Books by Patricia Cornwell

Re: Disappointed

by jknnej on Fri Dec 04, 2009 10:53 pm

I have to agree that the choice of Angelina Jolie for Scarpetta has me saying I'll never see the movie. It's not that I don't think she can act-there are so many other problems with her in this role.
First, she's way too young at 34. Kay was 40 in Postmortem; I know the character's don't actually age the way us real folks do, but still, anyone with a brain would figure Scarpetta as being at least 45-50 by now.
Second, she's too beautiful-Kay Scarpetta is described by Cornwell as not classically pretty.
Third, she's too thin-again, Kay is supposed to be a size 8-even at 5'5" that's not extremely thin like Jolie.
Fourth, Jolie looks terrible as a blond-I've seen her in blond wigs. Ugh is all I can say.
Finally, in my own opinion, there are MUCH better choices-Sharon Stone, Cate Blanchett, Sela Ward, et al.
I just can't understand why Cornwell would describe Kay the way she does, then choose Angelina Jolie to play her. It is absolutely contradictory to what she writes.
I must agree that I, too, am extremely disappointed in this choice. I have nothing against AJ; I've enjoyed her movies many times. I just think she is 100% wrong for this role. I also think, because of her popularity in the tabloids, it will turn this movie into a media circus. Hey-maybe that's what Cornwell wants. The more publicity, the more money, probably. It's just disappointing.

Re: Disappointed

by Injuryreigns on Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:39 am

If we all had the same opinion on everything,life would be pretty boring. : )

Re: Disappointed

by sloeval on Mon Nov 16, 2009 5:40 am

[quote="MJK5290"]
All of the PC fans can rest easy. (Why do people feel that the only people that have the right to post something on a public forum are the ones that agree with or like the subject of the forum?) I mean really- this is a MINOR topic, but wasn't this country founded on freedom of speech? It's not like I'm saying that I think PC or AJ should be publicly flogged or worse! I can be a non-fan and post my opinion. Why is informed discussion ridiculous?
[/quote]

Not saying I think Angelina Jolie is perfect to play Kay Spetta not at all but when PC made such decision for whatever reasons well then so be it, no need to do such a big fuss out of it for keeping answer to herself. And yes I'm also dying to know why Angelina Jolie.

Re: Disappointed

by MJK5290 on Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:57 am

I only joined this site to find out why PC would choose AJ for the role. I was hoping there would be a contact section, and I found there was even better: Q&A. Vote on what questions you want PC to answer directly! The question was already posted; my feelings were in the (clear) majority. It's never been answered on this site, but she apparently has stated that AJ was her first choice. Now I can remove myself from this site.
All of the PC fans can rest easy. (Why do people feel that the only people that have the right to post something on a public forum are the ones that agree with or like the subject of the forum?) I mean really- this is a MINOR topic, but wasn't this country founded on freedom of speech? It's not like I'm saying that I think PC or AJ should be publicly flogged or worse! I can be a non-fan and post my opinion. Why is informed discussion ridiculous?

I began reading Ms. Cornwell in 1995. I became an immediate fan. I also purchased her cookbook, and I enjoyed her Jack the Ripper book. I stopped reading in the middle of Blow Fly, I think. I found her writing formulaic ; I found nothing fresh- or realistic- about it. (FYI- I also find nothing realistic about CSI.) Furthermore, I began to REALLY DISLIKE the character of Kay Scarpetta. As I said, I found her long suffering and annoying. I grew tired of her self righteous pontificating rants. I began to wonder how much Kay and PC were really one person. Again, I am not the only one. The fact is, she is not getting good reviews for her writing lately. I haven't read the last few, so I can't speak to them directly, but I don't feel like I'm missing out by not reading them.
I used to enjoy reading Jodi Piccoult until I grew tired of her formula, as well. This often happens with popular or series writers; eventually the writing stops becoming fresh.
Having said that, I certainly was looking forward to a film adaptation/ interpretation of her books. I happen to be political, passionate, and particular about movies. I boycott movies with actors that I don't like; it could be because of their acting or their political/personal views or actions. For this movie, I will be boycotting it because I think that AJ couldn't be further from an embodiment of Kay Scarpetta. I think she is a horrible actress; there are so MANY other actresses that could have brought real life to this role. I find Angelina a one note actress. If this movie is made as more of an action movie, it probably will make a lot of money; that's her one note. If it's made to have drama and depth of character? Not so much. Her ticket sales and critical reviews bear that out. My guess is that this will be Angelina in a movie, as opposed to a movie about Kay Scarpetta.

