Sometimes no running water or electricity or heat, but every two weeks Jeannette's mom would bring home a pillowcase full of library books, which the kids devoured. That's what secured Jeannette's ultimate success, and her siblings', too. That is the book's takeaway for me.
After I read the book, I couldn't help think of the father as a metaphor for the Republican Party. It sounds harsh, but to this day his character comes to mind when I think of the recklessness of that party. Repeatedly tearing the family down, and stealing the money they saved up. He was a huge, unnecessary obstacle to overcome.
3
Did you people watch the same movie I just saw? Mine had a compelling story, told well, about people with lot's of personality as well as some obvious problems. Aren't we all like that? Outstanding acting too. What's wrong with a story about an intelligent young woman coming to terms with loving her father for his qualities while knowing his faults? Told with great sensitivity. Who cares if it didn't repeat every detail in the book.
5
Woody Harrelson bears more than a passing resemblance to Neal Cassady (Kerouac's real-life inspiration for Dean Moriarty) and his performance is enriched by that resemblance. Naomi Watts' Rose provides a "what if" for those who read Carolyn Cassady's memoir of having the thankless task of being the boring, responsible parent trying to raise three children in opposition to Neal's embodiment of Kerouac's much-admired lines"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to ... the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, ..." Yes, what if BOTH parents are colorful, larger-than-life rule breakers? In the case of both families, the answer is, "The children suffer... a LOT."
1
As someone who grew up in a home replete with 6 kids, a charismatic but alcoholic father and an enabling mother, I could identify closely with Jeanette and recognized well the character of Rex. I must admit, I found the movie somewhat soft after reading the book, which details the cold (they were literally freezing in the winter) and the fear much more closely than the film. I, too, have struggled throughout my life trying to forgive and accept. My siblings have experienced varying degrees of same. Rex is totally believable to someone like me who grew up in the same chaotic, destructive, frightening but also loving home. With the Dad who continually disappointed - who gave so much with one hand and took away with the other. Maureen, the youngest, has suffered from mental illness and has spent much of her life in and out of hospitals. I noted that the movie left this out, and that she was not represented at the final 'family reunion' with the real life characters. I wonder why this is and whether the director or Ms. Walls felt it necessary to leave out this important detail. It spoke volumes, I thought.
8
When rich, they call you excentric. When poor, you are called crazy. As a child who went from ballet & horse riding lessons to a teenager living in a rented, falling down Victorian house with no heat, I could not put the book down. Read it cover to cover. Riviting. Heartbreaking. And yet loving. Jeanette Walls inherited, and/or chose, the good behaviors from both her narssisitic, mentally ill parents, and along with her siblings, survived. Life is like a thread. Some threads break while other threads don't. Why, we all ask. Darwinian survival instincts. Jeanette Walks had this instinct & also, in her Pulitzer caliber biography, told the truth. Some people don't like the truth. They don't want to listen. Too bad for them. The book is one heck of a story. Because Hollywood of late is so introspective, the movie was long on emotion, expression, showing the actors' depths, over & over. Ug. The last 10 minutes of the movie were the best when they recalled a few of the true life tales from the book, & the photographs. Well done, uplifting (as much as could be) movie, but I'm waiting on the documentary with every true detail. That is how people will learn the real truth about the complexities of love, mental illness, and forgiveness. Woody Harrelson will win the Oscar for Best Actor and this movie should win Best Picture. Much more insightful than most of the crap Hollywood puts out today. Brava Ms. Walls. Love is the answer. Can't wait for the movie: "Half Broke Horses."
3
Well said.
From the perspective of one who live a childhood of trauma and chaos, this film deserves a bucket of oscars. The emotional impact was monumental. I sobbed in more than a couple of places and left the theater in shock that lasted for hours.
Thank you Woody, Jeanette and Company, for inspiring me to complete my Memoir about growing up in a Texas orphanage. These stories have to be told, despite the pain, for what they tell us about how to triumph over suffering.
From the perspective of one who live a childhood of trauma and chaos, this film deserves a bucket of oscars. The emotional impact was monumental. I sobbed in more than a couple of places and left the theater in shock that lasted for hours.
Thank you Woody, Jeanette and Company, for inspiring me to complete my Memoir about growing up in a Texas orphanage. These stories have to be told, despite the pain, for what they tell us about how to triumph over suffering.
5
It's pausing to think The Glass Castle and Landline are both period family dramas set, at least climactically, in 1990s New York City. Perhaps the characters played by Edie Falco and Woody Harrelson hooked up in a bar one night? Entirely different worlds and neither fully realized.
I did not see the father glorified in the movie but rather the movie portrayed the mixed feelings children have of a parent who has been a dominate influence in their lives. Children removed from the care of their abusive parents grieve and struggle with understanding their emotions. Wonderful cast. Read the book years ago. Found both the book and movie painful . Continue to wonder what supports could have helped this family. Unfortunately, the climate that exist today around helpgiving makes it unlikely they would have accepted. We shame too often those in need and as a society demonize human services and the costs
5
Of course the reader of the book is seldom satisfied with the direction of the movie, it's only natural that the images produced from the book are going to prejudice anyone who sees the movie. Standing on it's own , disregarding any preconceived prejudice from reading the book , this movie is a compelling story of the often complicated and adversarial relationship between fathers and children, specifically in this case between a drunken father with few redeemable qualities and a daughter who succeeded in spite of him. An outstanding performance by Harrelson who dominates every scene. Well worth the time to see this movie.
6
There's an old saying, "The Map is not the Terrain (Territory)". Many of those who have seen the movie, or read the book, but not both, are disagreeing here because one has seen the map, and one the terrain.
I think it is important for the privacy of the Wall family that we also remember, the book about them is not a full representation. What if an autopsy shows that the father had chronic brain injury disease from helmet-less high school football? We don't really know this family.
I think it is important for the privacy of the Wall family that we also remember, the book about them is not a full representation. What if an autopsy shows that the father had chronic brain injury disease from helmet-less high school football? We don't really know this family.
I read "The Glass Castle" about a month ago and, although I'm far from the most avid reader on the planet, I found Jeannette Walls memoir to be an incredible page-turner and found it difficult to put down, but also difficult to read. From the first few pages, having a three-year-old Jeannette nearly burn to death while boiling hot dogs on a gas stove, to allowing your child to pet a dangerous animal in a zoo, to stealing the children's savings from a piggy bank to buy liquor, to allowing the children to go hungry whilst hiding a potential million-dollar inheritance, and to the many other instances during which the Walls children were neglected and put in grave danger by their parents, there is no way to gloss this over; thankfully, the memoir doesn't.
