In the future, I may write about the late novelist Philip Roth’s books.
For his 90th birthday tomorrow, let me round up articles I’ve written about the Roth novels’ film versions. Most recently, I watched (not reviewed) the television miniseries adaptation of his Jewish-themed alternate history, The Plot Against America, which is imperfect and entertaining.
I found three movies based on his writing, particularly The Human Stain by screenwriter and director Robert Benton, more interesting than the series, however. Most of these articles appear (for now) on my author website. Each film’s intriguing and serious with aspects that captivate on intellectual grounds. The Human Stain, which I chose to cover in detail for Box Office Mojo during my six-year editorial run, is the best. Benton’s filmmaking is exemplary. Rachel Portman’s score envelops. Anthony Hopkins is brilliant and, as the writer, Gary Sinise excels. Incidentally, the 2003 movie initiated an enduring friendship between me and its screenwriter-director.
All three films were weak in terms of box office. While The Human Stain’s the best of the three pictures, I am proudest of my review of Ewan McGregor’s adaptation of Mr. Roth’s American Pastoral. More than ever, I think Philip Roth’s writing deserves attention—as Jews and other intellectuals are persecuted for being rational, serious and intelligent—and I want these articles to generate interest and add value to any discourse on Philip Roth’s career.
Read, think—listen to Rachel Portman’s score—see the movies if you want and judge for yourself.
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Remember Philip Roth on his birthday
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In the future, I may write about the late novelist Philip Roth’s books.
For his 90th birthday tomorrow, let me round up articles I’ve written about the Roth novels’ film versions. Most recently, I watched (not reviewed) the television miniseries adaptation of his Jewish-themed alternate history, The Plot Against America, which is imperfect and entertaining.
I found three movies based on his writing, particularly The Human Stain by screenwriter and director Robert Benton, more interesting than the series, however. Most of these articles appear (for now) on my author website. Each film’s intriguing and serious with aspects that captivate on intellectual grounds. The Human Stain, which I chose to cover in detail for Box Office Mojo during my six-year editorial run, is the best. Benton’s filmmaking is exemplary. Rachel Portman’s score envelops. Anthony Hopkins is brilliant and, as the writer, Gary Sinise excels. Incidentally, the 2003 movie initiated an enduring friendship between me and its screenwriter-director.
All three films were weak in terms of box office. While The Human Stain’s the best of the three pictures, I am proudest of my review of Ewan McGregor’s adaptation of Mr. Roth’s American Pastoral. More than ever, I think Philip Roth’s writing deserves attention—as Jews and other intellectuals are persecuted for being rational, serious and intelligent—and I want these articles to generate interest and add value to any discourse on Philip Roth’s career.
Read, think—listen to Rachel Portman’s score—see the movies if you want and judge for yourself.
Movie Review by Scott Holleran: The Human Stain
Interview: Robert Benton on The Human Stain by Scott Holleran
Interview: Rachel Portman on Composing The Human Stain by Scott Holleran
Movie Review by Scott Holleran: Indignation
Movie Review by Scott Holleran: American Pastoral