65 reviews
Richard Russo's 483-page novel offers a multi-faceted story and a fascinating array of characters in a small town in Maine who are burdened by the weight of the past. At the heart of the story is the character of Miles Roby, the proprietor of a local grill. We learn of Miles' love that he felt for his deceased mother and the love that he feels for his young daughter. The story resonated with American readers, and Russo was awarded the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
For a film version of Russo's novel, it would be difficult to imagine the assembling of a finer cast for the quirky, eccentric characters of "Empire Falls." The unassuming and selfless Miles Roby is brilliantly performed by Ed Harris. Although Russo was initially leaning towards the actor James Gandolfini for this crucial role, Harris captures the sensitivity and emotional depth of Miles that few other actors could achieve. Other members of this stellar cast include Paul Newman (as Miles' crusty father Max); Joanne Woodward (as the town matriarch Francine Whiting); Danielle Panabaker (as Miles' daughter); Helen Hunt (as Miles' ex-wife Janine); Aidan Quinn (as Miles' brother David); Theresa Russell (as Miles' co-worker and confidante at the grill); Estelle Parsons (as Miles' mother-in-law); and Kate Burton (as Cindy Whiting and lifelong admirer of Miles). These performances were so rich that it was as if the actors had been studying the book and developing their characters for the past three years. This was a film production so faithful to its source that it would be impossible reread the novel without thinking of this enormously gifted cast.
Veteran film director Fred Schepisi led the cast with a sure-handed yet leisurely paced style. In Russo's novel, the scenes from the past are written in italics, placing the key love relationship of Miles' mother Grace and Charlie Mayne in bold relief. This crucial relationship unfolded in the film in a slightly grey haze, which conveyed a visual aura of the past. As performed by Robin Wright Penn and Philip Seymour Hoffman, the relationship of Grace and Charlie was one of the most touching among many in this stellar cast. Schepisi's transitional moments between past and present were brilliantly conceived in the film.
Russo's novel is a uniquely American saga, recalling such great works of naturalism as Theodore Dreiser's "An American Tragedy." The story has great scope and deals with such themes as family dysfunction, small-town gossip, commerce and industry, political infighting, and, above all, family secrets. The painful layers of the past in the lives of the characters were carefully revealed to us and to the characters themselves. In one of the most moving sequences of the film, the past merges with the present, and the realization of Miles is that ultimately one must declare a "truce" with the ghosts from the past.
One of the readers affected by this powerful story was the actor Paul Newman, who had previously collaborated with Russo on the film "Nobody's Fool." Newman served as one of the film's executive producers. This HBO film adaptation of "Empire Falls" has been three years in the making, and the result is truly a labor of love.
For a film version of Russo's novel, it would be difficult to imagine the assembling of a finer cast for the quirky, eccentric characters of "Empire Falls." The unassuming and selfless Miles Roby is brilliantly performed by Ed Harris. Although Russo was initially leaning towards the actor James Gandolfini for this crucial role, Harris captures the sensitivity and emotional depth of Miles that few other actors could achieve. Other members of this stellar cast include Paul Newman (as Miles' crusty father Max); Joanne Woodward (as the town matriarch Francine Whiting); Danielle Panabaker (as Miles' daughter); Helen Hunt (as Miles' ex-wife Janine); Aidan Quinn (as Miles' brother David); Theresa Russell (as Miles' co-worker and confidante at the grill); Estelle Parsons (as Miles' mother-in-law); and Kate Burton (as Cindy Whiting and lifelong admirer of Miles). These performances were so rich that it was as if the actors had been studying the book and developing their characters for the past three years. This was a film production so faithful to its source that it would be impossible reread the novel without thinking of this enormously gifted cast.
Veteran film director Fred Schepisi led the cast with a sure-handed yet leisurely paced style. In Russo's novel, the scenes from the past are written in italics, placing the key love relationship of Miles' mother Grace and Charlie Mayne in bold relief. This crucial relationship unfolded in the film in a slightly grey haze, which conveyed a visual aura of the past. As performed by Robin Wright Penn and Philip Seymour Hoffman, the relationship of Grace and Charlie was one of the most touching among many in this stellar cast. Schepisi's transitional moments between past and present were brilliantly conceived in the film.
Russo's novel is a uniquely American saga, recalling such great works of naturalism as Theodore Dreiser's "An American Tragedy." The story has great scope and deals with such themes as family dysfunction, small-town gossip, commerce and industry, political infighting, and, above all, family secrets. The painful layers of the past in the lives of the characters were carefully revealed to us and to the characters themselves. In one of the most moving sequences of the film, the past merges with the present, and the realization of Miles is that ultimately one must declare a "truce" with the ghosts from the past.
