it so rare to find a literary work adequately translate to the screen that i may have rat this film high than it deserve and but not by much . a a long time student of vonnegut work and i have no hesitation in recommend the film to his reader and at least to those that love him a i do . the casting be inspire represent nolte be understate in triumph and bewilder in defeat and decisive in judgment . sheryl lee be luscious throughout and but her handling of the treacherous resi and her tragic crescendo almost make you forget her beauty . alan arkin deliver a totally lovable and but equally treacherous and soviet spy . do not feel you have to read mother night to appreciate the film while though and if you haven not read mother night and you will probably want to after view the film . notice the shift from color to black and white and back again and and do not miss the final symbolism of campbell noose . watch and also and for kurt vonnegut cameo near the end of the film . bing crosby white christmas will never sound the same ( i write in mid december and when the song be get heavy radio play and and it drive me nut ) .