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The Whole Wide World Customer Reviews (16 - 18 of 32 Reviews)

Bitterweet romance
Like many people, I got this movie because I am a fan of the pulp writers in general and Robert E. Howard in specific. I had known some of the details of his lonely life and sad death.

I was very impressed with The Whole Wide World. It was very nice to see the creator of "Conan the Barbarian" treated with respect and tenderness. Renee Zellweger and Vincent D'Onofrio give outstanding performances as Novalyne Price and Robert E. Howard. The film gives an honest look at their relationship, and tells the story of a awkward young man who was far more at home in his mythical land of Cimmera than the reality of Texas. His "penpal" friendship with H.P. Lovecraft, another flawed pulp writer who lived through his writings and died young, is also mentioned. Perhaps pulp writing was not a career that invited longevity and mental wholeness.

But Novalyne loved him, and remembered him enough to write the book that this movie is based on. Also, as proof that this movie lives beyond Robert E. Howard's fan base , my wife liked it as much as I did. The Whole Wide World is a very touching romance.

The best love story I have ever seen
Usually I treat "love stories" with a thinly veiled contempt. Call me cynical, but most are contrived, sappy, and predictable. The Whole Wide World is anything but, and like most stories that break your heart, it's a true one - not something created by the overactive imagination of a Hollywood exec.

Other reviews have covered the basic story: based on the memoirs of Novalyne Price, The Whole Wide World is her recollection of the relationship she had with Conan creator and pulp fiction writer, Robert E. Howard, before his tragic suicide.

The performances in this film are outstanding. Vincent D'Onofrio practically leaps off of the screen. His character is infuriating, heartbreaking, yet so fragile. Renee Zellweger filmed this movie just before she got the call to appear in Jerry Macguire, and she shines as Novalyne Price. Price was a smart, witty, and stubborn lady - in a time when such things were not considered very ladylike. Novalyne and Robert were introduced by a mutual acquaintance, and thus began their disjointed and devoted friendship.

There was obviously so much love between them, but circumstances, Howard's mental illness, and his unreasonable devotion to his mother prevented their relationship from ever reaching it's potential. It's a tragic, very real human story and more than worth two hours of your time. Just make sure you have a tissue ready because it is a tear jerker. It never lowers itself to petty sentimentality though. The Whole Wide World will touch you via pure emotional storytelling - kudos to the writer who adapted Price's novel.

It's criminal that the DVD and video are not available in the United States! Various cable channels are playing it regularly, yet I can't come to the American amazon.com to purchase it?? Please follow the director, Dan Ireland, and his advice - go to amazon.ca.com and treat yourself to this wonderful love story!

It is true what everyone says about The Kiss
Incredible movie and it really IS the best screen kiss I have EVER seen.

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