One of the readers affected by this powerful story was the actor Paul Newman, who had previously collaborated with Russo on the film "Nobody's Fool." Newman served as one of the film's executive producers. This HBO film adaptation of "Empire Falls" has been three years in the making, and the result is truly a labor of love.
Richard Russo's brilliant novel gets a full movie treatment from HBO Films under the direction of Fred Schepisi. This multi layered saga of people in a small and forgotten town in Maine follows Mr. Russo's novel and makes its people come alive, as portrayed by some of America's best actors working as an ensemble under Mr. Schepisi's unobtrusive direction.
Empire Falls serves as a metaphor for all that has happened in most New England towns when industry abandoned them and unscrupulous liquidators came to pick at the bones of whatever was left behind in order to make an easy buck.
At the center of the story we find Miles Roby, a decent man who has to deal with the present day realities and try to keep his family together. As played by Ed Harris, Miles offers the actor one of the best roles he has given us in years. Helen Hunt, on the other hand, seems to be miscast in the role of Janine; her fake accent doesn't seem to help her.
Paul Newman, as the eccentric patriarch of the Roby family, loses himself in his role and we forget we are watching anyone by that crazy Max Roby. Philip Seymour Hoffman makes a great contribution with a small appearance. Robin Wright Penn is seen briefly also as Grace, Miles mother who is a key figure in the story.
The rest of the cast is excellent.
The best thing that can come out of this adaptation is that people will flock to read Richard Russo's novels because he is an important voice in American literature.
Empire Falls serves as a metaphor for all that has happened in most New England towns when industry abandoned them and unscrupulous liquidators came to pick at the bones of whatever was left behind in order to make an easy buck.
At the center of the story we find Miles Roby, a decent man who has to deal with the present day realities and try to keep his family together. As played by Ed Harris, Miles offers the actor one of the best roles he has given us in years. Helen Hunt, on the other hand, seems to be miscast in the role of Janine; her fake accent doesn't seem to help her.
Paul Newman, as the eccentric patriarch of the Roby family, loses himself in his role and we forget we are watching anyone by that crazy Max Roby. Philip Seymour Hoffman makes a great contribution with a small appearance. Robin Wright Penn is seen briefly also as Grace, Miles mother who is a key figure in the story.
The rest of the cast is excellent.
The best thing that can come out of this adaptation is that people will flock to read Richard Russo's novels because he is an important voice in American literature.
It took me weeks to read the book, which, for me, is unusual. It wasn't that I didn't like it; to the contrary, I couldn't believe how terrific it was. But I could not put my finger on why it was taking me so long to read, until I reached the final third of the book: I simply did not want it to end. I had come to know the characters so well, through the deftness of Richard Russo's prose, and had come to like (at least most of) them, that I couldn't bring myself to say goodbye.
Such was my reaction to HBO's film version of this great American novel.
Others here have praised the production, so I'll only add my brief thoughts: The cast, from the main players to the secondary characters, is uniformly excellent, with one or two exceptions. It was thrilling to see Joanne Woodward back on the screen, but she interprets the role with a softness that, in my opinion, was entirely absent from the actual character she was portraying. So, a point or two off there. Otherwise, the acting was brilliant.
The screenplay adhered very closely to the novel, but some key dialog was disappointingly missing. I recognize that a 400+ page book, to be translated to film, requires editorial discretion. Still, a few things were lost that should have remained.
While the first half takes its time to establish characters and relationships, the second half feels rushed, and the ending definitely so. I couldn't help but feel that something was left on the cutting room floor. But then again, I didn't want it to end in the first place.
Because I am such a fan of the book, I was eager for my wife to see the movie (she hasn't read the book). So, I had a lot invested in the hope that they wouldn't screw it up. When the final credits rolled, I looked over at her, and her tears were flowing. "I didn't want it to end," she said quietly.
And neither will you.
Such was my reaction to HBO's film version of this great American novel.
Others here have praised the production, so I'll only add my brief thoughts: The cast, from the main players to the secondary characters, is uniformly excellent, with one or two exceptions. It was thrilling to see Joanne Woodward back on the screen, but she interprets the role with a softness that, in my opinion, was entirely absent from the actual character she was portraying. So, a point or two off there. Otherwise, the acting was brilliant.
The screenplay adhered very closely to the novel, but some key dialog was disappointingly missing. I recognize that a 400+ page book, to be translated to film, requires editorial discretion. Still, a few things were lost that should have remained.
While the first half takes its time to establish characters and relationships, the second half feels rushed, and the ending definitely so. I couldn't help but feel that something was left on the cutting room floor. But then again, I didn't want it to end in the first place.
