Notes From Underground

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Summary: An updated version of Dostoyevsky's classic Novella.
Review: I was very surprised to see this in my video store. After I saw it, I was more surprised that it never reached theaters (at least not here) and never got any press. "Notes From Underground" remains faithful to the original text which is hard considering the first half of the novella is just one man's rants on paper.

"Notes From Underground" for those who don't know it is the story of "A sick man, a spiteful man" who spends his better days in solitude and reflects with bitter sarcasm and confrontal truth the past events in his life. From dinner with old school friends who hate him to his love-hate relationship with a prostitute. Many of the scenes as they were when I read the original book are hard to watch because of it's emotional honesty.

This film version takes the novella to today's world. Instead of writing down his notes, the main character tells his confessions to a camera. The set up reminds me of Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape. The film does a good job at being creataive but good and faithful to the text.

I would recommend reading Dostoyevsky's book first then see this movie because there are certain in the novella that cannot be done on the screen. Still I enjoyed this film and thought it well worth your time. Good job Gary Walkow.

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Summary: Notes From the Moviewatcher
Review: This movie explores the intricate mind of a building inspector (Henry Czerny) who has few friends and a sour disposition. He resents his circle of "friends" and feels that they only use him for their personal gain. He doesn't seem to attract women and eventually has an encouter with a prositute(Sheryl Lee) with whom he tries to help out. He is torn between his need for love and disgust for her profession; his feelings of isolation do not facilitate for a healthy relationship. This film takes a look at the darker sides of one's personality. Most can relate to this flim on one level or another....whether it be social dysfunction, isolation from the opposite sex, or simply feeling used by others. The movie is mulit-texutred with amusement, irony,and sadness. I highly recommend this film.

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Summary: Gripping
Review: When I first heard of an adaptation of Dostoyevsky's Notes From Underground (Zapiski iz Pod Polya) to modern day US, I thought no way! But you have to see this. The true feel of Russian literature captured by amazing acting and a gripping adaptation. Strongly recommended if you like literature, film or thinking!