A film version of this wonderful book would be difficult to do properly. I found it adequate, but certainly not impressive. The dialog while touching on aspects of key elements from the book fell short of conveying to the viewer important points of the story. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed this film had I not read and enjoyed the book. Many compromises are necessary to transform a novel, but both the screenplay and direction were lacking.
At the outset, it is offered as a ghost story and this emphasis is unnecessary. It is a mystery to unravel without ethereal suggestion. The relevance of the book lacking it's final story is brushed aside where it could have easily been developed. The strangeness of Charlie and his sister was introduced belatedly and incompletely. Margaret's wardrobe was not suitable - did she stop by on her way to the gymnasium? An actress who cared about her role might have provided better input on attire. The romantic element between Margaret and the Doctor was implied by weak smiles between them and a parting comment although not particularly important to the plot.
Much of this might have been saved with an introductory voice over or even flashback dialog with Margaret's father at the bookshop to set these facts in place. For example: "The reclusive and mysterious Vida Winter's most famous work is one nobody has ever read in a book of thirteen tales containing only twelve." Likewise, a summary, perhaps as dialog between Margaret and the Doctor where she relates the missing tale as Vida's Cinderellian story of the orphan half-sister would have brought more conclusion to the viewers.
At the outset, it is offered as a ghost story and this emphasis is unnecessary. It is a mystery to unravel without ethereal suggestion. The relevance of the book lacking it's final story is brushed aside where it could have easily been developed. The strangeness of Charlie and his sister was introduced belatedly and incompletely. Margaret's wardrobe was not suitable - did she stop by on her way to the gymnasium? An actress who cared about her role might have provided better input on attire. The romantic element between Margaret and the Doctor was implied by weak smiles between them and a parting comment although not particularly important to the plot.
Much of this might have been saved with an introductory voice over or even flashback dialog with Margaret's father at the bookshop to set these facts in place. For example: "The reclusive and mysterious Vida Winter's most famous work is one nobody has ever read in a book of thirteen tales containing only twelve." Likewise, a summary, perhaps as dialog between Margaret and the Doctor where she relates the missing tale as Vida's Cinderellian story of the orphan half-sister would have brought more conclusion to the viewers.