chkltlife

I happened to catch this movie on cable. It has a similar plot the Shirly Jackson's short story, The Lottery, where once a year, the town gathers in the center to draw a winner. There is a definite ritual. Everyone in town must be present, husbands draw first. If no husband, then oldest male relative. Slips of paper are drawn from a box; the winner has the slip of paper with the black mark. This determines the family 'eligible' for the lottery. New slips of paper are added to the box, one for each family member, and only one with a black mark. Each member draws (children included). The story provides some suspense, leading you to the climax. As normal activities of this town are mentioned, there is nothing to stand out, which would lead the reader to the prize at the end of the drawing. Read the story to get the ending.

I rather enjoyed this adaption of the novel. I viewed it prior to reading any comments posted. I was very caught up in Anne's feelings, her family use of her as a nursemaid, organizer and overall sport. I liked the segments in which she made eye contact with the viewer on significant points in the story; particularly the expressions of her concealed angst over Capt. Wentworth's inability to forgive her, her emotions when she thinks he is engaged, etc. I also enjoyed the distance they kept, while often making eye contact and sharing many unspoken moments. The diary, the journaling... I love it. I have not read the novel, but will curl up with it on this weekend!