Because I am such a fan of the book, I was eager for my wife to see the movie (she hasn't read the book). So, I had a lot invested in the hope that they wouldn't screw it up. When the final credits rolled, I looked over at her, and her tears were flowing. "I didn't want it to end," she said quietly.
And neither will you.
- coolrobbie
- Jul 27, 2006
- Permalink
Empire Falls is a remarkably intelligent piece of work, so very different from most mindless Hollywood films today. The smooth blend of comic and tragic with satiric overtones was brilliant. The easy transition from past to present reminds us all of the interdependence of child and parent, and the poignancy of different types of love. It reminded me of what films used to be capable of portraying in an era before mindless special effects took the place of human drama. The cast and crew should be commended for their artistic integrity in not succumbing to the current trend in the entertainment industry to cater to the lowest common denominator. I hope some Hollywood producers think about the fact that film can be thought-provoking, and not just a series of electronic jolts.
Empire Falls was a clear indication that there are still actors and actresses out there, and there are stories to be told without resorting to egregious remakes of old television series. If film is to be a viable part of culture, it needs to stimulate the mind of the viewer, and this film does that by creating complex characters who come to life on the screen. The issues of ambition and failure and love and hate pertain to us all, and the range of ages of the characters allowed for a wide identification. Empire Falls is a shining example of what the entertainment industry is capable of producing when it sets its mind on portraying the reality of the human condition with all of its weaknesses and strengths.
Empire Falls was a clear indication that there are still actors and actresses out there, and there are stories to be told without resorting to egregious remakes of old television series. If film is to be a viable part of culture, it needs to stimulate the mind of the viewer, and this film does that by creating complex characters who come to life on the screen. The issues of ambition and failure and love and hate pertain to us all, and the range of ages of the characters allowed for a wide identification. Empire Falls is a shining example of what the entertainment industry is capable of producing when it sets its mind on portraying the reality of the human condition with all of its weaknesses and strengths.
- christinepatterson7
- Feb 8, 2006
- Permalink
Lemme ask you this, is there such thing as a good soap opera? or are they all corny? Some can be better than others. Empire Falls is a well acted television feature, that is sporadically effective. When it is good, it's good, but when it is weak, it's very weak.
Empires Falls is a once famed textile mill town. The narrative is told from the point of view, of Miles Roby; a café owner, and a valued member of the community. Everyont in the film is somehow related to him. His daughter has managed to befriend the newest kid in town who is being bullied, his father is a quirky underachiever who keeps asking for money. His ex lover, is the daughter of the wealthiest woman in town, who doesn't like him much. There is also the memories of his mother and step father. At the moment Miles is trying to upgrade business, but is having a little trouble.
Empire Falls beings and ends solidly, but the two hours in between drift in and out between likable sentimental, and sappy sentimental. Some of the dialogue is actually really badly scripted. Paul Newman, even though he doesn't get much screen time delivers the best performance in the film, followed of course by Ed Harris who hasn't done a bad movie yet.
Empire Falls kept me going, despite some bits which are almost unwatchable. It's not a bad programme at all, but it's not as great as it probably should've been.
Empires Falls is a once famed textile mill town. The narrative is told from the point of view, of Miles Roby; a café owner, and a valued member of the community. Everyont in the film is somehow related to him. His daughter has managed to befriend the newest kid in town who is being bullied, his father is a quirky underachiever who keeps asking for money. His ex lover, is the daughter of the wealthiest woman in town, who doesn't like him much. There is also the memories of his mother and step father. At the moment Miles is trying to upgrade business, but is having a little trouble.
Empire Falls beings and ends solidly, but the two hours in between drift in and out between likable sentimental, and sappy sentimental. Some of the dialogue is actually really badly scripted. Paul Newman, even though he doesn't get much screen time delivers the best performance in the film, followed of course by Ed Harris who hasn't done a bad movie yet.
Empire Falls kept me going, despite some bits which are almost unwatchable. It's not a bad programme at all, but it's not as great as it probably should've been.
I saw the premiere in NYC, and I work with one of the cast members, so my take on the movie is a bit biased.
I also grew up in Maine, and know several of the locations well. All told, the production captured the sense of community in Maine very well. Look out the window of the Empire Grill for the best music store chain in the country, Bullmoose Music, or the background for other Maine details - Gifford's Icecream, Hannaford's, Route 201, Kennebunkport (and the Bush compound at Walker Point).
The film is excellent, and managed to translate the Richard Russo novel quite well. There was little changed or left out from the book - keep in mind this is a nearly 4 hour mini-series in two parts, 8 chapters. Watch it in two installments, late May, 2005 on HBO.
