The
witches of Eastwick
|
Book
| Movie
| Discussion
questions
|
Book:
back
to top
Movie:
back
to top
Discussion
questions:
1. Lots has been written about Witches of Eastwick before it even came
out. The novel by John Updike was great, the director George Miller
was known from the Mad Max movies and the cast was highly promising:
Jack Nicolson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle
Pfeiffer. What did you think of the movie?
2. Strong women seem to have become a regular discussion feature at
Books2Movies. The last time we discussed the women of the First
Wives Club, and here we have the Witches of Eastwick: Alexandra -
the sculptor played by Cher, Jane - the musician played by Susan
Sarandon, and Sukie - the single mother played by Michelle Pfeiffer.
What do you think of the way the women were portrayed in the book
and in the movie? Do they have strong and different characters? Do
you think they are portrayed in a sympathetic way?
3.
A theme that Updike often uses in his books the way adultery (and
sex) influence smooth relationships. The friendship of Alexandra,
Jane and Sukie is changed by their (sexual) longing to Daryl van
Horne (Jack Nicholson). In what way did their friendship change? What is the influence of
the fourth woman Felicia on their relationship?
How was this portrayed in the movie?
4.
The movie especially focuses on the supernatural elements - the book
doesn't. (Remember for instance how Alexandra empties the beach with
a thunderstorm and how tennis balls are transformed into frogs.)
What do you think of the way the supernatural and
witchcraft are portrayed?
5.
Alexandra, Jane and Sukie realize Daryl van Horne is the devil when
it's almost too late. What do you think of the portrayal of the devil by Jack Nicholson?
Is he a better devil than for instance Brad Pitt in Meet Joe Black
or Al Pacino in The Devil's Advocate?
Who would you cast to play the devil?
6.
We discussed the devil, but what do you think of the witches:
Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer?
Are they as good as Anjelica Huston as Morticia Adams or as Grand
witch in Witches? Who would you cast to play a witch? Why?
7.
Cher was actually offered the role of Jane - the struggling
musician - but preferred the role of Alexandra - the
talented sculptor whose famous quote is:
"I think... no, I am positive... that you are the most unattractive
man I have ever met in my entire life. You know, in the short time
we've been together, you have demonstrated EVERY loathsome
characteristic of the male personality and even discovered a few new
ones. You are physically repulsive, intellectually retarded, you're
morally reprehensible, vulgar, insensitive, selfish, stupid, you
have no taste, a lousy sense of humor and you smell. You're not even
interesting enough to make me sick."
Do you think Cher should have played Jane instead? Why, or why not?
8.
Witches of Eastwick was made into a musical as well. Did you see the
musical? What did you think of it? If not, do you think this movie/book could have been made into a
good musical? Why? Which movie would you like to see made into a musical?
Do
you want to discuss this book or
others? Join
the group.
back
to top
|
