Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)

Readers of John Berendt's bestselling novel were bound to be at least somewhat disappointed by this big-screen adaptation, but despite mixed reaction from critics and audiences, there's still plenty to admire about director Clint Eastwood's take on the material. Readers will surely miss the rich atmosphere and societal detail that Berendt brought to his "Savannah story," and the movie can only scratch the surface of Georgian history, tradition, and wealthy decadence underlying Berendt's fact-based murder mystery. Still, Eastwood maintains an assured focus on the wonderful eccentrics of Savannah, most notably a gay Savannah antiques dealer (superbly played by Kevin Spacey), who may or may not have killed his friend and alleged lover (Jude Law). John Cusack plays the Town & Country journalist who arrives in Savannah to find much more than he bargained for--including the city's legendary drag queen Lady Chablis (playing "herself")--and John Lee Hancock's smoothly adapted screenplay succeeds in bringing Berendt's characters vividly to life with plenty of flavorful dialogue. In similar fashion to Warner's acclaimed DVD of L.A. Confidential, this classy DVD includes a behind-the-scenes documentary titled The Real People in the Garden and an interactive map tour of Savannah and its most celebrated (or notorious) citizens. The original theatrical trailer is also included. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com essential video

One of the best books ever written

The book is so well written I found it difficult to enjoy the film version. If you have not read the book your have missed THE BOOK, that litteraly made Savannah a tourist attraction. Brendt has done what Margaret Mitchell with GWTW, it simply can't be topped. It is a classic for the ages.

December 24, 2008

Not great, but good

I saw the movie when it came out in the mid 90's and after visiting Savannah this past summer & touring the Mercer house and then reading the book for the fist time, I just had to see it again. I remembered it as being better than I now rate it, but I also read the book before seeing it the second time & I found several things lacking or rushed when comparing it to the book. It is still a must see if you liked the book, but remember that a movie always cuts & changes some things that you just can't figure out why, like why is the young man's name Billy in the movie & Danny in the book ? November 2, 2008

midnight

This is a great movie. It has all the elements we love. There is a murder. It's in a mysterious city. There is a humorous aspect with a cross dresser. There is vodoo. Great actors and actresses, Kevin Spacey, and Roux Paul to name a few. A must see. October 24, 2008

Great movie!

This movie is great. It is entertaining, exciting, and full of "suspense" in that it keeps you guessing. At the same time, it has a few "holes" in it whereas it remains unclear the exact purpose of some of the characters, the "squirrel lady" in particular. I am hoping that the book lends more insight into this significant character. It does encourage me to read the book. I feel that the movie slights her real interaction with the overall plot. For that reason, I give this movie a four-star rating instead of a five. Meanwhile, don't be discouraged. The movie is quite enjoyable, and remains one of my favorites. September 17, 2008

TEN STARS GREAT MOVIE

Very entertaining, great cast of stars, John Cusak and Kevin spacey are excellent in this...Excellent quality, adventurous, drama, comedy, everything you could ask for in a movie. A fave forever. August 29, 2008

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