I saw the trailer for this and didn't even realize it was an adaptation of Helprin's novel. That's... too bad...

The scaffolding of the book is Paradise Lost; maybe that's what the film managed to capture.

the NYT described Farrell's character as an "Artisanal Thief" which I thought was funny even though I didn't get it.

Ouch. I really, REALLY wanted this film to be as magical and gorgeous as the novel, but sadly it appears that's not the case. Some things just don't translate well from their original medium, and this may be one of those, although perhaps in the hands of a more talented - and imaginative - director, things might have turned out differently.

Still, it's a great read. Go buy the book.

Wait, so there's no exit, chased by a bear?

It isn't just the Stranger. Rotten Tomatoes is giving this turd 13%. Ouch! A movie usually has to be universally bad to get down into the teens on RT.