Last week I was re-reading the novel Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon and I was once again struck by what a good job was done adapting the story from book to film. In this author’s humble opinion, the book is brilliant. Chabon’s descriptions not only of his characters but of the city of Pittsburgh and outlying areas is truly what makes the story come to life. The reader really gets a sense of location and how that location weaves in and out of the lives of Grady, Sarah, James, Terry, and pretty much everyone else in the novel.
Although the film can’t be categorized as your classic “road movie” it definitely has that feel as the characters spend a good amount of time traveling, whether it’s to a lecture on campus, a party at the chancellor’s house, Grady’s in-laws, or to rescue James Leer (from his parents/grandparents and himself). Wonder Boys takes us on a journey, exploring with richness and depth the relationships between men, women, generations, and even pets. [Read more…]