Something clearly was lost in translation adapting “The Glass Castle”

Sometimes sprawling novels covering decades of time are too gargantuan to be contained in a two-hour film. Such is the case with “The Glass Castle.” While the film adaptation of Jeanette Walls’ 2005 memoir about her tempestuous childhood means well, and contains strong work from Woody Harrelson and Brie Larson, it fails to adequately portray the complexities of her dysfunctional family. What was expansive and detailed on the page gets lost in translation with too many unanswered questions about characters’ pasts. Additionally, three actresses playing Jeanette at various stages makes it difficult to connect with her, and too many flashbacks sink the momentum of the story. It’s a noble try, but confounding in all that’s missing.