Clive Cusslers Dirk Pitt novels have kept me very entertained over the years, and I had really formed a bond with the characters in those novels. From Dirk's way with the ladies, and his no nonsense way of dealing with the Bullies. Dirk had way of making me try harder when it came to Lifes tough little situations. And the way Al would always get ahold of Ad. Sandkrs. cigars, woooh that used to really piss him off, and it made me laugh so hard it made me cry. Even visualizing the interior of Purlmutters (sp?) Home, with all the Nautical Memorabilia, and Purlmutter, carrying his weight with such Gentelmenly class. Yes, those novels were a big part of my life and I owe Clive a great deal of grattitude. I almost did when he was at a booksigning in Santa Barbara one time. But something told me, that he was probably very bored of the booksigning thing and all the "I'm a big fan yada yada"" There was nothing I could say to the man who brought these images to my mind over the years. These images will always be with me, and that's why I can't go see "Sahara". Matt M. is a good actor and all , but by gum he looks nothing like the Dirk Pitt that Clive Painted for me, I thought Dirk's eyes were a PIERCING GREEN, and as far as Al Giordino, I thought he was a stocky Italian with enormous strength? I pictured someone more like a miniature Hulk with olive dark skin and dark black hair and Didn't Sandecker have a RED Van Dyke Beard? Maybe I'm wrong. Anywho, All the best to the Movie and all, and I hope Clive makes a Mint, although I'm sure he'd boff at that. Thanks Clive, for being my favorite Author ever when it comes to Action Adventure for the Thinking Man. You're Novels gave me sanity when I made my living on the High Seas, the Ocean, my Mistress, But Dirk was always my Drinking Buddy.

I too had very similar views to yours regarding the film as I had built up mental images of all the characters. His books oer the years have kept me company on many a long evening working away from home. But My Son insisted I should go, and I did. I may have had few mental images shattered, but what a bloody good film. Yes there were omissions and changes, but to see the sets and ally that to the story it was still a very good film. I went home and read the book again and still enjoyed it.
Regards
H

I can definately see where you're coming from, greeneyes, but rest assured that the actors cast in their repective roles do a tremendous job in making those roles convincing.
One good example is Steve Zahn as Al Giordino. It's been a topic almost beaten to death--he looks nothing like the physical descriptions given by Dr. Cussler. But damned if Zahn didn't fit the role. You will believe him as Giordino, he is fantastic in the role. The same holds true with the rest of the cast.
At the very least, see the movie to partake in the discussions here, on the forum!! I think you might be pleasantly surprised.