Admittedly, I found myself a bit conflicted: one can appreciate parents who encourage their children to be avid readers and to think independently and critically, not to mention a father who surprises with a college tuition rescue, but that doesn't negate the other behaviors of these parents, who, for whatever reason, could not parent. In recent press (for the film), Ms. Walls speaks of "acceptance" rather than "forgiveness."
As for the film adaption, I'm afraid that the NYT reviewer wasn't too far off the mark. Ella Anderson was a revelation as the younger Jeannette, but much of the rest of the film was not as affecting as I had hoped. Regardless of the film, if you haven't read the book yet, do so.
Admittedly, I found myself a bit conflicted: one can appreciate parents who encourage their children to be avid readers and to think independently and critically, not to mention a father who surprises with a college tuition rescue, but that doesn't negate the other behaviors of these parents, who, for whatever reason, could not parent. In recent press (for the film), Ms. Walls speaks of "acceptance" rather than "forgiveness."
As for the film adaption, I'm afraid that the NYT reviewer wasn't too far off the mark. Ella Anderson was a revelation as the younger Jeannette, but much of the rest of the film was not as affecting as I had hoped. Regardless of the film, if you haven't read the book yet, do so.
13
One of the shrinking number who have not read the book, but as someone who grew up poor and rural and had a father who worked when he was sick to provide for his family, I found this movie to cloak narcissistic and abusive parents with charismatic, redeeming qualities like intelligence and a love of reading. Any mother who refuses to work so she can paint pictures or father who substitutes a dream house for a working toilet does don't "love" their children -- they love themselves and manipulate their children to gain power, acolytes, and adoration. Those parents were abusive. If their children survived to live productive lives, that does not justify their upbringing--it only means they were very lucky.
23
Agreed, but the book shows the young Jeanette's view of her father, not an objective one. The book demonstrates why children of alcoholics stay involved with parents who are terrible to them and love them dearly in face of the abuse. It is something I have observed among people I know and Wallace's book does an excellent job of showing us how that all comes about. The child's view of her parents, as presented in the book, The Glass Castle, feels very accurate to me.
4
Welcome to the world of living with alcoholic and / or mentally ill parents. They suffer from a disease but it's the only disease from which they can "choose" to get better. Consequently many in our society still judge addiction as a character weakness. It's not easy to watch or live through.
The dichotomy and juxtapositioning in this movie I feel is by design. Loving your parent but hating the devastating disease which has your loved one in its grips is like watching them take 20 years to kill themselves. It's pure torture.
Addiction affects all incomes, races and IQs ... but there are reports linking high intelligence and creativity and incidence of addiction. My mother attended Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, competed in Miss America Contest and died at 54 of liver disease. Dad was an engineer and pilot. Got sober finally but after years of burning our toys and taking us flying when he was completely drunk. It's by the grace of God we lived through it. My oldest sibling died at 50. Froze to death. Also an alcoholic. Pilot and mechanical engineer. These are not lazy, evil or uneducated people. It's a generational disease affecting millions of people a year.
I can empathize with your wanting to say based on their actions they are narcissistic irresponsible parents who don't love their kids. However, having lived through this I can say it's not that simple. I wish it were.
The dichotomy and juxtapositioning in this movie I feel is by design. Loving your parent but hating the devastating disease which has your loved one in its grips is like watching them take 20 years to kill themselves. It's pure torture.
Addiction affects all incomes, races and IQs ... but there are reports linking high intelligence and creativity and incidence of addiction. My mother attended Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, competed in Miss America Contest and died at 54 of liver disease. Dad was an engineer and pilot. Got sober finally but after years of burning our toys and taking us flying when he was completely drunk. It's by the grace of God we lived through it. My oldest sibling died at 50. Froze to death. Also an alcoholic. Pilot and mechanical engineer. These are not lazy, evil or uneducated people. It's a generational disease affecting millions of people a year.
I can empathize with your wanting to say based on their actions they are narcissistic irresponsible parents who don't love their kids. However, having lived through this I can say it's not that simple. I wish it were.
9
I honestly don't know how a memoir like the Glass Castle can be successfully distilled into a two hour movie. Such stories are so dense, both in content and emotionally. The movie versions of other memoirs have typically disappointing to me (e.g. Angela's Ashes, Running With Scissors). So I excepted to be disappointed. So after watching the movie, did I feel it fully captured the book? Probably not. As others have said, it painted her parents as bohemian, eccentric types when in reality they were probably much more dysfunctional. My only other complaint is the actors who portray her parents, Naomi Watts in particular, are far too attractive - all that hard living is going to show on their faces, so I had a difficult time seeing them as her parents as it didn't fit with what my mind's eye imagined reading the book. Otherwise, it was a good enough movie. Great performances, particularly by Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, and the young woman who plays Jeanette as a child. I had tears streaming down my cheeks at the end. It's worth seeing.
5
Rich book, poor screenplay, emotionally shallow director. Lots of bad choices! Pretty good actors but poor casting choices, except Ella Anderson will become a big star! All in all, a waste of a great book into a very ordinary movie. So what's new?
3
The Glass Castle is one of the most heartbreaking, exquisitely written books I've ever read. Though I love the idea that this true story could be conveyed and preserved in cinema to generations, I knew deep down that the whole mashup of love, narcissism, abuse and dark humor probably couldn't be contained in one film. If you haven't read the book, you'll never know the magic and tragedy of this tale. just read the book.
6
In fact, though it is a fascinating story -- I did not fully understand what happened until I read some follow up articles (one just very recently in the NYT) about Walls and her parents, and read her other novel about her family, "Half Broke Horses".
This review continues what many reviewers and readers got out of "The Glass Castle" -- that the parents were wacky eccentrics. That is not at all true. The parents were severely mentally ill people, who ended up living as homeless squatters (until Walls took her elderly mother in).
The other HUGE misconception is that this is a story of grinding terrible poverty, or something to do with Wall's father being "unable to hold a job" or her mother being artistic, or being "one step ahead of the bills". In fact, the senior Walls were extremely wealthy millionaires. They were NOT poor at all -- they were crazy and delusional, willing to let their children go hungry and live in filthy, while they owned millions of dollars worth of real estate and oil rights.