There is a very interesting dynamic with Paul Newman playing the passionate opposite of real-life wife Joanne Woodward, playing the rational and controlling matriarch. Ed Harris is the center of the production, and turns in a well considered and Mainer-like performance. Danielle Panabaker also performed well, and will turn into a starlet sooner than later. The supporting cast of Helen Hunt, Dennis Farina (hilarious), Kate Burton (wow), Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright Penn, Aidan Quinn, and Jeff DeMunn add up to an amazing ensemble.
It would be a 10 of 10 if the ending weren't the easy way out of a complex story, a problem with the book as well as the film.
I also grew up in Maine, and know several of the locations well. All told, the production captured the sense of community in Maine very well. Look out the window of the Empire Grill for the best music store chain in the country, Bullmoose Music, or the background for other Maine details - Gifford's Icecream, Hannaford's, Route 201, Kennebunkport (and the Bush compound at Walker Point).
The film is excellent, and managed to translate the Richard Russo novel quite well. There was little changed or left out from the book - keep in mind this is a nearly 4 hour mini-series in two parts, 8 chapters. Watch it in two installments, late May, 2005 on HBO.
There is a very interesting dynamic with Paul Newman playing the passionate opposite of real-life wife Joanne Woodward, playing the rational and controlling matriarch. Ed Harris is the center of the production, and turns in a well considered and Mainer-like performance. Danielle Panabaker also performed well, and will turn into a starlet sooner than later. The supporting cast of Helen Hunt, Dennis Farina (hilarious), Kate Burton (wow), Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright Penn, Aidan Quinn, and Jeff DeMunn add up to an amazing ensemble.
It would be a 10 of 10 if the ending weren't the easy way out of a complex story, a problem with the book as well as the film.
As an acting smörgåsbord, few films of the last year compare to Empire Falls. And I mean Smorgasbord in the sense that not everything is of the same quality, but, damn, sometimes bounty is its own reward. Ed Harris is an actor who only ever plays a few notes in a film, and you have to go back over the films to see the breadth of his talent. Paul Newman seems to have gone out of his way to pick a role that expanded his body of work, but there are some scenes where you see the mechanism creaking. Helen Hunt takes a giant leap away from her solid and likable safe zone into the most unlikable and outrageous character in a film of unlikable and outrageous characters and somehow makes the character both the most real and sympathetic. She seems like an actor poised for artistic greatness, if only there were any roles out there for her to sink her teeth into.
I read the book in 4 days in anticipation of the movie coming on. I finished it the afternoon of the screening. Fell in love with the characters, could see the cast as the characters and was disappointed when it was over. I didn't want to it to end.
I though Russo did a great job of turning the book into a screenplay. Since I knew every person, and being a Yankee the town was real in my mind so I feel he carried it off beautifully. I noticed the negative comments I read were mostly from people who hadn't read the book, maybe that is why the big difference of opinion.
I thought the cast was excellent and pulled it off very well. Joanne's part was not a lovable character and she wasn't. Ed Harris was his usual top performance. As for Paul Newman he was MAX. Max was a selfish, worthless, retro bate and yet his presence made every one feel safe. I can't believe that at 80 years old he can still steal the show but he does.
David and Charlene were not used enough but like I said I didn't want the story to end or to leave the town. If this became a weekly series I would be happy.
Dennis Farina was perfect in his part, and Helen Hunt accent or not was the uptight, frustrated, unhappy woman to a "T". Been there and got the tee shirt.
James Minty was played to perfection. I hated and felt sad for him in the same breath. The pain in his eyes matched the hopelessness of Cindy's frantic need for love.
Grace and Charley could not have been played any better. Mrs. Penn and Mr. Hoffman are real. They don't act they just are. THe entire cast was just about perfect.
I don't read much anymore but I would if I knew of another book of this caliber. Thank you Paul Newman for bringing to my attention.
Watch the movie, read the book. You can't loose but you sure can fall in love.
I though Russo did a great job of turning the book into a screenplay. Since I knew every person, and being a Yankee the town was real in my mind so I feel he carried it off beautifully. I noticed the negative comments I read were mostly from people who hadn't read the book, maybe that is why the big difference of opinion.
I thought the cast was excellent and pulled it off very well. Joanne's part was not a lovable character and she wasn't. Ed Harris was his usual top performance. As for Paul Newman he was MAX. Max was a selfish, worthless, retro bate and yet his presence made every one feel safe. I can't believe that at 80 years old he can still steal the show but he does.
David and Charlene were not used enough but like I said I didn't want the story to end or to leave the town. If this became a weekly series I would be happy.
Dennis Farina was perfect in his part, and Helen Hunt accent or not was the uptight, frustrated, unhappy woman to a "T". Been there and got the tee shirt.
