The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving” is a profound novel penned by the talented Jonathan Evison. This captivating tale was later adapted into a film titled “The Fundamentals of Caring” by Rob Burnett in 2016. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the depths of the book and movie, unveiling their unique elements, curiosities, characters, and more.
Unraveling the Book: A Summary of “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving”
In “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving,” we follow the journey of Ben Benjamin, a man grappling with a personal tragedy that has turned his life upside down. After losing his family, Ben finds solace in his new role as a caregiver to Trevor, a young man suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
As the story unfolds, we see the bond between Ben and Trevor strengthens, and together, they embark on a life-changing road trip across the American West. Throughout their journey, they encounter a variety of characters, each with their own stories to tell.
Revisiting the Film: A Summary of “The Fundamentals of Caring”
“The Fundamentals of Caring” brings Jonathan Evison’s novel to life on the silver screen. Directed by Rob Burnett, the movie closely follows the storyline of the novel, maintaining the central themes of friendship, loss, and redemption.
In the film, Paul Rudd takes the lead role of Ben while Craig Roberts portrays Trevor. Their shared journey is beautifully captured, emphasizing the transformative power of companionship and the human capacity to heal.
When and Where Does It All Happen?
The events in both the book and the movie primarily unfold during their road trip. Set against the backdrop of the American West, their journey takes them through a multitude of landscapes, from the bustling cities to the tranquil countryside.
Behind the Scenes: Film Locations of “The Fundamentals of Caring”
While the characters’ journey spans several states, the film was primarily shot in Georgia, USA. The state’s diverse landscapes allowed for the portrayal of different locations. Notable spots include Lake Allatoona, Cartersville and the Atlanta area, which provided the setting for some of the film’s most memorable scenes.
Deciphering the Characters: Who’s Who in the Book and Movie
Both in the book and its film adaptation, the cast of characters is an intricate assembly of personalities that add depth to the storyline.
- Ben Benjamin: Played by Paul Rudd in the film, Ben is a grieving man who finds purpose and redemption in his role as a caregiver.
- Trevor: Portrayed by Craig Roberts, Trevor is a witty and resilient young man battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. His friendship with Ben forms the emotional core of the story.
- Elsa and Dot: In the film, Selena Gomez takes on the role of Dot, a vibrant hitchhiker they meet on their journey. Elsa, played by Jennifer Ehle, is Trevor’s caring mother.
Echoes of Wisdom: Memorable Quotes from “The Fundamentals of Caring”
The film is filled with memorable quotes that encapsulate its essence. Here are a few noteworthy ones:
- “Caring is a funny thing. It’s always born of a tragedy.”
- “Life is a big universe full of many roads to choose.”
- “You can’t always help people, but you can give them the tools to help themselves.”
The Melodies of the Journey: Ryan Miller and His Musical Contributions
Ryan Miller, renowned for his work with the alternative rock band Guster, composed the film’s evocative soundtrack. His compositions perfectly mirror the emotional nuances of the story, augmenting the viewers’ experience. Beyond “The Fundamentals of Caring,” Miller has lent his musical prowess to other films like “Safety Not Guaranteed” and “In a World…”
Fascinating Trivia about the Book and Movie
There are plenty of intriguing tidbits related to the book and its film adaptation. For instance, the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016 before being acquired by Netflix. Despite being based in the American West, the entire film was shot in Georgia due to tax incentives.
Cosplaying Tips: Dressing like Jodi and the Caregiving Instructor
If you’re interested in cosplaying as characters from the film, here are some simple tips:
- Jodi: In the movie, Jodi, portrayed by Julia Denton, is often seen in professional attire. A neat blouse, skirt, and a pair of heels would suffice.
- Caregiving Instructor: To dress like the caregiving instructor, opt for a casual look comprising a shirt, khakis, and comfortable shoes.
Meet the Author: Jonathan Evison
Jonathan Evison is an acclaimed American writer known for his ability to craft relatable characters and emotionally rich narratives. Born in 1968, Evison has authored several novels, including “West of Here,” “This is Your Life, Harriet Chance!,” and “Lawn Boy.”
Five Notable Works by Jonathan Evison
Beyond “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving,” Evison has penned several remarkable novels. Here’s a glimpse at five of his most notable works:
- “West of Here”: A historical novel set in the fictional town of Port Bonita, Washington.
- “This is Your Life, Harriet Chance!”: A tale of self-discovery featuring 78-year-old Harriet Chance.
- “Lawn Boy”: A novel that explores the themes of class disparity and the American dream.
- “All About Lulu”: Evison’s debut novel that won critical acclaim.
- “Legends of the North Cascades”: A novel that weaves together two narratives set thousands of years apart.
Five Media Adaptations by Rob Burnett
Rob Burnett has an impressive array of media adaptations under his belt. Here are five noteworthy ones:
- “Late Show with David Letterman”: Burnett served as the executive producer for this popular talk show.
- “Ed”: A comedy-drama television series co-created by Burnett.
- “Bonnie”: A sitcom where Burnett worked as a writer.
- “Strangers with Candy”: Burnett was an executive producer for this comedy series.
- “Everybody Loves Raymond”: Burnett directed an episode of this beloved sitcom.
Ten Films Similar to “The Fundamentals of Caring”
If you enjoyed watching “The Fundamentals of Caring,” you might want to check out these ten similar films:
- “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”
- “Little Miss Sunshine”
- “Garden State”
- “The Skeleton Twins”
- “Juno”
- “The Way Way Back”
- “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”
- “The Descendants”
- “The Spectacular Now”
- “Boyhood”
Engaging Discussions: Book Club Questions for “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving”
Engage in thought-provoking discussions about the book with these questions:
- Discuss how the theme of loss is portrayed in the novel.
- How do the characters evolve throughout the story?
- Analyze the role of humor in the narrative.
- How does the road trip influence the characters’ development?
- Discuss the significance of the title.
Ten Novels Similar to “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving”
If you enjoyed reading “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving,” consider these ten similar novels:
- “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion
- “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
- “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
- “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes
- “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein
- “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” by Maria Semple
- “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce
- “The Silver Linings Playbook” by Matthew Quick
- “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd
- “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
A Guide for Parents for “The Fundamentals of Caring”
“The Fundamentals of Caring” is rated ‘TV-MA’ and contains mature content, including strong language, sexual references, and dark humor. It’s advisable for viewers aged 17 and over.
Where to Buy “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving” and “The Fundamentals of Caring”
Both the book and the movie are widely available for purchase. The book can be found in major bookstores and online platforms like Amazon. The movie is available for streaming on Netflix and can be purchased or rented on platforms like Amazon Prime and Google Play.
Wrapping Up
“The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving” and “The Fundamentals of Caring” offer a poignant exploration of friendship, resilience, and the power of healing. Whether you lose yourself in the pages of the book or immerse yourself in the film, you’re in for a thought-provoking and heartwarming experience.
