I never thought the original Academy Award winning film was that good, but I have always loved the novel. I dislike the Penn persona enormously, but to give him his due he did a nice job in Mystic River where the acting was not as good as the screenplay and the cinematography. Hopkins sleepwalks through bad movies he does for money but is superb when he thinks it's worth his while. With any luck, he'll answer the bell with this one.
As for Kate Winslet, I have no opinion, not even having seen Titanic, but it does seem there are some edgier women around who might have been better. Mebbe Mercedes Ruehl is too old for the part now, but ten years ago she woulda been perfect.
[This message has been edited by Michael Juster (edited August 14, 2006).]
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