Book to Movie: A Gravestone Made of Wheat, by Will Weaver

My mother is a big fan of independent films, something I typically don't have much use for. The script usually needs some work, the costumes, cinematography, etc. just isn't up to par. Ironically, I find the acting to usually be pretty decent, but rather than risk it, I usually just steer clear. However, visiting my family's place a couple of weeks ago I was told I just had to see this movie, Sweet Land.


Click to get the full effect of the picture...

Inge is a mail-order bride from Germany post WWII. The man she is to marry is an American farmer originally from Norway as well, and having never met they are to be wed the minute she arrives. However, no one trusts Inge and her German accent, and despite their best efforts no one will marry them. Inge steps up, though, and does the laundry, cooks good food, and helps harvest in the fields. And slowly, slowly, the local people come around as they see what kind of woman she is.

This is a sweet story, with plenty of humor. The scene above is Inge teaching her husband how to dance. I truly enjoyed the simplicity of the story and how well it was acted and played out. I wanted things to be slightly more fleshed out, and a few things were a big vague, but it was a cute movie that I hope to see again someday.

Graded a B.

After watching the movie we all wondered if it was based on a book. In fact, it's a short story by American author Will Weaver. Published in 1989, A Gravestone Made of Wheat is the very short but very to-the-point story of a young Norwegian-American farmer who receives a letter from his parents (back in Norway) about a young woman that would be willing to be his wife. He has no idea what she looks like and yet he knows he'll never get another opportunity, so he says sure send her on over. The writing is well done, the story cute, and the ending satisfying.

Ironically, it had one of the same problems as the movie - I wanted things to be much more fleshed out. I wanted to know more about these characters, who they were and the in-between bits you don't get to see. The ending was sweeter in the book, in a way that almost made me want to cry.

Graded a B.

I realize they both got the same grade, but if I had to pick I'd choose the movie to win for the details and extra scenes they were able to add. I felt the script, while lacking Weaver's touch, was still well done.