Film Snail

American Pastoral
American Pastoral

6.2

American Pastoral

R·2016·108m

Summary

Set in postwar America, a man watches his seemingly perfect life fall apart as his daughter's new political affiliation threatens to destroy their family.

Crew

Director

Ewan McGregor

Novel

Philip Roth

Screenplay

John Romano

Reviews

Rangan

Rangan

November 4, 2017

6

**About a father who never gave up on his daughter!**

The book was from the 90s and the story is about the 60s. Narrated from the father's perspective, that's what I think did not work in this film. This is where a film and the book does not synch. Because books are always very detail when it describes a person. In the films, they are just a simple visual where viewers have to focus on those details to have a perfect impression like the book. So I totally point out to the writer who did not quite transformed the point of the storytelling.

It is not the parents to decide what their kids want to be. The film opened with a couple ready to get married, arguing with their elders about something. Soon it forwards to a few years where their relationship with their daughter seems not good. Further, they become more distant and completely lose her for the unrest in the society and the nation. But father never gives up. His love and care for her leads the way and what comes later is even more disturbing before it all ends.

It was Ewan McGregor's directional debut. I don't think he would try it again, not any time soon. But I would appreciate his quality of filmmaking. He only needs a better writer and the screenplay. I also think, he should not direct himself. I never considered him a best actor. I yet to see his performance. The film was not strong enough, if you are from outside the United States. Because what they call this 60s revolution was more a misunderstood by the young people. Particularly that religious thing, they were misled and spoiled their lives. So, instead of focusing that, the film centred on a father-daughter relationship. That is why it was a decent film. Otherwise I would have rated even wrose.

_5.5/10_

Media

Status:

Released

Original Language:

English

Budget:

$10,000,000.00

Revenue:

$1,715,728.00

Keywords

vietnam war
husband wife relationship
based on novel or book
parent child relationship
1970s
political activism
man hunt
stuttering
1960s
college reunion
beauty queen