Review of Catch-22 (1970) by Gavin S — 17 Jun 2007
Some film adaptations just don't get the material that they are adapting. This isone such adaptation. The basic story of a bombadier named Yossarian who wants to get out of his duties is kept, but the book's wonderful humor is almost completely lost.
Far too many scenes that were meant to be funny are presented seriously, such as Yossarian being arrested for not having a pass despite being in the same room with someone who has just raped and murdered a woman.
The film also tries to keep the book's non-linear storyline with disastrous results. In a book such a non-linear sequence of events works because we can be given a few choice words to orient us in the story.
In a movie, we're just going to be confused--even if we've read the book! Much of the cast is excellent but a majority are just miscast. The character of Maj. Major is meant to look like Henry Fonda and Bob Newhart looks nothing like Henry Fonda, and somehow the actors playing the two head Colonels seem to have switched characters by mistake! In the end the movie is a flop and while it has a few moments, it just isn't worth your time.
This review of Catch-22 (1970) was written by Gavin S on 17 Jun 2007.
Catch-22 has generally received positive reviews.
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