I've heard so much about it.
And where are the pictures of you in your HOT, HOT dress? I bet you had a blast!
I haven't read the book yet, but I want to! I like to read the book before watching the movie...
i missed it...i meant to record it but i forgot. i think i will read the book forst before i download it...based on what you have said here.
oh i can't wait...i have been wanting a new book to read.
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