Your Thoughts on "Midnight" (after the movie came out...)

If you'd like, send in your comments/thoughts/opinions/observations on anything related to "Midnight," so I can consider posting them here.

M.C.—Burlingame, CA:
Being a huge fan of "Midnight" I was looking forward to the movie immensely. I was thrilled to know that Kevin Spacey was playing Jim Williams since he's one of my favorite actors. The movie in my opinion turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag. Nowhere nearly as good as the book but it did have some very strong elements. Spacey was excellent as Williams. He had just the right touch of malice and humor. Clint Eastwood did capture the mood and atmosphere of the book quite well, especially with the haunting prologue and end tag featuring the wind blowing and k.d. lang singing acapella. Lady Chablis brought vivacious energy to the whole project. Irma P. Hall was perfect as Minerva and the end of the film is very effective. However, the movie strays much too often from the book for no reason at all. The half baked romance between Kelso and Mandy is terribly uninteresting. There's also a big problem with the pacing of the film with scenes that sometime drag like molasses. It could have been a better film but it could also have been much worse. I thought that the A&E Special was excellent though! Well made and chock full of wonderful interviews and facts. It was almost like a valentine to all us fans of the book! They re-run it quite often and it is also available for purchase through A&E.

TRILLIAN—Kansas:
Despite critics' unfavorable reviews of 'The Movie', I still rushed to see it opening weekend. As usual, I disagreed with the critics and absolutely loved the movie, and I hadn't even read The Book. What first got me interested in the project was the great cast (Where did Spacey's Oscar nomination go?), and the great story. It didn't seem at all long, and I can't see how critics found the plot 'uninteresting'.

CHRISTA HUFFINE—Augusta, Georgia (City of the 3rd trial):
I loved this movie!! I will admit that it was long, but the time flew by and yet I'm still intrigued by the story.

JG—Vancouver, Washington:
What an outstanding movie! I am only now getting a chance to read the book. My only complaint (and disappointment) is that this movie did not receive one Oscar nomination. I don't understand this.

KAREN STEWART—Louisville, Kentucky:
Having read the book and seen the movie, I must say I am delighted with both versions of "Midnight". Although it was a disappointment that the movie did not more accurately portray the true and somewhat unique nature of Jim Williams' legal predicament, I found the movie to be basically otherwise true to the book. It is a visual delight as well.

I have always been an admirer of the work of Flannery O'Connor, one of Georgia's finest writers. New York publishers said that she made up the characters in her works. I believe that one reason people are so interested in "Midnight" is the accurate character development, made easier because the characters are real. The nature of Williams' relationship with Danny Hansford is quite common.

DENISE—New York:
The Movie was a terrible disappointment to me. John Cusack, whom I normally like, was bland (every expression he had was open-mouthed), and Alison Eastwood, though a competent actress, has no screen presence whatsoever....she wasn't good enough to carry an important role....sorry Clint. I must say, the charm and "different" qualities that made the book so unforgettable were totally absent! The two exceptions were Lady Chablis, who did a fine job, and of course the great Kevin Spacey. If it weren't for these two, I would have fallen asleep, I'm sure. The screenwriter and director should have kept more in of Joe Odom also—I think that would have helped. All in all, the A&E documentary was FAR better. Just one last comment...can't WAIT to visit Savannah this summer.

"JASM":
How on earth could people say this movie wasn't incredible!!! I walked out of it just amazed! Eastwood took the story, and without making it overly dramatic with an action-filled plotline he managed to accentuate all the little subtleties in each of the character's (especially Cusack's) roles--which made it all the better. I walked out of the theatre with an "eerie" feeling. The movie was just so different than what I was used to. It WAS a serious drama, but Chablis' hysterical remarks just added to its goodness instead of taking away from the mood. Man, were Chablis and Cusack ever hot together! Excuse me, I suddenly have a craving for a tootsie roll! Excellent work, all!

BECKY—Texas City:
Kevin Spacey draws me to the box office. It is more than talent; it is his unerring instinct for knowing which roles to accept. He did not disappoint me in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"; he never does.

There is an exquisite richness to "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". My compliments to Clint Eastwood, the cast, and the crews. Oscar nominations are *definitely* in order.

