A book I know well from school I’d lovingly presented here in a Broadway production brought to our cinema screens courtesy of NT Live.
I’m not a big fan of James Franco generally but he is excellent here as George, and Chris O’Dowd was a pleasant surprise as Lennie.
In fact the casting is good thoughout, but special mention for Jim Norton, who was heartbreakingly believable as Candy, an old disabled swamper whose only friend is his smelly old dog.
Anna Shapiro’s production is small scale (just three simple sets) which uses music and lighting to present this classic tale.
As a film, it doesn’t give many nods to ‘cinema’ look, but the use of occasional close – ups was very effective, especially in the key – and still shocking – final scene.