Mother Night

Hats off to Gordon for tackling a difficult book, but as an adaptation of M.N it's a let down because it's too dreary for its own good. Only in the scenes with the clueless American Nazis do we get a glimpse of the black comic absurdity that defines its tone. Nolte is solid, but he gives a rather conventionally dramatic performance that is largely bereft of irony and wit. It's well acted overall though, and Gordon makes a sincere attempt to grapple with the moral issues the novel raises.

Somewhat interesting investigation of guilt and conscience in the Third Reich with a debatable ending. Haven't read the book.

Different from Vonnegut's tone, but if you're going to go in a slightly different direction, then this is a good one. Others have called it dreary, and it is, but it was impactful. A great character study. Great examination of war, propaganda and guilt, with a few good twists. Wonderful performances all around, especially Nolte, who wears everything on his face. Beautiful soundtrack, directing... everything works.

My distant recollection is that it is a rather dreary adaptation of a novel my distant recollection of which is that it is very good.

Sooo flipping boring!

There is a very brief shot of Vonnegut at an emotionally key moment, a moment which would probably work a bit better in the film if one's attention wasn't taken by this recognition, since the moment is far from uplifting and yet it is nice to see him, even if in a film which is generally faithful but perhaps somewhat more reflective of the overall limits of the novel than of its stronger points.

Excellent, very moving adaptation of one of my favorite Vonnegut novels, and probably the best adaptation of any of his work.