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Back after  long absence, with an update. "Resolution," the sequel to "Appalooosa" came out in June. The newest Spenser, "Rough Weather" will be out in October, and "Appaloosa," the movie, has had its world premier at the Toronto Film Festival, then limited release in Boston, New York, and LA. It will appear nationally, at a theater near you, starting October 3rd when it goes into geneal release. I had no part in the movie other than to sell them my book. But I promise you, you will like it. It is a magnificent film. Check the court room scene for Daniel T. Parker, as the lawyer. If you liked the book you will love the movie. If you hated the book. . . why the hell are you reading my blog? I'll be back soon with responses to some of your input. But in the mean time,go sox!
rbp

Comments

[Ellee]

I am so stoked about Appaloosa. I can't wait. The trailer looks great.

[gary dobbs AKA WESTERN WRITER JACK MARTIN]

Is there a love triangle involved in the story? The movie poster seems to suggest so.

[Beth]

I can't wait for Appaloosa to come to Seattle, and I'm all excited about the latest Spenser.

[Joshua Anthony]

As a HUGE fan of R.B. Parker's work and also of westerns, I've been looking forward to the movie for a long, long time. I initially expected it to open last week on the 19th, and was really disappointed when I learned I had to wait another two weeks for general release.

I think Renee Zellweger is horribly miscast, but I'll reserve judgement until I actually see the movie.

Congrats Mr. Parker!

[Arun]

DR. RBP: I saw 'Appaloosa' this week -- it really is fantastic. It is a faithful adaptation to your novel. Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen nail the characters. Although the dialogue is dialed down somewhat, it still SOUNDS like your signature writing. I am truly happy that this film was made -- when I first heard Ed Harris was going to do it, I didn't want to get my hopes up because so many films fall through. I know you say you had nothing to do with the film, but you and your fans can be thrilled and proud to see what is CLEARLY an RBP creation take life on a big screen. Here's to hoping the box office might allow Harris to film RESOLUTION as well.

[Bob Morris]

Sorry, the Devil Rays are gonna take the Sox.

Still, I can't wait to see APPALOOSA. I never saw Viggo Mortenson as Hitch but my wife thinks it's brilliant casting. And I'd watch Ed Harris in anything...

[Jack Marshall]

Hello Mr. Parker, I am eagerly awaiting the movie Appaloosa somewherre around here (currently on Cape Cod). As a native Bostonian and former boxer I have long enjoyed your Spenser novels and recently purchased several of the TV series DVD's...Fantastic but never as good asyour book. I would love to come to one of your book signings but never seem to know where you will be until after you've been there. I hope you have a speedy recovery with your new knee. Go Sox!!

[Joshua Anthony]

Just got home from watching the first showing of Appaloosa in my town.

Excellent film. As one reviewer wrote, this is a film made for grown-ups. Ed Harris was smart enough to leave Robert Parker's work the way it is. Almost the entire film is straight out of the book, scene for scene and word for word. Parker's work shines through in every moment. Fans won't be disappointed.

I wasn't crazy about the casting of Renee Zellweger, but that's a minor gripe. She's a fine actress and she played the role well. I would have preferred someone a bit older, but that's just me.

If you like the book you'll love the film.

[Wayne C. Rogers]

I'm going to see Appaloosa today and expect the movie to be as good as the novel. It should be noted that Diane Lane was originally cast for the role of Allison French. However, something happened which caused her to have to bow out of being in the film, so Renee Zellweger was then hired to replace her. I have to say that Ms. Lane would've been perfect as Allison. She definitely has the beauty and maturity and seductive ability to carry it off. I mean, what man could say no to her?

[Wayne C. Rogers]

I just saw Appaloosa, but before I went to the show I read Roger Ebert's review of the movie and wondered why he only gave it three-out-of-four stars, when he evidently liked the film. Now, I know. Ed Harris did a fairly good job of directing Appaloosa, but this is only his second time up at bat and he still has a lot to learn about the whole process of directing. Some of the acting seemed off-keyed at times, especially that of character actor, James Gammon, who played one of the town's councilmen--the man who shoves the President's pardon of Randall Bragg in Virgil's face. Also, in certain places the sound didn't seem right, and I don't think it was the sound system in the theater. I know that for the first fifteen minutes or so of the movie, I was wondering what was wrong. Something didn't seem right, though I couldn't quite figure out what it was. The sound of the voices and effects could be heard perfectly, but it didn't sound like "movie sound," if that makes any sense at all. Maybe the lack of background music in certain places in the film effected the sound. What it reminded me of was how you would hear a stage play on Broadway when sitting in the audience. Also, some of the gunshots didn't quite sound authentic for the high caliber of bullets that were being fired. Like a few other fans have already said, Renee Zellweger did a decent job, but still lacked that special something to make Ms. Allie come alive. My roommate kept referring to her as Brigit Jones and that she seemed too nice and happy to be playing such a deceitful character. Diane Lane would have been better suited for the role. And, what was with the cougar suddenly appearing in the film for no reason at all? Other than that, Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen did an excellent job in their respective roles and brought Mr. Parker's book to life. I loved the reality of the shootouts and the dialogue between Virgil and Hitch, which we have Mr. Parker to thank for. I certainly intend to buy the movie when it comes out on DVD. Hopefully, the film will make a enough money worldwide to insure the making of Resolution in the near future with Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen reprising their roles. Now, when will the new Jesse Stone movie be out on television? That's the big question.