James Minty was played to perfection. I hated and felt sad for him in the same breath. The pain in his eyes matched the hopelessness of Cindy's frantic need for love.
Grace and Charley could not have been played any better. Mrs. Penn and Mr. Hoffman are real. They don't act they just are. THe entire cast was just about perfect.
I don't read much anymore but I would if I knew of another book of this caliber. Thank you Paul Newman for bringing to my attention.
Watch the movie, read the book. You can't loose but you sure can fall in love.
Let me state first off like most of you I am not a 'movie critic' however felt lead to share some thoughts. Both my husband and I sat through this 'mini-series' together and neither of us missed a scene thanks to TiVO which meant something huge
we BOTH were drawn in by part ONE! FIRST BY The actors, story, marine hometown, setting, then we actually even chatted briefly while going to bed how we were enjoying this little mini-series and looked forward to finishing it later. So, Tuesday night we settled in late and finished it off. We were shocked, sucked in by the drama of the shootings, I actually sat up in my chair
."NO!" My whole mind 'got into this story".
For what? The whole story ended Dad and daughter drives home after not exactly sure how much time they were in Martha's Vineyard, if that's where they were, with Grandpa. And .
Then the narrator tries to nicely close up some characters lives and Walla the mini-series is OVER??? I don't think so! Didn't work for us! My response? WHAT THE HECK? THAT'S IT? THAT CAN'T BE IT!!!! THAT'S RIDICULOUS!!!! THAT IS THE SHORTEST "MINI-SERIES" I HAVE EVER HEARD OF! Which is the reason I actually found this web site, I put in "EMPIRE FALLS" in my Google search and found this web site, because I had to find out if truly their wasn't another part, like PART 3!? I am really disappointed. So much detail was put into this obvious labor of love, to fall so short at the end leaves both my husband and I sadly dissatisfied.
Let me say there are many times my hubby & I do not agree on which movies to watch; much less we truly ENJOY what we choose to watch together, so this was so unusual that we both enjoyed this. Then we both were so disheartened. Will there be a sequel?
SO FOR NOW >>> EMPIRE FALLS .. HAS FALLEN!
For what? The whole story ended Dad and daughter drives home after not exactly sure how much time they were in Martha's Vineyard, if that's where they were, with Grandpa. And .
Then the narrator tries to nicely close up some characters lives and Walla the mini-series is OVER??? I don't think so! Didn't work for us! My response? WHAT THE HECK? THAT'S IT? THAT CAN'T BE IT!!!! THAT'S RIDICULOUS!!!! THAT IS THE SHORTEST "MINI-SERIES" I HAVE EVER HEARD OF! Which is the reason I actually found this web site, I put in "EMPIRE FALLS" in my Google search and found this web site, because I had to find out if truly their wasn't another part, like PART 3!? I am really disappointed. So much detail was put into this obvious labor of love, to fall so short at the end leaves both my husband and I sadly dissatisfied.
Let me say there are many times my hubby & I do not agree on which movies to watch; much less we truly ENJOY what we choose to watch together, so this was so unusual that we both enjoyed this. Then we both were so disheartened. Will there be a sequel?
SO FOR NOW >>> EMPIRE FALLS .. HAS FALLEN!
If not for the all-star cast, this disappointing miniseries would have been unbearable. Ed Harris and Paul Newman are spectacular in their roles, but it seems most everyone else is underwritten or extraneous. I'm still trying to figure out if we're supposed to like/hate/tolerate/feel sorry for Helen Hunt's character. The main disappointment comes with an ending that feels rushed and unfulfilling, which is especially frustrating since we're sitting through 240 minutes of material. And as someone from a small town with unique accents, I laughed at how it seemed everyone in the town had different accents.
Like many movies based on novels, this one doesn't live up to the source material.
Like many movies based on novels, this one doesn't live up to the source material.
- johnlewis2000
- Jul 17, 2005
- Permalink
Although everyone should read the book - it will pull you in and you'll know the real Maine and the people who live there - this film is the next best thing. The script is amazingly deft, the acting is brilliant, and the production design and values are beautiful and true to the source. Paul Newman completely embodies Miles'incorrigible father and never fails to light up the screen while completely exasperating you - like he must do to everyone who comes in contact with him. Ed Harris portrays Miles as the complex and very subtle person with a thoughtful quietness that lets you know both why people are drawn to him as well as gives you clues why he keeps these same people at a perceptible distance. The rest of the cast members are just as distinguished in their roles. (The talent quotient is unbelievably high!) As amazing as this production is on just about every level (except for the music, which is irredeemably cheesy but fortunately mostly unobtrusive) credit must be given first and foremost to Richard Russo for writing characters so real and so complex and nuanced, and dialogue that is realistically elliptical that the real pull of the movie is not waiting to see what happens, but in getting to know the characters better. These are all ordinary people and what makes them interesting is not what they do, but those subtle things that make them who they are. This is why the mini-series format was perfect. It gives the viewer the opportunity to get to know Empire Falls. My only wish is that at some point one could see this on the big screen. Certainly the mythical town of Empire Falls (and the real town that it represents) is an important character and IT'S crowded on the small screen.
