“A Walk Among the Tombstones” is a captivating crime novel penned by the acclaimed author Lawrence Block. The book, first published in 1992, introduces readers to the world of private investigator Matthew Scudder. The story was later adapted into an equally gripping movie in 2014, directed by Scott Frank. Let’s embark on a journey to dissect and appreciate both the book and its movie adaptation.
Book Summary: A Walk Among the Tombstones
The book chronicles the tale of Matthew Scudder, an ex-NYPD cop turned unlicensed private detective. He’s hired by a heroin trafficker whose wife has been kidnapped and brutally murdered, despite paying the ransom. Scudder’s mission soon reveals a string of similar cases, leading him into the grim underbelly of New York City’s criminal world.
The narrative is replete with intense suspense and a melancholic backdrop, portraying Scudder’s struggle with alcoholism and his path to sobriety. It’s an exploration of personal demons and societal evils, narrated through the lens of a murder mystery.
Movie Summary: A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)
Scott Frank’s movie adaptation, released in 2014, mirrors the novel’s central plot. The film stars Liam Neeson as Matthew Scudder, whose portrayal adds an extra layer of grittiness to the character. The movie stays largely faithful to the book’s narrative, with minor alterations to accommodate cinematic storytelling.
The film captures the dark, brooding atmosphere of the novel and translates it visually. From its thrilling narrative to its evocative cinematography, the movie is a testament to the power of cinema to bring literature to life.
When and Where Does the Story Take Place?
The story, both in the book and the movie, unfolds in New York City in the 1990s. The city’s grimy streets and shadowy corners serve as the perfect backdrop for the chilling narrative. The timeline spans over several weeks, tracing Scudder’s investigation and personal journey.
Film Locations: A Walk Among the Tombstones
While the story is set in New York City, the movie was primarily filmed in Brooklyn and other parts of NYC, providing authenticity to the narrative. The city’s characteristic architecture, local neighborhoods, and public spaces play a crucial role in setting the movie’s overall tone.
Who’s Who: Characters in A Walk Among the Tombstones
The book and movie are inhabited by a fascinating cast of characters, each adding a unique dimension to the narrative. Here’s an overview of the main characters:
- Matthew ‘Matt’ Scudder: The protagonist, portrayed by Liam Neeson in the movie, is a complex character grappling with his past and battling alcoholism while solving chilling crime cases.
- Kenny Kristo: A heroin trafficker who hires Scudder to investigate his wife’s brutal murder. In the film, he is played by Dan Stevens.
- Danny Ortiz: A homeless adolescent who becomes Scudder’s unlikely sidekick, played by Brian ‘Astro’ Bradley in the movie.
Memorable Quotes from A Walk Among the Tombstones
The book and movie are rich sources of riveting dialogues and memorable quotes. Here are a few:
- “People are afraid of all the wrong things.”
- “A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.”
- “I do favors for people, and in return, they give me gifts.”
These quotes encapsulate the themes of fear, action, and Scudder’s unique approach to his profession.
Soundtrack by Carlos Rafael Rivera: Biography and Other Works
The movie’s atmospheric score was composed by Carlos Rafael Rivera. Born in Washington, D.C., Rivera’s music straddles classical and modern genres with ease. His score for “A Walk Among the Tombstones” underscores the film’s suspense and emotional depth.
Rivera’s other notable works include the score for “The Queen’s Gambit,” which won him an Emmy Award. His compositions are known for their emotive power and intricate melodies.
Curiosities about A Walk Among the Tombstones
Here are some intriguing facts about the book and the movie:
- The character of Matthew Scudder appears in 17 novels by Lawrence Block.
- The movie was initially intended to be the start of a franchise, but the plan was dropped due to its modest box office performance.
- The film took nearly 20 years to make, facing multiple production delays and cast changes.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing like Matthew Scudder and Danny Ortiz
If you’re a fan looking to cosplay as Matthew Scudder or Danny Ortiz, here are a few tips:
- Matthew Scudder: Opt for a classic trench coat, a casual button-down shirt, and jeans. Don’t forget the leather gloves, a signature accessory of Scudder in the movie.
