*****
Books and MOVIES are like apples and oranges.
They both are
fruit, but taste completely different.
(Stephen King)
I’m going to remember this the next time I see a movie based
on a book. I’ve gotten into the habit of comparing them – a subplot was left
out, the ending was different, the actor/actress playing the main character
looks nothing like I pictured, etc. I figure I have two choices: watch the
movie and enjoy it - or dislike it - based on nothing but the movie itself OR
skip the movie and re-read the book instead. I’m not sure if this new system
will work but I’m going to give a try, starting with King’s Under the Dome,
which comes out on TV this summer…
It is a good reminder. I find movies USUALLY do a better job at adaptation if they step back and try to get at the underlying idea, rather than taking the plot point by point. I know there are exceptions, but generally... TV series do a better job with movies because they can include a lot more details. (I am loving the Game of Thrones series, even though there are changes and consolidations... still, it is a pretty darned good job.
ReplyDeleteAs long as it doesn't deviate too much from the book, I can enjoy both.
ReplyDeleteHart - I think that's a good point re the idea vs plot points. For me, an example would be The Hunger Games - I enjoyed it very much, but I think they missed a chunk of some of the underlying themes.
ReplyDeleteAlex - I'm working toward enjoying both, each in their own right.
I didn't know they were making that a movie. I actually didn't care for the ending in the Dome though I loved the rest of the book up to that point.
ReplyDeleteI found The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo to be the rare case of the movie being as good as the book.
ReplyDeleteSusan - it'll be on TV this June. I remember liking the book overall, especially the beginning and middle, but I don't really remember the end.
ReplyDeleteOE - I never could get into that book. :)
This is so true! I don't know why I go into a film adaption of a book expecting to see the book. It hardly ever resembles the images placed in my head while reading.
ReplyDeleteI always go into a film adaptation knowing that changes are going to be made, and that I need to be prepared for that. I find it helps avoid a lot of disappointment.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for Under the Dome! I loved the book and, like you, I'll try not to think of the TV show as the same beast.
ReplyDeleteEmily - I think we'll be better off if we can see them as separate entities. :)
ReplyDeleteMJ - preparation is the key. :)
Kate - it helps that I don't remember it that well. :)
I almost always like the books better than the movies, but that may be because I've usually read the books first. Hope this movie will be a good one. :)
ReplyDeleteI think we have a naturally tendency to compare book to movie or movie to book. As you say, they are two different fruits with different flavors. We just need to remember that when we're sitting and eating popcorn while we watch the next film adaptation of a book.
ReplyDeleteJulie - I usually read the book first, too, although I guess there are a handful of times I saw the movie first, like GONE WITH THE WIND, and then went back and read the novel.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth - I'm definitely going to try and remember that they're different and just enjoy them for what they are.
Love that quote- I'd never thought of it like that but it makes a lot of sense. I try not to mix the 2 (ha, if that's possible) and just take them as separate experiences. it doesn't often work, but I try.
ReplyDeleteIt's almost inevitable things will get left out of a film. I think we have to remember that it's just one or a few people's interpretation of a book, which would be different from our own, and it's just as valid even if we dislike it.
ReplyDeleteLexie - I think the quote is a good reminder, too,
ReplyDeleteNick - that's a good point about the validity of different interpretations.
Jen - I agree, there are definitely some good movies based on books. Thanks for Following us here at TSR! :)
ReplyDeleteI used to love Stephen King's column for Entertainment Weekly. His take on movies and books was always so interesting, and I agree, they are definitely different experiences.
ReplyDeleteStephsco - I haven't read those columns. I bet they are interesting!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great quote.
ReplyDeleteJai - glad you like it!
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