[JohnD]

Just saw it tonight and it was great! Let us know when you sell them Resolution, cause I'm ready to go see that now too! ;-)

[MIKE PERRICONE]

Read "APOLOOSA" & "RESOLUTION" now can't wait for "ROUGH WEATHER"--I mean the Spenser novel, not the forthcoming cold, snow & ice. As a man with two bad "wheels," I also hope Mr. Parker's "new parts" are doing fine.

[Liz]

I just saw Appaloosa last night, and genuinely enjoyed it. God Bless Ed Harris for staying so true to the novel in his screenplay. I did see differences in the Bragg character, but came out liking both versions equally. Though I did wonder later if the final scene has slightly different implications because the movie version of Bragg is more of a crack gunslinger. Still, either way, knowing what was coming towards the end, my heart was absolutely racing.

One of the highlights of the experience was listening to the reactions of the audience around me. They laughed at the dialogue, and sometimes that laugh was delayed as it took a few seconds for the implication of a line to hit them. They seemed surprised (in a good way) by a great many things: the unflinching view of Allie, Cole believing in Everett without question, the way that Ring and Cole could be on opposite sides of a situation but still be men of their word.

It was great to see a Spenser story on the big screen. I don't know how likely it is, but I'd be thrilled to see Resolution and Brimstone at the theaters too, one day.

[Kathy]

Mr. Parker:

I was wondering if there is any way to know when the new Jesse Stone tv movie "Thin Ice" will be out. I have been trying to find information but haven't been very successful. I have truly enjoyed all of your Stone novels. Thanks for anything you can share.

[Tom McCarthy]

eadrDear MR Parker,I enjoy reading your Spenser books.You have that big city cynical sense of humor,being a New yorker I get a big laugh.Glad to see you guys did kill buckner.Go Mets! can't stand the Yankees either.

[Tom McCarthy]

eadrDear MR Parker,I enjoy reading your Spenser books.You have that big city cynical sense of humor,being a New yorker I get a big laugh.Glad to see you guys did kill buckner.Go Mets! can't stand the Yankees either.

[debi]

I recently discovered the Spenser novels and fell in love with them! I am looking forward to Rough Weather due out this month.

[Wayne C. Rogers]

Is Brimstone a new Robert Parker novel? I checked Amazon and couldn't find it listed under his name.

[Char Ruth]

I just discovered your website reading "Now & Then", while recovering from an injury. Again I was reading about a cooking experience, and suddenly wondered if you have a website with some of your recipes on it....
I hope you've had a nice recovery from your second knee surgery.
Take care, Char

[BARB C.]

Can't wait to see Appaloosa. I'll watch anything with Ed Harris. I agree, Renee Zellweger would not be my choice for the part of Allison. I've read almost everything rbp has written and keep checking the internet to find the next book title and release date. Anybody have info on "Brimstone"? The TV Jesse Stone movies have been terrific, and Tom Selleck was a perfect choice as Jesse.

[Jan]

I managed to catch the early show today for Appaloosa, and I absolutely loved it. By-in-large it was very close to the book, particularly its use of the books wonderful dialog. I think the two lead characters are really unique and wonderfully complex. Everyone involved should be real proud of this movie. I am an unabashed fan of the XM radio western series Powder River, and anything that can help the western genre become popular again, I am all for. I am also looking forward to the next Jesse Stone TV movie. I love those too!

[Pete]

Just waiting to see Appaloosa here in the UK, and I'm right in the middle of reading Rough Weather. I'm in Parker Heaven!

[RM]

Hello from Argentine!

My friend and I went to the cinema last weekend, we LOVED the movie and we hope some translation would be soon in our bookshops.

You have to know when I discovered there´s a second book (a few minutes ago^^)I almost cryed from happiness! I called my friend just to tell her about it.

Hugs.

[Arno]

I have been reading Spenser novels since 1996 when I discovered them by chance by picking up a book, Promised Land (because it was a Penguin edition) in a second hand bookshop in Paris, where I was living (I am French). I was 26 then. Now it so happens that I live and work in Boston. It was strange and amusing to become familiar with all the places I had read about in the Spenser stories. Likewise the hero, I now run along the Charles river regularly and frequent the good restaurants and bars near the Common. Needless to say, I am very anxious to read the new book. I am not convinced my request will get any attention, but I wish RP included more of these reflections and references on the American society and issues that Spencer sometimes suggest or share with the reader. I am under the impression these "critical thoughts" were more present in the earlier books. The mere mention of some of today's events would in my opinion keep the character Spenser even always real and current and attaching, if that is possible. Of course this is just my modest opinion.
Of course I will go and see the film Appaloosa. There are not too many good films these days at the theater.

[James A. Ritchie]

Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen are two of teh best actors out there, and just a simportant, both seem to have the knack of knwoing what a good script is. Because of this, and because the movie was based on a Robert B. Parker novel, I expected the movie to be good.

It was better than good. Movies almost always have to veer away from a novel to some degree, and some changes were made, but they worked. This was a fine, fine film, and when it comes out on DVD it will go straight into my keeper collection.