Word: kaufmann
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...just not clean government," Kaufmann said...
...Phillip Kaufmann's film adaptation captures most elements of the novel--the real elements, not the perceived ones--and presents them with faithful exactitude. In fact, so close is the adaptation that readers of the novel may find the film boring and tensionless. Even the fresh elements which Kaufmann brings to the film seem a coherent fit with Crichton's vision...
Snipes' casting is among Kaufmann's more arch additions to Crichton's plot. A new racial dimension is added to the already racially charged brew. One of Rising Sun's insistences is that Japanese society is laced with ancient prejudice for minorities and a newer prejudice for lazy, stupid Americans. "Rising Sun" does not skirt Japanese prejudice but is always aware of the hypocrisy of Americans lecturing anyone on racism...
...only thing it seems that Kaufmann couldn't improve upon is pacing. Trying to address so many ideas while still telling a breakneck-paced thriller proves too much and the plot jarringly jolts ahead at times glossing over new developments which are never what they seem to be. An idiotic framing sequence adds nothing and takes away valuable time...
...Also, Kaufmann spoils valuable shock potential by casting edgy-psycho specialist Ray Wise as an important senator. There's no question the senator is up to something after Wise's first goofy leer. Some unexpectedly intense eroticism seems thrown in to earn the film its thriller merit badge, but excellent, brooding camera work goes a lot further to keep our interest. The Crichton hit factory churns...