This review continues what many reviewers and readers got out of "The Glass Castle" -- that the parents were wacky eccentrics. That is not at all true. The parents were severely mentally ill people, who ended up living as homeless squatters (until Walls took her elderly mother in).
The other HUGE misconception is that this is a story of grinding terrible poverty, or something to do with Wall's father being "unable to hold a job" or her mother being artistic, or being "one step ahead of the bills". In fact, the senior Walls were extremely wealthy millionaires. They were NOT poor at all -- they were crazy and delusional, willing to let their children go hungry and live in filthy, while they owned millions of dollars worth of real estate and oil rights.
5
The movie attempts to have it both ways .... the alleged "parents" in "The Glass Castle" were not necessarily "counter culture" parents advocating a try everything, bohemian approach to life as the movie suggests. In the "memoir" this father was more the irresponsible drunk who could not hold a job, brilliant but a real mess of a man. This mask of a Mother was living on another planet. I do not understand parents who let their children starve and have to scrounge for food, then spin this horror as "resourceful" .... the novel certainly did not lead you to admire their attitude and irresponsibility. The movie tried to make this story something it simply is NOT.
7
Well shucks, sorry that Mr. Scott didn't like this movie. Somehow Woody Harrelson seems to bring something special into every movie I've ever seen him in. Not bad for an old Boston bartender
4
The book described parents that raised their children in squalor refused to send them to school or provide them with any real stability. The Father in particular was a moody alcoholic who ran out on any and all debts and even picked a fight with the Doctor that had delivered one of his children. The book was a courageous tour de force in it's brutal honesty. This film appears to make the father into some kind of folk hero. Therefore I will be taking a pass. I also lived through an abusive childhood and that book spoke to me so deeply and helped me to heal. The young ones growing up in abuse and squalor today (and there are many) deserve a film that truly reflects the integrity of the original narrative as described in the book.
6
I have not seen the film yet, but I've read "The Glass Castle" and the rest of Wall's books (also about her family) and numerous articles she has written since.
If the movie makes the father any kind of sympathetic hero, or like the VIggo Mortenson role in "Captain Fantastic" ... it will have failed. That is a huge misread of the Wall's family history. Likely if there is a problem, it casting a charming and humorous actor like Woody Harrelson -- who is very popular and associated with his work on "Cheers" and in countless comedies.
In such an biographical work, it might have been wiser to cast unknowns, so that the audience (and filmmaker) won't skew the tone of the work to suit the actor's persona.
If the movie makes the father any kind of sympathetic hero, or like the VIggo Mortenson role in "Captain Fantastic" ... it will have failed. That is a huge misread of the Wall's family history. Likely if there is a problem, it casting a charming and humorous actor like Woody Harrelson -- who is very popular and associated with his work on "Cheers" and in countless comedies.
In such an biographical work, it might have been wiser to cast unknowns, so that the audience (and filmmaker) won't skew the tone of the work to suit the actor's persona.
I did not like the book in any way, shape, or form. I didn't like the abuse, language, etc., nor did I particularly feel it was well-written. Coming from a background of abuse, I was appalled by the story and wish I had never picked it up. It was one of the most depressing books I have ever read and even now I don't get a real sense of joy coming from the author. She really paints over her parent's abuse and I just don't understand that kind of thinking.
So now someone made a movie out of a depressing, nonredeemable book and for what reason? Sorry, but I'll avoid this film like the plague. Reading the book was enough of a horror.
So now someone made a movie out of a depressing, nonredeemable book and for what reason? Sorry, but I'll avoid this film like the plague. Reading the book was enough of a horror.
2
I don't know. I REALLY loved the movie. I thought it was a master class in acting starting with Ella Anderson and Woody. Niomi Watts was really good too. I think reviewers are talking so much about the book. It's a movie. It's not the book. I thought it was well done and really moved. S.
5
How did the story become about two men? I identified strongly with Jeannette in the book, but I thought her mother was a more tragic figure than her father.
20
I have had mixed feelings about seeing this film and this review sealed the deal that I won't see it. I don't want to see a father wild and crazy, I want to see him portrayed as he was by his daughter in the book as an abusive man. I really was afraid that the film would sugar coat the book. Sometimes it's best to leave a book alone.
11
Strangely -- if this story fascinates you, and you go to read "Half Broke Horses" and the many articles Jeanette Walls has written over the following years about what happened to her and her parents -- you definitely know the parents are NOT remotely charming or "eccentric". They are selfish, cruel and also severely mentally ill. The father's drinking is just a side issue; you can be a drunk but not let your children go hungry, live in filth, not attend school.
If you miss the pattern of mental illness, obscured by the "pass" that wealthy people get to live eccentric lives (and that in the 60s and 70s, at some some of this was dismissed as a "hippie lifestyle"), then you really don't get the story at all.
If you miss the pattern of mental illness, obscured by the "pass" that wealthy people get to live eccentric lives (and that in the 60s and 70s, at some some of this was dismissed as a "hippie lifestyle"), then you really don't get the story at all.
4
I never read the memoir, but saw the film last night. It is worth seeing simply for the amazing child actors, alone, especially Ella Anderson. She is astonishingly great.
2
I tried to read the book, just could not get into it. Perhaps a tic due to my own childhood? Who knows. I'm sorry to hear that the movie didn't "click" with the reviewer, as I was hoping I could finally "get" the story. Perhaps when it comes to cable I'll try. I do love Woody H., though. Thanks for the review! And I love the comments from everyone; very helpful, very illuminating.
3
Coming from an abusive, neglectful family with a mentally ill Mother, I related strongly to the book. Some kids from that kind of family survive but can be haunted throughout life by memories of neglect and abuse, with each sibling handling the abuse differently. When my brother committed suicide I was enraged at our Mother even after I had years in therapy. When she died in 2004 I told my spouse "the world is now a safer place".
21
I'm sorry Carol. I'm sorry you had to grow up with a mother like that. Mine did her damage too and at 55, I'm still dealing with it. Peace to you (and me).
13
What Mr & Mrs Walls did to their children was abuse, mental, physical and emotional.
Call it what you will, it's still abuse.
Call it what you will, it's still abuse.