I also will see a movie if I really LIKE an actor or director, but I am not particularly interested in the subject matter. I don't like post apocalyptic stories, but I plan to see The Road, because I think Viggo Mortensen can do no wrong.
So- I got my (non) answer. Now I can un-join and PC/AJ fans can feel safe again.

Re: Disappointed

by sloeval on Sun Nov 15, 2009 6:32 am

Whoa reading all this yes bout of you have a point although usually I don't like to get in middle of arguments but this is rather ridiculous. Ridiculous not in a sens of argument but why such a big deal, yes we PC's fans aren't always happy with her decisions about characters thinking she could do different but same time imagine what would happen when PC would try to please every persons wishes.....real chaos......I also didn't so much liked 1 or 2 Scarpetts books but still I don't think she should change anything better said I don't wish for her to change it. In a way her writing is what she is so in a sens changing her decisions/writing means changing herself that's one thing no one should do for anybody.

When PC sees AJ best for Scarpetta like it or not it's still her creation her decision why should she defend herself because of that? Again why such a big deal! Give it a chance!

I'll stay with PC she kinda reminds me that everything is possible also with her fresh ideas she still stays in front of all ''crime csi'' writers!

Re: Disappointed

by The Nobody on Sat Nov 14, 2009 9:01 pm

If you are no longer a fan of the series why do you care so much?? I really do get your point, but she has addressed the question and now you know where PC stands. I would much rather discuss with you when you lost interest in the series. As someone who has loved every book I am wondering which book turned you off of the series. I am re-reading SCARPETTA and have seen all these characters go through so much. They have made choices we - as readers - may not have liked, but reality is like that. Please let me know your thoughts??

The Nobody

[quote="MJK5290"]Oh, for heaven's sake.
#1)- As I work during that time, I did not see GMA.
#2)- My biggest point is, if you have an "answer the fans" section on the site, and you don't do that, then remove it.
#3)- I don't HAVE to have a positive opinion about Angelina Jolie in this role. I can disagree. I can voice my negative opinion.
#4)- I don't have to blindly support ANYONE. I can discern which political, personal, philanthropic, or entertainment stance I choose to support. I don't pay money to see actors that I don't enjoy. I have that right. I have the right to say I think an specific actor is totally wrong for the role. If that was Ms. Cornwell's first choice, then good for her. Perhaps she could have told us that on this site. Months ago.
#5)- Truth be told, I stopped enjoying the series a while ago. I got tired of Kay Scarpetta's long suffering, poor me story line. I don't think she stayed true to the character OR Pete Marino's character. And- get a NEW enemy. Just like I didn't think that Thomas Harris stayed true to Clarice Starling's character in Hannibal. But I like Julianne Moore and David Mamet, so I saw the movie. Although I have stopped reading Ms. Cornwell, I have long been looking forward to a movie interpretation of her books. I can and do choose not to see it. It costs a lot of money to go to the movies. I am particular about which ones I see. If a better actress was chosen for the role, I would have gone. I choose not to add to Angelina's millions. Neither she nor Ms. Cornwell will miss my money, but I certainly have the freedom of that choice and that opinion.[/quote]