- Danny Ortiz: Sport a hoodie, baggy jeans, and a baseball cap to mimic Ortiz’s casual street style.
Biography of Lawrence Block, Author of A Walk Among the Tombstones
Born in 1938, Lawrence Block is a prolific American author, best known for his crime novels. He has penned over a hundred books spanning various genres. Block’s writing career has spanned over five decades, and he is particularly renowned for the creation of Matthew Scudder, a deeply human and relatable protagonist.
Lawrence Block’s 5 Best Works
Apart from “A Walk Among the Tombstones,” Lawrence Block has a rich repertoire of acclaimed novels. Here are five of his best works:
- “The Sins of the Fathers” (1976): The first novel introducing Matthew Scudder.
- “When the Sacred Ginmill Closes” (1986): Another Scudder novel that combines a detective story with a poignant depiction of alcoholism.
- “Hit Man” (1998): A novel that explores the life of a contract killer with a moral code.
- “Eight Million Ways to Die” (1982): A Scudder novel that sees him battling his demons while solving a high-profile murder case.
- “Burglars Can’t Be Choosers” (1977): The first novel in the ‘Bernie Rhodenbarr’ series, offering a humorous take on the mystery genre.
5 Other Media Adaptations by Scott Frank
Scott Frank, director of “A Walk Among the Tombstones,” has a knack for translating gripping narratives to the screen. Here are five other media adaptations by Frank:
- “Out of Sight” (1998): A crime-comedy film based on Elmore Leonard’s novel.
- “Get Shorty” (1995): A film adaptation of another Elmore Leonard novel, blending crime and comedy.
- “Minority Report” (2002): A sci-fi thriller film based on Philip K. Dick’s short story.
- “The Queen’s Gambit” (2020): A critically acclaimed Netflix mini-series based on Walter Tevis’s novel.
- “Godless” (2017): A Netflix mini-series exploring the lives of outlaws in a mining town.
10 Similar Movies to A Walk Among the Tombstones
If you enjoyed “A Walk Among the Tombstones,” you might find these movies equally compelling:
- “No Country for Old Men”
- “Mystic River”
- “Prisoners”
- “Gone Baby Gone”
- “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
- “Se7en”
- “The Silence of the Lambs”
- “Zodiac”
- “Insomnia”
- “Wind River”
Book Club Questions for A Walk Among the Tombstones
If you’re reading “A Walk Among the Tombstones” with a book club or just want to delve deeper, here are some discussion questions:
- How does the author portray New York City in the 1990s?
- Discuss the character development of Matthew Scudder throughout the book.
- How does the theme of redemption play out in the narrative?
- Discuss the depiction of the criminal underworld in the book.
- How does Lawrence Block handle the subject of violence in the novel?
10 Similar Novels to A Walk Among the Tombstones
If you enjoyed “A Walk Among the Tombstones,” these novels might catch your interest:
- “Mystic River” by Dennis Lehane
- “The Snowman” by Jo Nesbí¸
- “Knots and Crosses” by Ian Rankin
- “The Black Echo” by Michael Connelly
- “In the Woods” by Tana French
- “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson
- “Dark Places” by Gillian Flynn
- “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” by Alexander McCall Smith
- “The Big Sleep” by Raymond Chandler
- “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris
Parent Guide for A Walk Among the Tombstones
The movie adaptation of “A Walk Among the Tombstones” is rated R and contains scenes of violence, strong language, and mature themes. It’s not suitable for young viewers and requires parental discretion for teenagers. As a parent, you should consider your child’s age, maturity level, and sensitivity to such content before deciding to watch the movie together.
Conclusion
“A Walk Among the Tombstones” offers a thrilling journey through the grim streets of New York City, both in its book and movie formats. Whether you’re a fan of crime novels, suspenseful movies, or both, this story won’t disappoint. Lawrence Block’s masterful storytelling coupled with Scott Frank’s adept adaptation makes for an engaging experience that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page or watched the final scene. So, immerse yourself in this intriguing narrative, and take a walk among the tombstones.