31
It was precisely what you say -- horrific abuse. It was, however, committed by two people who had severe, intractable mental illnesses -- and who were protected from the consequences of those illnesses, by both their money and the fact that people don't want to see or intervene in cases of child abuse.
2
Agree that it was terrible abuse. I am confused, however, by your comment that says they were protected by their money. The parents did not have any money; the family lived in poverty most of the time. They COULD have had money and ended the poverty, as we find out near the end when we learn that Rosemary Walls, the mother, had long ago inherited land worth up to a million dollars--perhaps that is what you were referring to?
Well now at least I know why I ran into Naomi Watts two days ago, when she came out the back door of the SVA theatre on 23rd street. Thanks for explaining that run in, and also for warning that this movie is probably not worth going to see in the theatres. Might catch it on IFC someday.
1
PS: yup, really ran into Ms. Watts on my walk home, and she was beautiful and gracious, waved and smiled to me. High point of my week.
3
How lucky for you Mr. Stackhouse. Obviously, one of the many cool perks to living in NYC. I am envious.
4
Thanks Marge, but don't be too jealous. I never get woken up by songbirds here, but that's what woke me in San Antonio awhile back; there's good and bad points to any living environment.
Also I will always have the regret that I didn't offer her one of the beers I'd just bought, which would have been way cooler I think.
Also I will always have the regret that I didn't offer her one of the beers I'd just bought, which would have been way cooler I think.
1
closer to real life than most tidy and happly ever after: I can on good days let go of the past, but that artesan well of spontanious memories, can on another, bring the past, the present, and the future together and that gets tense.
6
I'm guessing this is a take on that old saying, "those who live in glass castles shouldn't get stoned"? Seems also to point out that insane, narcissistic, abusive people (like Trump for example) shouldn't have children, but most of us already knew that.
14
Actually, no. "The Glass Castle" is a reference to specific fantasy Jeanette and her dad share while she's growing up. (Read the book for more details)
5
Dear Julie Learson,
Thanks milady, but I was making a joke there, riffing on 'those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones'. I realize silliness can look like seriousness in typed comments though.
Thanks milady, but I was making a joke there, riffing on 'those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones'. I realize silliness can look like seriousness in typed comments though.
I don't recall ever seeing a movie which was actually better than the book it was based on. That being said, I am grateful to the many commenters about their reactions to this movie. I too love Woody Harrelson and enjoy seeing his eclectic acting skills albeit Woody in Cheers, Marty Hart in True Detective, or Carson Wells in No Country for Old Men (just to name a few). He is brilliant and always a joy to watch. However, sometimes even a brilliant talent like his cannot offset a poor or disappointing movie. Maybe if this movie comes to HBO where I can view it for free will I watch it. Until then, I will spend the money on The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and find a box of tissues for the coffee table since I will no doubt be in need of. Thanks again everyone for some interesting and enlightening comments.
5
Well Marge, maybe you need to start with not so good books. Touch of Evil, by Orson Welles is a great movie based on a (not great) novel by Whit Masterson. I bet there are actually quite a few movies that supersede mediocre novels.
4
Thanks for the suggestion Melpo. Much appreciated.
4
1. The Godfather. 2. Jaws.
3
I love Woody Harrelson but this looks tiresome.
9
Amazing how a person can bring out different reactions---I despise Woody Harrelson's acting, as well as his public persona. I refuse to see any movie he appears in.
5
I'm not a Woody fan, but he is fantastic in this movie. He does a great job of showing the characteristics of an addict. Alcohol in this case. And of sexual child abuse. He whipsaws his children between the 'I love you' moments and the horrors of abuse. Truly a great performance.
Bonus: Hard to find a weak performance among the actors. This was tough because of the flashbacks to earlier years, which involved younger actors.
My wife dragged me to this movie. I had tears flowing down my cheeks at the end. And I'm from the 'No crying' generation.
Bonus: Hard to find a weak performance among the actors. This was tough because of the flashbacks to earlier years, which involved younger actors.
My wife dragged me to this movie. I had tears flowing down my cheeks at the end. And I'm from the 'No crying' generation.
5
Another movie that does disservice to the book upon which it is based.
Plus, I kept thinking when Woody was going to ask for some Twinkies.
Plus, I kept thinking when Woody was going to ask for some Twinkies.
4
Sorry, Jeanette, looks like you lost creative control of your project. Too bad. The book was astounding and moving. The film doesn't look to be. As others pointed out, the mother is a much stronger part of the story than the father.
It should have been done as a HBO mini-series. They did a great job conveying all the nuances in Mildred Pierce.
It should have been done as a HBO mini-series. They did a great job conveying all the nuances in Mildred Pierce.
26
Having had a father somewhat like this, I will have to pass. Wondering when and where he will find work, what you are going to eat, and knowing in your heart that he is a loser perfectly willing to drag his family down with with him is all a bit much for an 8 year old girl. I don't need to relive this.
38
It immediately brings to mind Viggo Mortensen in his Oscar-nominated role for "Captain Fantastic."
12
Also Harrison Ford's father role in "The Mosquito Coast", a terrific film which wanders farther afield.
7
Or Harrison Ford in "The Mosquito Coast".
6
It reminds me of Harrelson's superb performance as a maudlin alcoholic father in "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio". Julianne Moore was the star, but Harrelson's brilliant performance as her sad, angry, self-absorbed husband was what drove the story and he was brilliant and convincing. Alcoholics on screen are usually boring stereotypes without distinct personalities, but Harrelson made this sad loser into a touching, believable person who was still loved by his family despite his many failings. If this new performance is at a similar level, this new movie might be worth viewing at home to see this great actor (and all the others in this excellent cast.)
1
ok wow. reading the comments causes me to say aloud to many of you, "you don't have a clue about real people."
The book is a memoir. Perhaps not 100% accurate in its retelling and if so, only because Ms Wall's memory may not be exact. But it is her telling of reality and therefore it is 100% real.
That, in itself, is amazing.
The movie is constrained by 2 hours and the Hollywood machine. Men doing what they do as the guys in charge, while unfortunate, is also reality.
I read the book and connected with my own daughter in a special way. I am not like Mr Wall but can be a crazy dad at times.
I was raised in a pretty insane house. Our dad died when I was 5 months old and was raised in a 60s hippy house and knew how to roll a joint when I was 7. Thanks, Mom.
