Well I finally caved in and went and saw it up in the country.

All I can say is that it was about as true to the book as it could have been and even though it was 3 hours long, my mind didnt stray ONCE....and when we got out of the cinema I looked @  my watch and could not believe that it was 3 hours long....I think ill go see it again when Im back in Sydney....movies are about the only place to take refuge from the smoke @ the moment.  :