Dan Plante
Dan Plante
- dplante2002
- May 27, 2005
- Permalink
We found this movie nearly impossible to watch. With such a super cast, it's a shame that the writing and direction were so awful. The excruciating pace at which the story was told was maddening. The flash-backs were clumsy. The characters were one-dimensional. The heavy-handed metaphors -- the river, the cat -- were repeated way too often.
The movie Nobody's Fool, based on another novel by Russo, was infinitely better, probably because it was more tightly written and directed.
The photography in Empire Falls was lovely. Too bad it wasn't a travelogue.
I read the novel and enjoyed the writing style but had some quibbles with the novel itself. I would give the novel 4 out of 5 stars. Perhaps the screenwriters and director were so awed by the novel's reputation they felt they had to include every darn thing in their movie. This was supposed to be a television movie, guys, not Books on Tape.
The movie Nobody's Fool, based on another novel by Russo, was infinitely better, probably because it was more tightly written and directed.
The photography in Empire Falls was lovely. Too bad it wasn't a travelogue.
I read the novel and enjoyed the writing style but had some quibbles with the novel itself. I would give the novel 4 out of 5 stars. Perhaps the screenwriters and director were so awed by the novel's reputation they felt they had to include every darn thing in their movie. This was supposed to be a television movie, guys, not Books on Tape.
and this Richard Russo novel is realistic in its depiction of the state. Very nice little film (or mini-series) that boasts some terrific performances from Ed Harris (too old though), Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Kate Burton, William Fichtner, Aidan Quinn, Theresa Russell, Jeffrey DeMunn, Estelle Parsons, Robin Wright, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Dennis Farina. Howvever, I did NOT like Helen Hunt and her fake accent. And the kids were all faky. I recognized shots from Camden and Brunswick. I even met Russo at a Camden breakfast place on the harbor. But a nice effort and production here. A very sad story about lost hope and lost chances, but very realistic in the long run. Harris, Newman, and Woodward will win Emmys. And as a graduate of University of Maine in Orono (BA and MA) I recognized a lot of the logging pictures they showed at the beginning. A very classy HBO effort all around. I look forward to Russo's future novels.
"Empire Falls" is a 4 hour HBO miniseries which delves into the lives of a bunch of folks who live in a small, quaint Maine town where everyone knows everyone else and their business as well. A where-have-I-seen-this-before story of an apparently functional community with evidence of dysfunction bubbling to the surface at every juncture, "Empire Falls" tells a predictable but pleasantly easy going story which revolves around a passive, underachieving college grad (Harris) who runs a café owned by a wealthy widow (Woodward) who has little interest in anything beyond controlling the townsfolk like so many puppets. The story plays out on several levels with flashback conjuring the backstory while the motley aggregation of kooky and not so kooky characters work through their assorted problems to plaintive stringed orchestral stains. In spite of an excellent cast, "Empire Falls" falls short of HBO standards but is fodder for sentimentalists, especially those who survive on a diet of prime time TV. Movie buffs and realists should think twice before committing four hours to this flick as the buy-in may be difficult and the rewards too few and far between. (B)
Empire Falls was a refreshing film that dealt with many modern day issues with such depth & sincerity that truly moved me. I felt many emotions as I watched with great intensity, was on the edge of my seat waiting for part 2. Is so rare today to see a movie that is based on genuine story lines that project the realities of past and present day occurrences that so many people are able to relate to. A cast superb, Ed Harris was brilliant, as was Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Helen Hunt, Estelle Parsons, everyone was outstanding, from the seasoned actors right down to the very young, newcomers. The writing so fine tuned, so precise. Such a touch of today's reality done with such style, dignity & grace, kudos to all involved. The storyline was excellent, the plot simply spellbinding. The cast and crew was superb in every way, I felt so moved. Would love to see a sequel in the making.
- Beachbumg2
- May 29, 2005
- Permalink
Having read and loved this book several years ago, I was delighted to finally come across this 'mini-series'. I am usually reluctant to watch films of books I love, as a poor adaptation can taint the memory of a book. This film doesn't do that, but feels instead more like a different story. It's not that it strays from the plot, it just contains nearly none of the book's charms.
