Reading the novel of Men, Women & Children raised more questions than it answered, but the main question was ‘How on earth were they going to make this book into a film?’
The book itself, by Chad Kultgen, is unique and extremely current, taking a close look at the social media-led world in which we now live by bravely and openly examining many issues faced by a community, from anorexia to infidelity. The book is incredibly sexual but be warned: Fifty Shades of Grey this is not. All body parts are referred to by their correct anatomical names and there’s not a washing machine-likened orgasm or stiffening member in sight. It’s all very matter-of-fact and is so brutally honest that it’s oddly disarming for the reader. Even the book’s cover is to the point! This is, I assume, the intention, as it makes you really look at your own life , how the Internet and social media has affected it and how we communicate with each other. The book is incredibly voyeuristic and really takes the reader into this uncomfortable little snapshot of the world.
From the child so desensitized by the Internet-accessible porn he finds that he can now only be turned on by extreme porn, to the child turning to pro-anorexia support pages online because she feels her overweight family won’t understand her, the true horrors of the modern technological age are laid out for all to see. And it’s not just about the kids. The adults have their own issues too.
Though it’s not all doom and gloom. There is the innocence of young love in here too and the team spirit of the school’s football team.
This bold and unique novel is quite unlike anything I have ever read. Though it may raise a few eyebrows when read in public (watch out for that commuter reading over your shoulder!), Men, Women & Children is an important read, if only to promote discussion on the many issues it explores. It’s a real page-turner, full of shocks and twists but always rooted in the very real, very everyday lives of those involved.
For the film, director Jason Reitman had quite the challenge before him. Firstly, so much of the content revolves around sexual acts being performed by minors. It’s a very adult book but the characters are not all adults, not by a long shot. Many are in their early teenage years and some of the acts are performed not just with each other but with slightly older characters too.
For the adaptation, most of the younger roles have been aged into more acceptable territory but Reitman has also removed much of the sexual content itself, leaving most of it to the imagination or behind closed doors. The adaptation also has much more of a story arc when compared to Kultgen’s very unrounded style. While the book just sort of starts and ends, the film is tied together with a more streamlined script that focuses on a few of the biggest stories and pushes the others to the sidelines. There’s also far less emphasis placed on the sporting events which bring the community together.
For a story with this many characters, the importance of a great ensemble cast was clear. Here, they are a marvel, all bringing depth to their respective roles, some with very little screen time. Jennifer Garner, in particular, does a superb job of somehow making her character seem human, despite being one of the most controlling and intrusive mothers ever seen on screen. You understand her concerns (while also wanting to throw things and scream at her to just stop!).
The main drawback with the film is that the seriousness of the issues raised in the book are toned down. One girl’s battle with anorexia is reduced to a few messages to a pro-anorexia website. Her story becomes more about the boy she fancies and less about her very serious eating disorder.
Overall, the first half of MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN is a little too muddled. Yet by the middle it really finds its feet and the end comes together for a dramatic conclusion that really leaves a lasting impression – though not one that is nearly as horrifying as the book.
[usr=5] Book
[usr=4] Film
