Midnight in the Garden Film Review
Clint Eastwood Directs John Cusack in Movie of John Berendt's Book
Dec 4, 2008
John Berendt's bestselling novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil brought notoriety to the leafy haven of Savannah. Back in the '90s, when it first came out, international interest abounded in this strange, intriguing truth-based tale of murder amongst friends in the Deep South. Berendt vividly re-created his experiences amidst the stifling heat of Savannah. As a former editor of the New York Magazine, he was able to bring a keen and witty outsider's eye to the eccentric characters he encountered. As such, the book was crammed with amusing incidents that drew readers in, and pushed them along a roller-coaster journey of discovery.
Director Clint Eastwood Perfectly Captures Savannah
It was hardly surprising that a movie shortly followed. Clint Eastwood's 1998 film, starring John Cusack and Kevin Spacey, brought the book to the big screen. Eastwood, a director of assured confidence, used long meandering shots to create the oppressive mood of steamy Savannah. In this sense, he captured Savannah perfectly, and with a breathtaking beauty. But somehow, it wasn't enough.
Midnight's Eccentric Characters – Luther Driggers and Lady Chablis
The movie obviously doesn't have the same scope as the book for historical detail, but what it does have is the opportunity to bring characters to life. It almost manages this by emphasizing the scene-stealing transvestite Lady Chablis (played by the real life Lady Chablis) and the seriously odd Luther Driggers (Geoffrey Lewis), who attaches flies to himself with string. But without the dry commentary from Berendt, these are just minor characters in a meandering plot. They are interesting to see, especially for viewers already familiar with the book's characters, but then again that's essentially why they have been worked into the storyline anyway. There's nothing wrong with that per se. Most adaptations of books require a little tweaking for the silver screen. But with Midnight the changes still aren't quite enough to make it work. The film drags its heels for over two and a half hours......it feels like more.
John Cusack and Kevin Spacey Disappoint in Midnight
Berendt's alter ego in the film is one John Kelso, played by John Cusack. He becomes helplessly intrigued by the Gatsby-like socialite Jim Williams (Kevin Spacey). Kelso has, ostensibly, gone to Savannah to file a report on William's lavish Christmas parties, but events transpire to encourage him to stay on in the town. As Kelso, Cusack is competant enough, but his acting is almost too familiar. A torturous outing for an ordinary man in an extraordinary world – sound familiar? Kelso is just a watered down version of Cusack's hitman with a heart from Grosse Pointe Blank. Spacey is even less convincing as Jim Williams. For an actor often defined by his understated approach, his nauseating Southern drawl comes across as laboured, and he strolls around the decadent sets like a man with too much starch in his collar.
Midnight in the Garden – Admirable but Flawed
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil certainly has its merits. The chance to see the real Savannah (the film was shot on location) in all its glory is a definite plus point for Berendt fans. It's also beautifully crafted, and populated by curious characters. But sadly it is not always the case that interesting people make for an interesting film. At one point, Kelso describes Savannah as “Gone with the wind on mescaline”. The truth is it's more like the bland dressed up as the beautiful.
- Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
- Directed by Clint Eastwood
- Starring John Cusack, Kevin Spacey
- Written by John Lee Hancock, based on the book by John Berendt
- Running time: 155 minutes
Further reading: Other films based on bestsellers which may be of interest - The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and The Wave.
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