Carver vs. Altman

Finally getting to and through Raymond Carver's collection "What we Talk About When we Talk About Love" (perhaps because it is such perfect subway reading, I only read it there). I wish I had read it before, for a number of reasons, but I am finding myself really distracted by the adaptations that are included in Altman's Shortcuts. It's unfair to make comparisons, but I can't help myself - I thought "The Bath" and "Tell The Women We're Going" were more expansive and chilling in the film (having the obvious benefit of context) - but "So Much Water So Close To Home" hits it harder as a standalone. I haven't looked into it, but "After the Denim" feels like it could be a prototype of California Split. Curious what other people have to say.....