But she did the very best she could, all things considered.
My point is this: people all around you live with circumstances that are way more difficult than you can imagine.
To those who were horrified, who think the kids should have been taken away, you have not a clue as to what really binds us together.
Be nice.
And be entertained.
The book is a memoir. Perhaps not 100% accurate in its retelling and if so, only because Ms Wall's memory may not be exact. But it is her telling of reality and therefore it is 100% real.
That, in itself, is amazing.
The movie is constrained by 2 hours and the Hollywood machine. Men doing what they do as the guys in charge, while unfortunate, is also reality.
I read the book and connected with my own daughter in a special way. I am not like Mr Wall but can be a crazy dad at times.
I was raised in a pretty insane house. Our dad died when I was 5 months old and was raised in a 60s hippy house and knew how to roll a joint when I was 7. Thanks, Mom.
But she did the very best she could, all things considered.
My point is this: people all around you live with circumstances that are way more difficult than you can imagine.
To those who were horrified, who think the kids should have been taken away, you have not a clue as to what really binds us together.
Be nice.
And be entertained.
32
My mother tells me, "I guess you weren't the adventurous type." Society has paid a high price in disability and death that was unnecessary. It seems unfair that I was supporting my younger sister when I was 16 and not what either of us needed. When my 2-week old niece died, the police took my sister back to my mother.
Yes, I've been told to be nice, but that doesn't work. Children dealing with neglect need to venture into the world that doesn't want them and take the place they deserve. Jeanette did not have children and perhaps that is a cautionary note. It is easy for a child to assume they have shoes to fill.
Yes, I've been told to be nice, but that doesn't work. Children dealing with neglect need to venture into the world that doesn't want them and take the place they deserve. Jeanette did not have children and perhaps that is a cautionary note. It is easy for a child to assume they have shoes to fill.
8
john: in a decent and humane society, the Wall's children would have been taken away and put into foster care or an orphanage (it was 45 years ago) -- and the parents Rosemary and Rex would have been institutionalized for mental illness. They were not fit parents, and should have had their parental rights terminated.
3
Concerned - and I can see by your comment sprinkling how very concerned you are - 1) I dispute that we are not a decent nor humane society. Work in progress for sure, not without flaws, but very decent and humane. 2) Based on the 'success' of Jeannette, in reference to 'the proof is in the pudding' I would say some things turned out ok. There are some pretty scary stories about foster kids out there. 3) The human mind is a differential engine. It perceives and responds to change moreso than any current state. That is why we have rich and successful people with depression and committing suicide. I have 2 great kids who are now adults and for years tried to keep them grounded. THey are for the most part but sometimes they can exhibit behaviors that show their privilege of being white American middle class in the 21st century as opposed to being Neanderthal and having to live every moment in search of food and protection from beasts. I often thought perhaps I should fake it and raise them in a trailer park and eat generic food.
And again, the movie is an entertainment piece, not a lesson.
Don't be so judgmental.
And again, the movie is an entertainment piece, not a lesson.
Don't be so judgmental.
2
I loved the book and most likely will not see the movie. Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel by Walls is based on her grandmother, Lily Casey Smith and gives the reader a sense of her mother's upbringing. In a TV interview with Walls it showed her mom. who now lives with her, and who is still painting.
3
Having been thoroughly captured by Jeannette Walls first book, 'The Glass Castle', a second literary reward was expected [and received] with her 'Half Broke Horses', a continuation of her family's story, this time of Jeannette's maternal grandmother. Since my husband was raised in Montana and we own horses, it's a sure bet that Ms Walls title enticed him far more than his wife's, "It's really good!" comment. Normally, this chemistry professor reads are along those scientific lines and not a woman's tale of hard life knocks so, it was with a silent 'yes!' that he was found walking from house to barn, pasture to workshop and always carrying her book, finishing it in record time of 3 days. He even gave a copy to a fellow Montana co-worker. May this tale raise your interest in learning much more about the dynamics of family from this truly gifted author. I always recommend that one read 'Half Broke Horses' before 'The Glass Castle' otherwise, you'll end up rereading the latter again...like me. This review leaves me afraid of spoiling the memories of such captivating stories.
9
After reading this I thought to myself "well, I want to read what a O Scott has to say about this movie" … Duuuuhee ! With such a mild report by Mr. Scott, I believe that and then the movie has no real downside I might want to see it, especially for the acting abilities of the man Who founded his own town just up from Morro Bay California called… If my feeble memory serves me right "Harmony"… A town called Harmony!
2
Consider this - Rex grew up in a highly dysfunctional family surroundings;
the very essence of "white trash". Yet in one generation, his family grew and overcame massive existential obstacles and is now known to the world -- with respect for their achievement.
The one child who did least well was the one who was supplied with the most material resources. Everyone else in the family had only each other.
A common saying when I was a child (60+ years ago) was "been through the mill". It referred to the dehumanizing consequences of working in mills, mines or similar tin-man institutions with no heart.
Traditional Chinese have three priorities: family, family, and family.
It is the record of our lives that plays over and over through the years.
Because of the faith of one school teacher (Janette) who said he had worth Rex found a light that never extinguished. He always came back from his flights into the desert when he wrestled with the demons of his past, with a renewed spirit and somehow a restored faith in the future.
For many, much of the world is an illusion filled with the promises of politicians and the exploitation of the greedy & grasping.
Jennette had faith in her father. A father has special significance. Words of a father, good or bad, lead directly to meditations of the heart.
Scriptures say honor they mother and father.
The Lord's Prayer begins with our father -- not creator God
There is something enduring in our relationship with a father, even one we never met.
the very essence of "white trash". Yet in one generation, his family grew and overcame massive existential obstacles and is now known to the world -- with respect for their achievement.
The one child who did least well was the one who was supplied with the most material resources. Everyone else in the family had only each other.
A common saying when I was a child (60+ years ago) was "been through the mill". It referred to the dehumanizing consequences of working in mills, mines or similar tin-man institutions with no heart.
Traditional Chinese have three priorities: family, family, and family.
It is the record of our lives that plays over and over through the years.
Because of the faith of one school teacher (Janette) who said he had worth Rex found a light that never extinguished. He always came back from his flights into the desert when he wrestled with the demons of his past, with a renewed spirit and somehow a restored faith in the future.