The highlight is the acting, with a brilliant and absolutely winning performance from Paul Newman. Hoffman, Wright, Harris, and many others create a star studded cast that could turn a shameful script into an enjoyable time. The screenplay is indeed lacking. Given that Richard Russo was the screenwriter, it either seems either an outsider could have done the book more justice, or simply that the book could not fit into a mere two-episode series. Either way, the result is a film that is filled with flat, stereotyped characters with no time to develop more substance. Newman's Max is the only character that really feels, well, real. That is a testament to Newman, as it seems everyone else may have listened too much to the director's cues.
Visually, the sets and locations give a good feel of the town described, but the editing and cinematography did not enhance this. I felt very aware that I was watching a film, and being told where to look, etc. This fit well with the voice over narration. Nothing feels cheaper than a disembodied voice telling me all I need to know about a film as it begins. It's a shortcut to actual filmmaking and makes me want to stop the movie before it embarrasses itself. I didn't though, and tried to overlook the sin. This was made even more difficult by the narrator, though, who sounded like he would be more at home in a Pepperidge Farm commercial. Adding more sin, we are gifted a truly sappy syrupy score that had no business being in the same film as any of these actors. The score alone loses this film two stars, at least. Try to ignore it, but I doubt that most can...
Lastly, a Maine accent is not easy. It's *not* a Boston accent. I'd say that a few of the actors went for it (Hunt, Hoffman) and did a respectable job, and some took a soft, mild approach or just none at all. This is a shame. A small town has an accent. People without that accent are not from there, left and came back, or are from money, etc. Of course this is not a major point of criticism, but it was a part of the story, with some characters having more power and control based on their education, class and background. William Fichtner's Jimmy Minty made this very point. Accents mark people.
The film is still worth a watch, but not something to have high expectations of. It is perhaps worth the time just to see two actors return from the grave: Paul Newman and his charming performance and Philip Seymour Hoffman who never disappointed. If your time is limited, just read the book instead.
The highlight is the acting, with a brilliant and absolutely winning performance from Paul Newman. Hoffman, Wright, Harris, and many others create a star studded cast that could turn a shameful script into an enjoyable time. The screenplay is indeed lacking. Given that Richard Russo was the screenwriter, it either seems either an outsider could have done the book more justice, or simply that the book could not fit into a mere two-episode series. Either way, the result is a film that is filled with flat, stereotyped characters with no time to develop more substance. Newman's Max is the only character that really feels, well, real. That is a testament to Newman, as it seems everyone else may have listened too much to the director's cues.
Visually, the sets and locations give a good feel of the town described, but the editing and cinematography did not enhance this. I felt very aware that I was watching a film, and being told where to look, etc. This fit well with the voice over narration. Nothing feels cheaper than a disembodied voice telling me all I need to know about a film as it begins. It's a shortcut to actual filmmaking and makes me want to stop the movie before it embarrasses itself. I didn't though, and tried to overlook the sin. This was made even more difficult by the narrator, though, who sounded like he would be more at home in a Pepperidge Farm commercial. Adding more sin, we are gifted a truly sappy syrupy score that had no business being in the same film as any of these actors. The score alone loses this film two stars, at least. Try to ignore it, but I doubt that most can...
Lastly, a Maine accent is not easy. It's *not* a Boston accent. I'd say that a few of the actors went for it (Hunt, Hoffman) and did a respectable job, and some took a soft, mild approach or just none at all. This is a shame. A small town has an accent. People without that accent are not from there, left and came back, or are from money, etc. Of course this is not a major point of criticism, but it was a part of the story, with some characters having more power and control based on their education, class and background. William Fichtner's Jimmy Minty made this very point. Accents mark people.
The film is still worth a watch, but not something to have high expectations of. It is perhaps worth the time just to see two actors return from the grave: Paul Newman and his charming performance and Philip Seymour Hoffman who never disappointed. If your time is limited, just read the book instead.
- beer_and_veg
- Nov 1, 2022
- Permalink
You have read so many positive reviews, and they are right on the mark. I also agree that you should read the book, and Russo's "Nobody's Fool," - a laugh-out-loud book. This film is a metaphor - but not just about New England. It is a metaphor for what is happening in our country today: greed, corruption, power and control.
To lighten up here a bit, if you enjoy deeply drawn characters and are fascinated by psychodynamics, growth and development, jealousy and betrayal, the kindness and the cruelty of children, the power of love, the uncertainty of which direction to choose, the puzzles of our dreams and our nightmares, and what courage it takes to follow one's deepest desires and to be true to oneself, you will love this film.
To lighten up here a bit, if you enjoy deeply drawn characters and are fascinated by psychodynamics, growth and development, jealousy and betrayal, the kindness and the cruelty of children, the power of love, the uncertainty of which direction to choose, the puzzles of our dreams and our nightmares, and what courage it takes to follow one's deepest desires and to be true to oneself, you will love this film.
