Book or Movie? Books and Their Film Counterparts
Book or Movie? Books and Their Film Counterparts
It’s an age-old question – book or movie? Which is better? In most cases, it’s simply a matter of personal preference, and which medium presents the story to the individual in the most powerful way. I know bibliophiles who love the movie version of Fight Club, but found the Chuck Palahniuk novel only so-so. I’ve also met cinephiles who swear up and down that while Holes is a cute film, it fails to transport them back to their childhood like the Louis Sachar novel.
A perfect example of a good book that was made into a legendary film is The Princess Bride by William Goldman. Goldman wrote the screenplay for the movie version, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary. There are several elements that make The Princess Bride a cult classic that is even better on the screen than the page, but memorable quotes delivered with flawless timing top the list. The classic line “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father; prepare to die!” chanted over and over again in Mandy Patinkin’s Spanish accent just doesn’t carry the same force when read in a book, and who could fail to be moved by Wesley calling “As you wish” as he tumbled down the hill? Additionally, it’s one thing to read about complicated swordfights riddled with stunts, but it’s another thing entirely to see them played out on the silver screen.
It’s all well and good when the author’s pride and joy becomes an incredible cult classic on screen, but it’s another matter when a novel is butchered like a hog and turns out to be a complete flop. Case in point: Clive Cussler’s Sahara. To put it simply, Sahara was an amazing book, but a god-awful film. So awful, in fact, that Cussler took legal action against the production company, Crusader Entertainment. The film’s first mistake was completely deviating from the character descriptions in the novel. The Dirk Pitt in Clive Cussler’s series has black hair and green eyes – a far cry from blond-haired, blue-eyed Matthew McConaughey. In addition, Dirk Pitt and his sidekick Al Giordino (a stocky Italian who looks nothing like actor Steve Zahn, who’s ethnic background is German) are scientists seeking the source of an algal bloom that could deplete the world’s oxygen supply in the novel, but little better than treasure hunters in the film. The movie also cut out far too many necessary scenes from the book, making the story feel disconnected and rushed.
Although there will always be those who argue vehemently in favor of books over movies, or movies over books, the fact is the two often work together. Kids who don’t normally enjoy reading may pick up The Hunger Games, assured that they will enjoy the book having seen the movie, and adults who haven’t read Where the Wild Things Are may be inspired to revisit Maurice Sendak’s picture book after seeing the film. So what do you say, my fair reader? Book or movie?
Well, as both an avid reader and movie fanatic, I’d honestly say this is one argument that should be settled on a case by case basis. I have heard both sides of the discussion before. Most swear that movies never amount to the novel. And I can, in all actuality see why. I personally believe that fantasy never amounts to reality. Growing up in the 90’s when video games and the internet were nothing like they were now. I can remember using my imagination to entertain myself as a child. My point is, when one reads a enthralling novel like, The Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter, people use a combination of their imagination and the author’s ability to articulate the story into words, to create the fantasy in their minds. I remember reading The Hobbit, and just how much Tolkien stressed on describing detail. Creating vivid fantasies and a enveloping story on the author’s part, takes some skill. On the other hand with movies, I can also adequately access the other point of the article on which Ms.Verrastro so fluently expressed. Movies have one distinct advantage, the visuals. Will all the bells and whistles we have with technology today, we certainly can create a stunning show. However, without a solid story, character development, (a “backbone” if you will) the movie will most likely bomb. I think this is a major fluke with cinema nowadays. We tend to be all about visuals, and lacking in plot. This is not to suggest that visuals are not a hinderance to cinema. On the contrary, when used in balance with well developed plot devices. They create wonderful pieces of cinematic art. Like many times in life, moderation is the key.