TIMAMU—Savannah:
Did not get a chance to see the movie but found the A&E documentary extremely informative. I'm an avid A&E viewer fan and will add this one to my list. I thought the Spiritual adviser / Psychic, Angel Hakim was informative and segued the meaning of "Good and Evil" well. Would like to see what others thought about the documentary.

TOM WELLS—Charlotte, North Carolina:
Oh, come on folks, the movie was absolutely horrible!! The mutilation that took place between the printed page and the film is not anywhere close to 'artistic license'. The film was offensive at best... well, OK, I will admit that Chablis was the exception. Other than her, there was little similarity between the events as they actually occurred and what the film maker would have us believe. Sure glad I went to see it at the $3.50 'cheap show'.

JANE—Chicago:
This movie was so bad it put some members of our group to sleep... others squirmed. And we had visited Savannah just because of the book, had read and listened to it on tape several times! Points: the totally unnecessary romance between Kelso and Mandy, Kelso's unbelievable naivete (he didn't shut his mouth and was wide-eyed through the whole thing), where was the great music the advance publicity touted? Kevin Spacey was great but was relegated to a relatively minor role, Eastwood's casual directorial style was evident, why put in scenes like the one of the lady's club, if you're not going to explain them? And so on, and so on...

TABITHA—Richmond, Virginia:
Just a quick note to let you know that I have thoroughly enjoyed your "Midnight" website. I am a huge fan of "Midnight", the book, and of the movie's extremely talented star, Kevin Spacey. During the weeks up to and after the release of the movie, your website kept me informed on all the shows/magazines related to the movie, and I haven't missed anything yet (except the Savannah premiere, which I could only attend in my dreams). Your dedication to the book and the movie is quite evident through your website, and I hope that you will continue to keep up the good work :-)

ANNE—Denver:
Thought I'd drop you a line to let you know I loved the movie! Maybe it didn't entirely adhere to history, but since the book was primarily a series of vignettes about Savannah and its colorful residents, how else could a linear plot evolve without some "creative" storytelling? Kevin Spacey was absolutely magnificent as Jim Williams, and I hope he gets another Oscar nomination. Lady Chablis was a real "trip"! She actually stole the show a lot of the time. The only problems I had with the flick were with the totally unnecessary romance between "Kelso" and Mandy and with some of the editing priorities. There should have been more scenes with Jim and "Billy" showing the warm side of their relationship; as it was, it looked like a case of justifiable homicide, whether self-defense or not. We saw more of Chablis, Mandy and "Kelso" and less of Jim and Savannah than we should, but otherwise it was very entertaining and fun. Probably more due to the movie than even due to the book, one of my friends and I would like to visit Savannah and soon. . .

MARTI—Tucson:
I must say that after waiting so long to see "Midnight", I was hoping for something more than I got. Don't get me wrong. I really enjoyed the book. The movie however... goes without saying that I wouldn't pay $7 to see it again. Maybe it's just me but I thought that John Cusack's performance was 'luke warm'. However, Kevin Spacey is the best actor to ever hit Hollywood since Dean Martin. His performance 'carried' this movie; in every aspect!!!! I love Clint Eastwood's work. But next time pick a script that has more than one GOOD character. No disrespect intended.

MOLLY and HUBBY:
Hubby and I have waited impatiently since we had the priveledge of watching some of the filming of "Midnight" and getting to meet "John Cusack", last May while in Savannah, and I must say it was well worth the wait. We loved Cusack in the "Kelso" roll and thought the chemistry between him and Chablis was delightful. Kevin Spacey gave a stellar performance as "Jim Williams" and even resembles him somewhat. We thought the continuity could have been beefed up a bit but hubby was pleased with the outcome of combining 4 trials into one. The booklovers will no doubt have many problems but we enjoyed the whole movie tremendously...You can read more of our review on our "Cusack" webpage... Molly's John Cusack web page.

ROCK GAILLARD:
Not having read the book nor knowing anything about it... but being a huge University of Georgia Fan, I had to go see Uga in his first movie. I must admit.. I got hooked. I have to read the book now (backwards huh?). The characters are really great. Lady Chablis was... well...herself. Spacey did an outstanding job. I highly suggest you see... be prepared that it is long.. but well worth it. Do yourself a favor... go see it!!! Go Panthers! Go Dawgs!

