The Book vs. The Movie?
With the release of the Brad Pitt starrer, World War Z,
based (loosely?) on the book by Max Brooks, I thought it would be cool to see
what your thoughts are, and where you stand, when it comes to 'the book vs. the movie' debate. In the coming weeks, I would like to get your opinions on some of the books that were made into movies, but in the meantime, it would be great to get a general idea of what you prefer overall; the book, the movie, or both?
6 thoughts on “The Book vs. The Movie?”
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/wwz I saw this yesterday and reminded me of what you just said, I never read the book or saw the movie, but I know what the book was about, and based on the trailers and what my friends thought about the movie, I can completely agree with what this little venn-diagram showed. The 2 are so close to nothing alike, it’s one thing that really disappoints me about some movie adaptations of books, but what can you do right?
Movies are great if you want to see how other people experienced the book–what the setting looked like, and how the characters are embodied. However, books let you use your imagination: you get to create your own Hogwarts, and imagine what each character looks and acts like. Plus, the whole experience of reading is much better than watching a movie. From the first page-turn to the last one, you go on an adventure with the words. You can join books clubs and discussion groups, and can’talk to your friends about them. Books tend to leave a stronger impression on people, and are things that can be loved over and over. Movies are more instant, but can be experienced with more people at the same time. However, it seems that after watching a movie, everyone sees black and white on the matter. Books open the world of grey–was he really the good guy?
Anyone can watch movies, but it takes a committed person to read all the books before seeing the films (I’m thinking about you, Harry Potter)
Hi Jessica!
Thanks for the link, I thought the Venn diagram was hilarious! Although I have yet to see the movie, based on what I have read and heard, I would agree with you; it does seem that the book and movie are very different. I also agree with you in that it is disappointing when a movie does not live up to the expectations you have set for it after reading the book, and you’re also right in that there isn’t much you can do (besides blogging about it?). Over the next few weeks I’ll be discussing some specific books turned into movies, and would love to get your input on them if you have read/seen them, as well as any suggestions for titles you may have.
Hi Dunja!!
I couldn’t agree with you more! It is for all the reasons you have listed that I absolutely adore books. Books start off as a very personal and private matter, but have the ability to become so much more. They can become a vessel for socializing via book clubs, discussion groups, and have the ability to link people all over the world. Although movies can do this as well, I feel that they do not make the same deep, personal connection that a book does with it’s reader. I find that characters or events in a book will stay with me a lot longer than those I see on the screen… how about you?
On a side note, I am happy to see the references to Harry Potter in your post… I look forward to reading your response to my next blog post (on Wednesday) 🙂
I gotta say the Book is always better if you have a good imagination. Unfortunately, if somebody had not really have a creative mind reading a book would be be boring, and they would just wait for the movie that will be in theater. Books contain more details about the story than movies will ever have.
Hi Jenniferx!
That’s a really good point. I think that being able to imagine the events of a story taking place, as well as the characters, is what makes for a truly engaging read. I also think that there are certain books that one just cannot get into. Have you ever tried to read a book, but just couldn’t? But then, when the movie is released, you really enjoyed it?