Sharp Objects

[Babycakes]

I'm reassured that Mr. Bug guessed it. I swear it's too obvious, but I'm spoiled, so I'm definitely not the best judge. I think 8 episodes are far too many. It could have been a 2.5-3 hour movie to cover Camille's backstory and the current mystery. A 4 or 5 episode mini-series would have been perfect. I'm not saying that the story necessarily drags, but it does linger. A lot. Maybe when it's all over, it'll work better as something you can binge watch. But there has been little forward momentum on the mystery, especially in episode 3. I think next week focuses more on Camille's history, and by episode 5, it should be full speed ahead for the present day mystery.

[kostgard]

I don't think I've guessed who it is. We'll see if that changes after watching the third episode. I think I've narrowed it down to some people, but I don't know if they strike me as weird because they did it or because they know something.

[Martini Girl]

They're dragging it out longer than they should.

[Ladybug]

My biggest complaint is Chris Messina. I'm not a fan of his and I think he was really miscast in this. I just kind of tune out when he's onscreen. I know they've played husband and wife before in a movie, but I just think he is not a good fit with Adams.

[kostgard]

I've watched the third episode now, and I think I've narrowed my list of suspects down (still haven't read the book).

Spoilered just in case:

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}I suspected the dad (stepdad?) first because he seemed so weirdly checked out. But now I think he's weirdly checked out because he knows something and is in denial. So that means the sister or the mother. Or both. The little kid playing catch said he saw a lady in white take one of the girls, so it seems a female is involved in some way because I think he did really see someone and in his head applied it to the story of the lady in white. The sister is totally sadistic, so I can totally see her involved in some way. The mother is generally horrible to Camille, and initially I figured that was the reason why she kept trying to keep her from reporting on the story - pulling the pen out of her hand, breaking up her interviews. But now I wonder if she isn't protecting herself or her preferred daughter. But if one or both of them did it, I just don't know why. But honestly, if it is someone else, they haven't really done a good job of making anyone else all that compelling. I can barely remember the other characters other than the ones I do not believe are involved in any way (either cop), so if it is someone outside of Camille's family, my reaction will be "Who?"

One thing that really bothered me about this episode - how in the world did someone on a locked mental ward get her hands on some Drain-o? They keep that stuff locked down in those places for that very reason. I mean, I get they tried to establish that maybe it is understaffed by having the nurse who was checking Camille in be all, "Am I the only person who works here?!" but that is remarkably careless and I hope Alice's family sued.

[deeconsistent]

Jul 24, 2018 13:52:11 GMT -4 kostgard said:

One thing that really bothered me about this episode - how in the world did someone on a locked mental ward get her hands on some Drain-o? They keep that stuff locked down in those places for that very reason. I mean, I get they tried to establish that maybe it is understaffed by having the nurse who was checking Camille in be all, "Am I the only person who works here?!" but that is remarkably careless and I hope Alice's family sued.

Obviously, it would be different in a real ward, but in the show there were at least two shots of the Draino on the custodian's cart. It was a super obvious plot device because it's not like janitors use Draino so often that they would have to leave it on their cleaning cart.

Also, Ladybug I am basically Chris Messina trash. However, literally every single person I've talked to and every single thing I've read has had a negative take on him in this series. I am pretty sure 99% of those reactions have come from book readers and a lot of them say he's not what they pictured. I can't see how he's so bad, or even not working. I think the "big city cop not able to crack the small town locals" thing is perfectly serviceable here. I thought their scene in the parking lot before Amway showed up had a sexiness to it.

[Martini Girl]

The book was a complete page-turner. I read it in a weekend, and couldn't go to bed until the middle of the night because I wanted to finish the story. I think Gillian Flynn's a great storyteller, but like so many novelists who write multiple mysteries/thrillers, the books tend to follow a formula, and once you know the formula, it's easier to realize who the killer is.

I love Amy- she's one of my favorites, but this is just dragging for me. They haven't even gotten to the best parts of the book yet, and I'm afraid those will get watered down or lost as the filmmakers draw out the story to reach eight episodes.

And,Kostgard- you're a keen observer.

[Babycakes]

I read the book, and I can't remember how I pictured the detective character. Maybe more frat boyish? Like Jim from The Office kinda? He was kinda just there for Camille to flirt with to try to get more case info. I think Chris Messina is perfectly serviceable in the roll. Amy/Camille is the main focus, and she is knocking it out of the park.

However, I think they're down playing Adora/Patricia Clarkson. In the book she was whiplash inducing. One minute she was hovering and nurse like. I can't remember all their interactions, but she wasn't outright nasty and verbally abusive to Camille. She was just more withholding of affection and attention at times. I'm not sure why they changed that part of their relationship. It's going to make future events seem even more out of nowhere.

[Ladybug]

Mar 27, 2005 13:52:29 GMT -4 Babycakes said:

I read the book, and I can't remember how I pictured the detective character. Maybe more frat boyish? Like Jim from The Office kinda?

Yes, this is what I pictured as well.

I want more of Elizabeth Perkins. Her character is the only one in the town who seems to genuinely like Camille and treats her with some warmth and affection. I can't remember much else about the character from the book, but I love all of her scenes with Camille.

[Deleted]

Just caught up with the most recent episode. I don't usually like book adaptations, but I think this one is very well done. Though I will say that if I hadn't read the book, I probably would have trouble following events due to all the flashback scenes.
The cast is great, imo, but I think you brought up a great point about Camille's mother, Babycakes. Still, the character is played so well, that doesn't bother me. I find it interesting they are fleshing out Alan's character a bit more. He was such a flat character in the book.