Rebel in the RYE - 2017 (1 Viewer)

[BLReed]

For those when in their teens, cherished their hidden and well-read, dog-eared copy of
Catcher in the Rye

Synopsis: The world of legendary writer J. D. Salinger is brought vividly to life in this revealing look at the experiences that shaped one of the most renowned, controversial, and enigmatic authors of our time. Set amidst the colorful backdrop of mid-twentieth-century New York City, Rebel in the Rye follows a young Salinger (Nicholas Hoult, Mad Max: Fury Road, About A Boy) as he struggles to find his voice, pursues a love affair with famed socialite Oona O'Neill (Zoey Deutch, Why Him?), and fights on the frontlines of World War II. It's these experiences that will inform the creation of his masterpiece, The Catcher in the Rye, bringing him overnight fame (and notoriety) and leading him to withdraw from the public eye for the rest of his life. Co-starring Kevin Spacey and Sarah Paulson, Rebel in the Rye offers a tantalizing window into the life and times of a little-understood genius who broke the rules ... and redefined American literature.

 

[jazzeum]

I still have my original copy but haven't read it since high school.

 

[Combat]

I finally watched this one. It's not the worst movie in history but you have to wonder what the purpose of making it was. Salinger wanted privacy. So make a movie about his life. LOL. Salinger comes across as unlikeable and cold. Maybe even a bit unbalanced. I was reminded of the Unabomber when Salinger moves to New Hampshire, drops out of public view, and takes up residence in a barn-like structure. I do also wonder how much of his desire for privacy was an affectation designed to garner attention. And his unwillingness to publish a product of fear that he couldn't top Catcher in the Rye. The movie is pretty much a snooze fest for anyone other than the most ardent Salinger fans. It mostly skips over what could have been some interesting associations like the influence of the concentration camps etc. What exactly Salinger did in the war is ignored. Just vague general references.