For many, much of the world is an illusion filled with the promises of politicians and the exploitation of the greedy & grasping.
Jennette had faith in her father. A father has special significance. Words of a father, good or bad, lead directly to meditations of the heart.
Scriptures say honor they mother and father.
The Lord's Prayer begins with our father -- not creator God
There is something enduring in our relationship with a father, even one we never met.
6
Very insightful. I have to say, I've always thought the expression "been through the mill" referred to the finely ground product of the miller's labor. Ground down. I suppose the miller gets worn down, too...
4
Loved the book and still remember the first chapter where she's in a limo and spots someone rummaging through a dumpster-her mother. I'll probably see the movie, but I'm sure the book is better. The same was true for "Schindler's List." Maybe it is just harder to adapt a really good book for the screen.
3
I saw the film last night. It pains me to have not loved it since I found the book to be one of the best memoirs I have ever read. The book was particularly memorable because of the many details that made her childhood more appalling -- picking classmates' discarded sandwich-halves out of the garbage at school, Rose Mary scraping maggots off a "perfectly good ham" found in the garbage, young and beautiful Maureen clinging to any benevolent neighbors/friends and learning dependence and avoidance at a very young age, sleeping in an open-doored and open-windowed house in downtown Phoenix and finding street dwellers and vermin at their side as they slept (and Rose Mary's "laid back" approach to their presence among her young children), the kindness of teachers (again in the Phoenix years that did not make it to the big screen) who encouraged the children to read and do well in school, and one of the most important scenes to me -- when Jeannette finds her mother in bed with a giant chocolate bar keeping it to herself while her children quite literally starved.
14
In addition to dysfunction, abuse (a lot of it neglect) and "wildness" as both a positive and negative, this memoir offered a huge insight to a different perspective on homelessness. The "norm" might be to see homeless people as a result of alcoholism, mental illness and poverty. To be sure all of that is in this story but the degree of mental illness and alcoholism is not so great that it is hard to tell how much is sheer choice, this side of truly disturbed. If they had money, most people wouldn't have blinked at some of the behaviors or known about them. What was profound to me was how much these parents wanted to be the way they were. They deliberately chose to be homeless. They enjoyed their "lifestyle." They were not looking for a house, money, a job. The mother, who came from a family with money, was educated and taught school on and off. She could have been employed steadily but she fancied herself a free-spirit/artist. Unfortunately for the children, the parents were also narcissistic and not the least bit self-sacrificing, unable to see that what they wanted moght not be what was best for their children. However, these were also parents - especially the father - who loved his children and teaches them a great deal. That comes through in the book. I wonder how or if all of this can be conveyed on the screen.
13
I told my then 14 year-old non-reader son he was going to read with me every summer morning. He ...strenuously... objected but to no avail. Glass Castles was the book I gave him. About 15 minutes in he looked at me and said "this isn't a kids book" with some alarm in his voice. He finished the book and it remains his last best read. Now for the first time he gets to experience the difference between the book and the movie, and all the thoughtful discussion this can entail. To the author, and now film producers, thank you for enriching my son's life with such fine work.
16
I wonder why the tile of this article features the male secondary character when the movie is based on a woman's memoir.
16
Because the book is largely about her dad?
2
It is not.
15
I read the book, and no amount of Hollywood doctoring changes the fact that these kids were not well cared for, and that is a tragedy. I found no amount of redemption in the book, though the author looked for it. As a mother of three and a retired teacher, I would have called CPS on these parents. The miracle is that the kids physically survived, though they suffered from childhood trauma. I haven't seen the movie, and probably won't, because there is no way to romanticize this family tragedy of neglect and abuse. Very sad.
32
Many of us do survive...and remembering the good, the funny and the traumatic helps us to heal, laugh and live today.
5
I am happy for you, but in my teaching experience, most neglected or abused children do not fare as well. That is the sad reality.
5
Jeanette: thank you, I agree completely with your assessment. This is NOT the story of a charming eccentric alcoholic father, or some old hippie (like the fiction film "Captain Fantastic"). It is a story of really horrific child abuse, where children are neglected and starved, by mentally incompetent parents.
And yes, CPS should have been called....but in those days (60s-70s), they had less power than today, and likely would not have intervened with WEALTHY white parents who were "eccentric". CPS was more likely to take away the children of poor urban blacks, punished for nothing more than poverty. The Walls were NOT POOR; they were millionaires who owned real estate and oil rights.
And yes, CPS should have been called....but in those days (60s-70s), they had less power than today, and likely would not have intervened with WEALTHY white parents who were "eccentric". CPS was more likely to take away the children of poor urban blacks, punished for nothing more than poverty. The Walls were NOT POOR; they were millionaires who owned real estate and oil rights.
4
I haven't read the book, but will very soon based on the recommendation of other readers. The movie--I pass. Based on the trailer, it's a romantic view of poverty, mental health and family dysfunction. Woody Harrelson's character has been given retorts and lines to spout that belie the truth of the story, and the statements, presumably meant to display a perspective of 'wisdom' are merely irritating. Ms. Wall's memoir should have served as the central aspect of any movie based upon it.
16
The single most horrifying part of this book - even worse, to me, than Ms. Walls' father allowing her to be almost raped by a friend of his to enable his gambling, was when her mother hid candy for herself from her starving children. Oh, and I forgot about when she kept the found diamond ring for herself instead of buying food for the starving family. These are not insignificant details. While it is understandable how a person could still manage to love parents like that, it is incomprehensible to me how an objective reader could classify these parents as anything other than monsters. Her childhood wasn't just crazy, it was incredibly abusive. Her success doesn't speak to her dad's intelligence and wildness, it only speaks to Ms. Walls' own brilliance and resilience.
102
Thant is precisely the same reaction that I had when I read the book!
8
It is no wonder the Walls children all became emancipated minors and left home. Their father even stole what little savings the children managed to scrape together. Then there was the matter of no eye glasses or dental work. Their parents had no conscience.
34
The candy episode still stands out in my mind, and I read the book many years ago! And how about the fact that the mom owned a valuable piece of land that she refused to sell, though her children were eating from garbage cans and living in a shack with no heat, no running water and no toilet? If Walls were not such a gifted writer, no one would believe these things, but they come off as sadly believable.
