The film version of "To Kill A Mockingbird" had a more visceral effect on me than the book. Gregory Peck's pitch-perfect portrayal of Atticus Finch was key- I've never seen an actor who was better cast.
Oh, I agree on Gregory Peck! Such a good Atticus Finch, so much so that on re-reading the book, I can only ever think of him being Scout’s father. I think that’s a perfect example of a great book AND a great film version. Thanks, David :)
For me, the film version of "The Great Gatsby", with Leonardo de Caprio and the music by JayZ, and the fabulous Art Deco set, which brought it all to life for me. I found that when I read the book I did not like the characters, but in the film I warmed to them. I read the book again and still preferred the film.
Oh, that’s interesting! I’ve heard mixed reviews of the film, but you’ve convinced me to try it out : ) I loved the book, though it was many years ago that I last read it. Thank you for commenting.
I remember enjoying the film Atonement, which I'd reread just before seeing it. Worst films: anything trying to commit Wuthering Heights to screen. Even the great Olivier was Not Heathcliff! Which reminds me, when I saw Like Water for Chocolate, I realised (rather late) that Cathy was better off with Linton.....and I read that book after seeing the film. Then there was the Wolves of Willoughby Chase, in which the film made a lot more sense of the title than the book, and I can't remember who wrote it, even though I had to teach the book to some unfortunate Year Sevens, many years ago!
I totally agree on Wuthering Heights, Nicola! One of my all-time favourite books, but the films try to make it into a romance, but it's so much more than that. Not read/seen Like Water for Chocolate, so will check that out. Thanks! 😀
Ah, SUCH an interesting topic, and one I was just discussing the other day! I have to say, I absolutely love the book Into the Wild, so much so that I’ve never watched the movie for fear it will be too different! I’ve read the book three times. One of the definitive cases where the movie is better than the book, in my opinion, is Holes (starring a very young Shia LaBeouf) - the novel leaves major plot threads dangling, while the film ties them up in a very satisfying way. Will be curious to see what other people say - I imagine we’ll see some very strong opinions in this comment section!
Thanks, Kelsey! I agree- I think the comments will be varied to say the least! I have never seen the film Holes though loved the book, so that would be interesting for me to check out. And how funny about Into the Wild! It just shows how we can differ as readers, although I wonder also if it is because I watched the film before reading the book, and so maybe wanted it to reveal the same story.
Jon Sparks had a great comment about movie complementing the book. My personal preference is, are directors who took the story and make it their own. Baz Luhrmann was already mentioned with Great Gatsby, but I would also add Romeo + Juliet. If I compare The Great Gatsby book, the movie with Robert Redford and Luhrmann's version they all have their own charm. The book is a classic for a reason and I think the 70's movie version captures the book better. But Luhrmann's version captures the excessiveness and the drama, he puts his own spin on it, his own (dandy) aesthetic, which also fits with the book in a different way.
Hitchcock and Kubric were also masters of adapting the story to their wants and needs. I enjoy this kind of "adaptations" more, because there is no (or at least less) pressure on if the book will be portrayed accurately. These are two different mediums and I want to enjoy them as such.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Karin. I get what you mean; a director's interpretation is an art of its own, and should perhaps be interpreted as such, quite aside from the original book.
‘The Hours’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (the Colin Firth version, of course) are great examples - they really bring the books to life! I think, as others have mentioned, a film and a book can evoke different responses. I love both film versions of ‘Rebecca’ - especially that dramatic Hitchcock film - but nothing can compare with Daphne du Maurier’s writing :)
Usually I prefer books, not the movies.Though, I loved Ship of Fool with my favorite actors, Simon Signoret, Vivien Leigh, and Oscar Werner. It's much better than Ann Porter's novel. A Street Car Named Desire, I love the play, but again, Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando made the play so alive, especially, Vivien Leigh. I loved Single Man with Colin Firth better than story by Christopher Isherwood. Usually, I read first, so I know what I will see. Like Contempt by Albert Moravia, I loved the novel much more than movie with Brigitte Bardot, because she is such a kitten, that even famous Frits Lang couldn't save this novel.
Me too! First time I saw A Street Car Named Desire played by the provincial Voronezh Theater and it was so devastating for us, for me, a young Soviet woman. When T. Wiliiams plays were published (in Russian translation), his book was sold right away.
There's a fantastic film of The Prestige, which was better than the book, Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. I'd also argue that the Bridget Jones films took a good book to another league. Wonder Boys with Michael Douglas also transforms a decent book into a film I can watch over and over. I thought the Netflix One Day was better than the film. Worst adaptation? Bonfire of the Vanities? Captain Corelli?
The movie Barney's Version based on the Mordecai Richler book, does it justice. I loved this book. The Running Man based on the Stephen King short story is terrible and unrecognizable.
