A visit to the flicks - previewing The Eye of The Storm

I've just seen the new Australian film by Fred Schepisi, The Eye of the Storm, based on the Patrick While novel with Charlotte Rampling (as Elizabeth Hunter, center), Judy Davis (left), Geoffrey Rush and Alexandra Schepisi.  The later who plays Mrs Hunter's day nurse, Flora, is outstanding in her role but is also the director's daughter and I feel the more seasoned actors were left to themselves during the making of this film while Flora was carefully shaped. 
Judy Davis was splendid as was Charlotte Rampling.  Geoffrey Rush played horrible Basil Hunter perfectly.
If you have not read the book, go and see it, there is some fine acting.  If you have read the book, you may be left wanting.  To not even have Elizabeth speak about the eye of the storm, was a sad omission but with most books made into film, there is not enough time to tell the whole story.  A television series may have suited this better. 
The Eye of the Storm by Patrick White is a large book and not one I am too fussed about but when I read it, I kept thinking it would  be a better movie than book.  While watching the movie, I had to force myself to ignore the book and concentrate on the wonderful actors.  I'm glad I've spent time with both but will not revisit either of them.

Now, the Vivisector... that's another story!  The Solid Mandala - I hope no one even tries to put it on screen, it is a masterpiece on page.