16
The most unsettling part of these memoirs for this reader was when the children are dropped off at their aunt's. Other than running away, they are at her mercy, with no means of reaching their parents on the road. Whether this features in 'The Glass Castle' remains to be seen, but after finishing this book a few years ago, I started thinking how difficult it is to be a child and these are 'displaced' American ones.
At last estimate there are more than two million children wandering this earth, and this is a portrayal of some that can be found at home. Planning to see this and sending my best wishes to Ms. Walls and her loved ones.
At last estimate there are more than two million children wandering this earth, and this is a portrayal of some that can be found at home. Planning to see this and sending my best wishes to Ms. Walls and her loved ones.
6
Have to agree with Paula. I remember the father character as tangential to the story, while a very strongly depicted Rose Mary (mother) was absolutely at the forefront.
10
Must read Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabriele Hamilton. Another skillfully written memoir of child neglect. Like Glass Castle and others, these true accounts can be substantiated by any social worker, lawyer or child protection investigator working in the system today. Sadly, our society was unprepared or uninterested in "interfering" in family matters in decades past. Historically, there were legal protections for animals before laws protecting abused children.
16
Looks just like "Captain Fantastic" from last year, which itself was a great movie.
6
I thought of this too, and there are certainly some similarities in the "free range" parenting aspect, but the father in Glass Castle lied, drank, endangered his children through neglect, and basically failed to care for them. The father in "Captain Fantastic" certainly did his children a disservice by exiling them from society to the extent that he did (but recognized at the end), but he was in no way cruel, dishonest, or neglectful of their basic needs.
13
Captain Fantastic exercised too tight a control over his children and was very demanding of them intellectually and physically.
On the other hand Rex and Rose Mary were completely "free range".
There has to be a better balance between these two approaches.
On the other hand Rex and Rose Mary were completely "free range".
There has to be a better balance between these two approaches.
2
"Captain Fantastic' is pure fiction. "The Glass Castle" is a true, autobiographical story. So thats a pretty huge difference.
Also, though I found "Captain Fantastic" absurd in many ways, the story is about a father who is deeply loving and committed to his children -- albeit in an eccentric fashion -- the children are well-cared for, healthy and educated.
The Wall's children were abused so horribly -- starved, left to eat garbage, wearing dirty ragged clothing, kept out of school -- that it is astonishing that nobody ever called Children's Protective Services on the family. It is also a miracle that any of them grew up to a normal adulthood.
Really, it is critical we don't mix up "fiction" and "reality". A lot of people ADORED "Captain Fantastic" because of its free-range hippie take on parenting -- and It is all too easy to imagine a modern-day Rosemary and Rex Walls seeing that film and EXCUSING their own horrific parenting as "see? we're just like the Captain Fantastic family!"
Also, though I found "Captain Fantastic" absurd in many ways, the story is about a father who is deeply loving and committed to his children -- albeit in an eccentric fashion -- the children are well-cared for, healthy and educated.
The Wall's children were abused so horribly -- starved, left to eat garbage, wearing dirty ragged clothing, kept out of school -- that it is astonishing that nobody ever called Children's Protective Services on the family. It is also a miracle that any of them grew up to a normal adulthood.
Really, it is critical we don't mix up "fiction" and "reality". A lot of people ADORED "Captain Fantastic" because of its free-range hippie take on parenting -- and It is all too easy to imagine a modern-day Rosemary and Rex Walls seeing that film and EXCUSING their own horrific parenting as "see? we're just like the Captain Fantastic family!"
2
May not go see movie, as the book was so very important to me. Neglect is a very hard thing to grow up from, and the kids really all carried the scars. The trailer bits I've seen show a couple of likeable zany parents. these parents were not zany, but ill.
100
I saw it last night in a special presentation (with author interview) and would say that your plan is a good one. Stick to the book.
3
Wasn't this ground covered a long time ago in "Desert Bloom"?
Also:
"The lying father, the dying mother...lying fathers and dying mothers are ten a penny these days!" - "S.O.B" written and directed by Blake Edwards.
Also:
"The lying father, the dying mother...lying fathers and dying mothers are ten a penny these days!" - "S.O.B" written and directed by Blake Edwards.
5
I think '...covered...' is quite unfair to the reality of Ms Wall's real life.
As one who came through a lot of dysfunction - not nearly as dramatic as this tale but considering the number of people who remarked that 'they were really surprised how well I actually turned out...' I think your first sentence is pretty ignorant.
People have life, experiences, and realities that are too diverse to have 'already been covered.'
As one who came through a lot of dysfunction - not nearly as dramatic as this tale but considering the number of people who remarked that 'they were really surprised how well I actually turned out...' I think your first sentence is pretty ignorant.
People have life, experiences, and realities that are too diverse to have 'already been covered.'
8
A book written by a woman, turned into a film written and directed by men... no wonder Jeanette is overshadowed by the men in the film (according to this review)...
115
I was thinking the same thing, Alana. It's been a while since i read the book, but imho the more memorable parental character in it was Rose Mary, the mother; The father was kind of a charming if somewhat lush-ful side dish. Rather telling that the movie seems to reverse it. thanks for your comment.
29
True, but Jeannette shows a closer bond with her father, until he betrays her.
3
It says a lot to me (and I have not seen the film yet) that the director and screenwriters would envision a story about Jeanette Walls and her MOTHER Rosemary as being about her "charming alcoholic father" -- cast a popular sympathetic actor in the role -- and skewed the story to being all about HIM.
I think generally male directors and writers just don't see women's stories as important or interesting, so they refocus on the males. I notice that Jeanette Walls fiance is mentioned, when he is a very small part of the book -- he could have been left entirely out of a 2 hour film, without affecting the story at all.
I think generally male directors and writers just don't see women's stories as important or interesting, so they refocus on the males. I notice that Jeanette Walls fiance is mentioned, when he is a very small part of the book -- he could have been left entirely out of a 2 hour film, without affecting the story at all.
4
I am usually entertained by Woody Harrelson...but for the love of Pete, yet another "wild and crazy" character?!?!? I'll pass.
15
I loved the book, but remember it being horrifying and heartbreaking. Sounds like the film version has whitewashed it. Too bad.
70
I did not read the book but did see the movie. It was horrifying. So if it was whitewashed, I would not have been able to read the book past a few chapters. That said, Woody Harrelson was excellent.
