This show knew what it was before it was even filmed, the directors and producers knew they had the perfect formula; a successful-ish lead character bogged down by alcoholism and self harm, but not enough to stop her journalistic murder investigation in her hometown. The producers also added great cinematography, and movie star Amy Adams to the list to secure their success. However, they were too sure of their plan for the results to be astounding.
I had listened to the audiobook, and had heard the mini-series was directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, the director behind Big Little Lies. Naturally, I was excited for the July 8th premiere of Sharp Objects, but was too disappointed to admit that I didn’t enjoy the series that much. As of episode 4, it is safe for me to say that I do not think the show can reel me in by any magical plot twist in the coming episodes.
In short, the show is boring, slow and has me questioning the basis of this southern town’s genuinity. I had none of these feelings when I was listening to the audiobook. I was engaged and very grossed out at times by the odd and sad events of Windgap, Missouri. I believe the show did not do a good job at setting up the primary characters. We as the viewer are automatically turned away from main character Camille’s, mother through saddening flashbacks and odd greetings with her daughter. I remember I did not care for the mother in the audiobook, but at least it was my decision to not like her, as opposed to the mini-series whose efforts to get us to feel one way or another result in some very unnatural dialogue.
Following suit, each character in general acts very odd, and not in the sense that we are watching Camille's biased interpretation of the events and people, but we are more of a bird perched upon Camille’s shoulder observing the very awkward and uncomfortable relationship she has with her sister, detective, townees, etc. Specifically, many of the children act far beyond their age in speech and personality, having me scoff when seeing a 10 year old boy talk to Camille as an equal. This bleeds over into my perception of the town itself, it has an aesthetic where teenagers roll around sucking on lollipops and wearing overall shorts for fun… I find this very hard to believe as the show is set in the modern age. Moreover, roller skating becomes some sort of forced symbolic transition between current times and past memories, which has me wanting to cringe.
Nevertheless I will hold out till the end to give a full review and to keep my tiny bit of hope that the writers will do Gillian Flynn’s story justice.
-Ashton
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