Thursday, September 25, 2008

Nights in Rodanthe

I am not sure how good the movie Nights in Rodanthe with Richard Gere and Diane Lane will be, but I plan on seeing it for a simple reason: I've been in Rodanthe on Hatteras Island many times and actually stayed in the house, Serendipity, used in the film many years ago when the shoreline was some 500-600 feet further to the east and a sand dune still protected the house and a group of neighboring houses, all the rest of which are now gone, lost to the encroaching ocean. The "S Turns," just to the north are a popular surfing spot. As the Virginian Pilot notes, the house has become a curiosity due to its movie roll:
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The house stands alone on the edge of the ocean at one of the most vulnerable spots on Hatteras Island, where water frequently washes over and cuts off N.C. 12. The house has been condemned since March, but preparations began several weeks ago to get the house into compliance and back on the rental market. The house has become something of a curiosity for sightseers because of its role in the movie.
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A Canadian Press review said the movie was so-so, but also noted on a topic us older guys coming out later in life might identify with:
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If there's any benefit to "Nights in Rodanthe," it's in the film's depiction of the possibility of finding love later in life. (Gere is 59 and Lane is 43 - ancient by starlet standards, of course, but she's never lost her fastball and actually looks lovelier than ever here with her natural good looks shining through.) This ought to resonate with audience members who've lost a loved one after a long marriage or are hesitant to get out and date again after going through a divorce. It's not exactly a topic that Hollywood bothers with very often.
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The final irony is that we are getting a northeaster right now, so the house is no doubt going to be in an area of likely overwash from the storm tides.

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