Never heard of this, stumbled across it on HBO, and thirty-minutes into it, I'll sigh & commit & check it off the list. Unless there's some spoiler twists or whatever, it appears to be "The Great American Novel" concept brought to tv. Maybe the best group of American actors of the early 2000's in an ensemble piece, just plodding along. Makes me wish for a separate behind-the scenes documentary of the making of this. I'm curious if the actors enjoyed working with other.
I'll finish both parts and do an update. Hope it's not too predictable. This us from a novel? So far I'm not inspired to track it down.
I'll finish both parts and do an update. Hope it's not too predictable. This us from a novel? So far I'm not inspired to track it down.
They go where they must, not where we want them to go. With those words from this totally terrific movie, you get touched for the 1st of many times in a simple movie about simple , plain people who like the rest of us, must struggle with the things like a difficult childhood, a bad marriage, feeling like your life didn't turn out they way you would have wished and all the other things that make life the up and down adventure it is. All of the acting is first-class, as good as any film made today. However, I must single out Ed Harris, Helen Hunt and Estelle Parsons who to me deserve Oscar nominations but of course won't get one in this made-for-HBO classic. This film is almost like therapy as one might identify their own troubles with some of the characters and see how they learned to overcome their troubles. I short, this is a real throw-back to the days 40-50 years ago when classics like this were common. This is a rare film for 2005.
- Jay09101951
- Oct 15, 2005
- Permalink
I have to give a huge shout out to Ed Harris for being the Super Glue that holds this story together. His presence alone makes this 4 hrs. Watchable; however you've also got the last performance of Paul Newman, which in and of itself is a beautiful thing. Mix that with a stellar ensemble.
Like an old organ grinder, the story takes a little time to set up as we meet everybody and are slowly fed what we think is going to be a Charming town and story. But there are secrets in Empire Falls. We find the same imbecilic teenagers we see in our own towns. We find all the happiness, jealousy, adultery, love, betrayal that we find in our own lives. It's all here in Empire Falls. The ending seems ripped-from-the-headlines, but does seem like it could fit into this setting. And although I would have liked to have seen a little better acting from the teens, the adults pulled this one off quite nicely. A fantastic early example of a limited series and a wonderful way to say goodbye to Paul Newman.
Like an old organ grinder, the story takes a little time to set up as we meet everybody and are slowly fed what we think is going to be a Charming town and story. But there are secrets in Empire Falls. We find the same imbecilic teenagers we see in our own towns. We find all the happiness, jealousy, adultery, love, betrayal that we find in our own lives. It's all here in Empire Falls. The ending seems ripped-from-the-headlines, but does seem like it could fit into this setting. And although I would have liked to have seen a little better acting from the teens, the adults pulled this one off quite nicely. A fantastic early example of a limited series and a wonderful way to say goodbye to Paul Newman.
I'm relieved the later reviews have turned sour - reading all the positive feedback, I was starting to worry that my understanding of movies (and life) was completely different than everyone else's in the world. Everything in this movie rang false to me...the characters, the dialogue, the manipulative soundtrack, the corny narration, all of it. As each scene unfolded I kept thinking, "People don't act like this." It's relentlessly heavy-handed and maudlin. In a way I think the movie bullies you into liking it, or pretending to like it, because it's Serious and about Real People and confronts Issues. But man, it really did not work for me.
- nate-solon
- Apr 2, 2008
- Permalink
I normally like action movies. I've often (semi) jokingly said that unless at least 5 people die while the credits are running, I probably won't like the movie. This movie is NOT like that, but I loved it. Well acted, sterling cast and a great storyline that probably doesn't stray too far from the truth as applied to many small New England towns.
I especially liked Ed Harris and Helen Hunt. He's one of the most underrated actors and did a great job as the town "intellectual" (since he'd been to college)and she played her part as a frustrated wife, ex-wife, bride, divorcée to a T.
I would like to have seen a chapter or two more, bringing resolution to certain situations in a more complete way. It's very easy to have a 2 or 3 minute Epilogue to dispense with loose ends. I felt somehow shorted by that.
All in all tho', a movie I will recommend to friends and family alike.
I especially liked Ed Harris and Helen Hunt. He's one of the most underrated actors and did a great job as the town "intellectual" (since he'd been to college)and she played her part as a frustrated wife, ex-wife, bride, divorcée to a T.
I would like to have seen a chapter or two more, bringing resolution to certain situations in a more complete way. It's very easy to have a 2 or 3 minute Epilogue to dispense with loose ends. I felt somehow shorted by that.
All in all tho', a movie I will recommend to friends and family alike.