2
Read the book in one sitting...it was impossible to put down...and have given copies to friends. It is spellbinding. While I've not seen the movie, the trailers seem too misty, too prettified, to be true to the spirit of the book (I know, not unusual for Hollywood.) In last week's Sunday Styles cover story about Jeannette Walls, the film's director said he wanted to highlight the bond between father and daughter. The book is a riveting testament to these kids' survival despite their mentally ill, neglectful parents; I hope the film honors that.
60
I think, instead of seeing the film, I'll just re-read the book, yet again.
75
Will likely see this one. Have never failed to enjoy films the the NYTs pans.
7
I saw this movie yesterday and thought it was fantastic.
9
The book is repetitious, with a narrator's point of view that floats from adult to child, sometimes in the same sentence. The same material , the drunk, lying father who cultivates his children's' adoration while threatening their lives, has been covered a dozen times in recent years, the goofy, grandiose, complicit mother, the threat of violence, the starvation, the escapes from town in the middle of the night. The readers' fascination must lie in waiting to see this house collapse, over and over. The children won't or can't condemn their parents, so the readers wait for the children, now adults, to take their revenge. Who will prosecute this crime? Answer, the adult writer looking back at a bleak and terrifying childhood. That must the reason for this oft-told tale. Enough already.
14
This is a true story memoir. sadly it is repeated in famillies.
25
Yes, maybe it is repeated because is it, well we have not solved the addiction, neglect, abuse cycles that some families do experience across generations.
6
The reason it is "retold" is that it is all too real.
Somewhere out there, there is a young girl just like Jeanette Walls, being neglected and abused by her irresponsible parents. She might be black or asian or hispanic. She might not even be American. Maybe this is in Europe or Africa, or Asia.
Because it is a real, and very sad, human tragedy and it happens over and over again -- in part, because people are afraid to speak up and take action when they see child abuse.
Somewhere out there, there is a young girl just like Jeanette Walls, being neglected and abused by her irresponsible parents. She might be black or asian or hispanic. She might not even be American. Maybe this is in Europe or Africa, or Asia.
Because it is a real, and very sad, human tragedy and it happens over and over again -- in part, because people are afraid to speak up and take action when they see child abuse.
1
Loved the book but the trailer looks awful.
Ditto with Eat pray Love and Wild. Each memoir is a sprawling psychological tale with inner turmoil, budding awareness and revelations that a movie just can't render.
Ditto with Eat pray Love and Wild. Each memoir is a sprawling psychological tale with inner turmoil, budding awareness and revelations that a movie just can't render.
25
Wild was a terrific movie. Reese Witherspoon gave a brilliant performance.
4
Never trust a review by a critic who read the book first.
1
Why? Many of us went to see 'Gone With The Wind' after reading this American classic.
4
It's not impossible to write a perceptive review of a movie if you are already attached to the book, but far too often critics fault the movie for being different from the book, and thus can't judge the movie on its own merits.
2
The book was a horrid read. These people were way beyond the "free-range parenting" border. They were deep into the criminal neglect end of the pool. The children should have been removed from the parents, who were intensely self-absorbed, narcissistic, immature, irresponsible, and unfit to take care of themselves, much less children. "Free-spirited?" That's not a bad thing but these people were not "free-spirited." They were feral. It was so terrible that I often found myself wondering how much of her recounting was borderline fiction. Or outright fiction, hyping it up to sell the book.
63
You think those things are borderline fiction? You are aware of the world we live in, aren't you? And was the book "horrid" because you didn't like the content or was it a poorly written one in your opinion?
20
I felt the same way. When the book started to sound too much like James Frey's A Million Little Pieces, I stopped reading.
6
Have you ever heard of manic depression ? It's pretty clear in the book that both of Jeannette 's parents are suffer from untreated bilpolar disorder. The sharing of her life with these parents has helped so many people come to terms validating their own life experiences. Please take a look at the mental health crisis in this country and especially the state of Virginia. It's out of control.
4
Read the book and loved it. Reading NYT review, I would not see the film as it seems much is lost in translation, as happens with many novels. Again, READ THE BOOK.
21
After reading the book several years ago and seeing the movie last night with the additional segment with the author interview, I was surprised to see how much the movie romanticised the book. Even the author implied that it was beneficial to have wild, free spirit parents making the kids more resilient. It's great that all came out so well for her but I imagine that is not always the norm. There is a difference in being a free spirit and being neglectful in the care of your children. In the book there were many times there was no food in the house because Rex drank away his paycheck. I seem to remember from the book the kids going through other people's garbage looking for food. The mother's mental state seemed to be ignored in the movie. The book was very good but the movie missed the mark by a long shot.
57
It's a happier version of neglect and abuse that seems to imply children can choose to rise above their circumstances. Jeannette has stated there are wounds and she doesn't talk about them. It's entertainment where survival of the free spirit distracts us from societies responsibility to children. Where were the authorities? Were the children better off without social intervention?
I read half the book and couldn't finish it. The suffering of children is dismissed as tolerable in this country because there are survivors.
I read half the book and couldn't finish it. The suffering of children is dismissed as tolerable in this country because there are survivors.
80
A hundred or more pages would have been great if the kids described trying to get their parents the mental health they so badly needed. I read the book and see so evidence that Jeannette even took her mother to doctors to try various remedies, including medications to stabilize her mother's mental issues.
7
Why and how would a ten year old kid, which is about the age Jeanette is in most of the book, take her mother to a doctor? Who is the parent? And, once Jeanette reached adulthood, assuming she still cared to do so, how does she force her mother, who does not think she has any mental health issues, to go to a doctor she therefore does not want to see, for treatment she does not think she needs?
84
I did not expect the young Jeanette to take care of her parent's medical issues. However, what really bothered me is that, as an adult, she seems to excuse her parent's abuse, and it was extreme abuse, "mental illness" or not.
3
What a nasty comment. As the previous commenter stated they were children. Also mental health care? Surely you jest. I am sure the children did not see a doctor of any kind. I bet you think they should have shown more "personal responsibility".
3
Read the book. It is outstanding.
112
Yes, I agree.
6
I sent copies to cousins and friends - wonderful.
7
This was one Of the most disturbing books I have ever read. It is great that Jeanette survived and became successful. It is criminal that these people were allowed to keep children in this manner. Read the description of the house they lived in after they left Texas. This is something to be celebrated? It should have been prosecuted.
50