Re: Disappointed

by MJK5290 on Sat Nov 14, 2009 10:38 am

Oh, for heaven's sake.
#1)- As I work during that time, I did not see GMA.
#2)- My biggest point is, if you have an "answer the fans" section on the site, and you don't do that, then remove it.
#3)- I don't HAVE to have a positive opinion about Angelina Jolie in this role. I can disagree. I can voice my negative opinion.
#4)- I don't have to blindly support ANYONE. I can discern which political, personal, philanthropic, or entertainment stance I choose to support. I don't pay money to see actors that I don't enjoy. I have that right. I have the right to say I think an specific actor is totally wrong for the role. If that was Ms. Cornwell's first choice, then good for her. Perhaps she could have told us that on this site. Months ago.
#5)- Truth be told, I stopped enjoying the series a while ago. I got tired of Kay Scarpetta's long suffering, poor me story line. I don't think she stayed true to the character OR Pete Marino's character. And- get a NEW enemy. Just like I didn't think that Thomas Harris stayed true to Clarice Starling's character in Hannibal. But I like Julianne Moore and David Mamet, so I saw the movie. Although I have stopped reading Ms. Cornwell, I have long been looking forward to a movie interpretation of her books. I can and do choose not to see it. It costs a lot of money to go to the movies. I am particular about which ones I see. If a better actress was chosen for the role, I would have gone. I choose not to add to Angelina's millions. Neither she nor Ms. Cornwell will miss my money, but I certainly have the freedom of that choice and that opinion.

Re: Disappointed

by The Nobody on Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:46 am

[quote="ashleigh"]PC did address the issue of Angelina Jolie on thursday on GMA, she said AJ is her first choice. Do I agree not really, but if PC who has given us amazing books for 20 years thinks she is the right choice to play her character, shouldn't we give her the benefit of the doubt that maybe just maybe angelina could pull it off? I think so, she also said nothing is set in stone yet.[/quote]

Thank you,

That was my point exactly. If PC is happy with the choice - I heard they had lunch together to discuss the upcoming film franchise - than her fans need to respect that and trust in her. Especially since she has the rights to her own books - she will get the person she wants.

The Nobody

Re: Disappointed

by ashleigh on Fri Nov 13, 2009 11:39 pm

PC did address the issue of Angelina Jolie on thursday on GMA, she said AJ is her first choice. Do I agree not really, but if PC who has given us amazing books for 20 years thinks she is the right choice to play her character, shouldn't we give her the benefit of the doubt that maybe just maybe angelina could pull it off? I think so, she also said nothing is set in stone yet.

Re: Disappointed

by MJK5290 on Fri Nov 13, 2009 5:48 pm

[quote="The Nobody"]What is the issue with Angelina Jolie?? She is a wonderful choice to play Scarpetta - tough and sensitive! And why should the author express her fan's disappointments?? If she is happy with the choice her fans should just calmly wait to see how it turns out - it is called support. If you really are disapointed that is your opionion, but it is not necessary for Ms. Cornwell to agree with it.[/quote]

Ms. Cornwell has a feature on this site where people ask her questions and vote on which ones we want her to answer. The NUMBER ONE question after the announcement of Angelina Jolie as the chosen actress- by far- was "WHY her?" This question has never been answered. If Ms. Cornwell is not going to answer the questions, then remove this feature. That's a disappointment.
Secondly, "Why should Ms. Cornwell address fan disappointment?" Where would any celebrity be without the fans? The disappointment on THIS site ran about 85- 90% based on the responses I read. We expressed that. Yes- I DO think she should talk to us about this choice. If I disappoint those that I work for, I address it.
Why be disappointed in Angelina Jolie as the person to portray Kay Scarpetta? Because she couldn't be further from the character. Kay Scarpetta is certainly OLDER than Angelina Jolie. Scarpetta is blond. She doesn't have what I feel to be the right character. There were MANY that said, "Maybe she could play the niece, Lucy- who does a lot of ass kicking." And for me- Angelina is a mediocre actress. I don't think she has the depth to play the character. She over acts everything she does. There are so many OTHER good actresses that would have complimented this character beautifully.
Indeed, I HAVE supported Ms. Cornwell with my pocketbook MANY times over the years. This site says that she answers fans questions. She hasn't done that since AJ became an issue. I won't be supporting this movie.
And lastly, just because my opinion on this issue is negative, doesn't mean I don't have the right to express it. I don't have to be quiet and wait to see how the movie is.