MARY ELIZABETH—Atlanta:
Don't believe what the critics tell you. It was awesome! It was one of the few movies I've seen that follows the story line almost exactly. (The movie "Forrest Gump" didn't even follow the book!) It was wonderful!

MARGARET WILSON:
Can anybody explain to me WHY the person who really solved this crime was not even mentioned anywhere in the book?? Her name is Eleanor Shook, medical librarian at Candler Hospital. After three long trials and convictions, she dug deeper and found a "Green sheet" that clearly showed that the victims hands were not bagged at the scene of the crime. Upon discovering this, SHE contacted Sonny Seiler and told him what she had found. Upon his own admission, he could not contain his excitement. He did not even realize that such a document existed. With this new evidence, Jim Williams was finally exonerated. Credit should be given to Eleanor, or this case could have had a very different ending.

JAN—Annapolis, Maryland:
The critics just Don't Get It. The Movie was a delight. Quirky, fun and oh, so realistic. Made you feel like you were visiting with real people. From what I understand, many of them were just that. The Movie captures a mood and an attitude, and manages to convey them. Not an easy thing to do when you aren't painting with words.

I have to see it again . . . and again. The humor is subtle (portraits of Uga gracing the office, Johnny Mercer woven into party scenes, frivolity and joie de vivre.) Imagery is riveting (death scenes). Truly makes you feel like a participant in the story. Chablis is Chablis. Hope this launches a career for her/him/her.

This picture should win awards -- big time. The professionals in the industry realize what Eastwood captured in this movie, even if the critics can't.

Loved it, loved it, loved it.

CATHY—Jacksonville:
Ok, I have read and heard some pretty bad reviews, but I disagree completely! THE MOVIE was just as engrossing and mesmerizing as THE BOOK. Six of us went together, 3 having read THE BOOK, and I can honestly say the 3 who did not read THE BOOK were just as taken in. It was a gas from the first scene! Highlights for me: John Cusack--period. Love him, don't need a reason. Kevin Spacey--eerily Jim. Chablis of course stole the show, and I do agree a best supporting "whatever" Oscar nod may be in order there. The Luther Driggers character kept us laughing everytime we saw him, as did Minerva. Irma P. Hall was perfectly cast and made Minerva jump off the pages of the book for me! The only half-way negative comment I have, is that the role of "Mandy" just didn't seem to fit. Cusack's character didn't need a "love interest" at all. If anything, the city of Savannah itself was the love interest, and most certainly the star of the movie! I'm sure I will see it again. By the way, the A&E 2-hour special MIDNIGHT IN SAVANNAH was really good, after having seen the movie. The Movie was very realistic right down to the crime scene photos.

TONY SEVERINO—Haddonfield, NJ:
After reading several movie critiques bad mouthing the movie, I had some reservation about going to see it. Well, last night my family and I went. Two hours plus and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Usually any movie over one hour includes a fifteen minute nap for me. This movie was fascinating, funny, just delightful. I loved it and so did my children (grown up). My wife read the book and liked the movie a lot.
   But I think it comes down to the "loved the book, hated the movie" virus that affects some people. Chablis was a delight. Kevin Spacey excellent. My personal view is Williams shot Jude for lousy acting more than anything. The lawyer, Sonny, was also a great portrayal of a southern lawyer. I really wonder what some of these movie critics were looking for. Four stars from this corner.

ANNA—Orange Park, Florida:
So I went to see The Movie, knowing full well it would not—could not—be The Book, therefore tempering expectations....and...
   Well, Kevin Spacey's performance was spooky; there are no other words for what was happening when he was on screen. Kevin is a very very talented actor of course but I got the distinct feeling that perhaps there was a bit more going on than what Mr. Eastwood intended. Something to ponder in late evening over another reading of The Book...
   Chablis was so much fun! That girl's energy level is just too much; blew me away. The rest of the cast were really good; it took a while to get into their roles because of all my preconceptions of "What they were really like" but I got past that and enjoyed the movie...
   Don't let mixed reviews bum ya, Savannah! The critics panned "The Wizard of Oz", "Cuckoo's Nest" and, yes, even "GWTW"... Nothing makes these people happy, that is why they are critics....besides how many of them have been to Savannah??

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