Interesting! Ashamed to say I have never seen Fight Club! It's one of those films that I've always intended to watch and never got around to. Thanks for sharing :)
Movies better than the book? Not many that jump to mind straight away. But there are quite a few which are worthy complements to a book and add something of their own, perhaps make you go back to the book and re-read in a new light. The oustanding example for me is The French Lieutenant’s Woman.
I’ll give you an example of a TV adaptation which is better than the book, at least based on the first half of the first novel in the series: Bridgerton. It’s on another level.
As for movies that are WORSE than the book, without any redeeming features, well it's a long list. From Cliffhanger to David Lynch's Dune. Actually, Cliffhanger does have Janine Turner, so that's a redeeming feature.
I remember watching The French Lieutenant’s Woman a long time ago and it was a classic! I think you make a very valid point in that some are ‘worthy complements to a book and add something of their own.’ I may be the only person, but I haven’t watched any of the Bridgerton series’ (or read the books) but I have heard similar sentiments to yours by people who have. Thank you for your comments :)
The film version of "To Kill A Mockingbird" had a more visceral effect on me than the book. Gregory Peck's pitch-perfect portrayal of Atticus Finch was key- I've never seen an actor who was better cast.
Oh, I agree on Gregory Peck! Such a good Atticus Finch, so much so that on re-reading the book, I can only ever think of him being Scout’s father. I think that’s a perfect example of a great book AND a great film version. Thanks, David :)
For me, the film version of "The Great Gatsby", with Leonardo de Caprio and the music by JayZ, and the fabulous Art Deco set, which brought it all to life for me. I found that when I read the book I did not like the characters, but in the film I warmed to them. I read the book again and still preferred the film.
I agree about the characters though- they’re not particularly likeable!
Oh, that’s interesting! I’ve heard mixed reviews of the film, but you’ve convinced me to try it out : ) I loved the book, though it was many years ago that I last read it. Thank you for commenting.
I hope you enjoy the film version, it’s a visual treat!
I remember enjoying the film Atonement, which I'd reread just before seeing it. Worst films: anything trying to commit Wuthering Heights to screen. Even the great Olivier was Not Heathcliff! Which reminds me, when I saw Like Water for Chocolate, I realised (rather late) that Cathy was better off with Linton.....and I read that book after seeing the film. Then there was the Wolves of Willoughby Chase, in which the film made a lot more sense of the title than the book, and I can't remember who wrote it, even though I had to teach the book to some unfortunate Year Sevens, many years ago!
I totally agree on Wuthering Heights, Nicola! One of my all-time favourite books, but the films try to make it into a romance, but it's so much more than that. Not read/seen Like Water for Chocolate, so will check that out. Thanks! 😀
I enjoyed both book and film of Graham Swift's Mothering Sunday, although I think it was hard to capture the intensity of the book, it was done well.
Thanks June, I haven’t read or seen either! But it sounds like you took something slightly different but also worthy from both.
Ah, SUCH an interesting topic, and one I was just discussing the other day! I have to say, I absolutely love the book Into the Wild, so much so that I’ve never watched the movie for fear it will be too different! I’ve read the book three times. One of the definitive cases where the movie is better than the book, in my opinion, is Holes (starring a very young Shia LaBeouf) - the novel leaves major plot threads dangling, while the film ties them up in a very satisfying way. Will be curious to see what other people say - I imagine we’ll see some very strong opinions in this comment section!
Thanks, Kelsey! I agree- I think the comments will be varied to say the least! I have never seen the film Holes though loved the book, so that would be interesting for me to check out. And how funny about Into the Wild! It just shows how we can differ as readers, although I wonder also if it is because I watched the film before reading the book, and so maybe wanted it to reveal the same story.
Yes, I think so much depends on which version of the story you encounter first.
Holes is an excellent film
Jon Sparks had a great comment about movie complementing the book. My personal preference is, are directors who took the story and make it their own. Baz Luhrmann was already mentioned with Great Gatsby, but I would also add Romeo + Juliet. If I compare The Great Gatsby book, the movie with Robert Redford and Luhrmann's version they all have their own charm. The book is a classic for a reason and I think the 70's movie version captures the book better. But Luhrmann's version captures the excessiveness and the drama, he puts his own spin on it, his own (dandy) aesthetic, which also fits with the book in a different way.
Hitchcock and Kubric were also masters of adapting the story to their wants and needs. I enjoy this kind of "adaptations" more, because there is no (or at least less) pressure on if the book will be portrayed accurately. These are two different mediums and I want to enjoy them as such.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Karin. I get what you mean; a director's interpretation is an art of its own, and should perhaps be interpreted as such, quite aside from the original book.
‘The Hours’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (the Colin Firth version, of course) are great examples - they really bring the books to life! I think, as others have mentioned, a film and a book can evoke different responses. I love both film versions of ‘Rebecca’ - especially that dramatic Hitchcock film - but nothing can compare with Daphne du Maurier’s writing :)
Oh, I forgot about Rebecca! I love that old Hitchcock film, even if he did make a bit change to the plot 😉 but then the book is ❤
Yes very true, I always forget that! I'm due a re-watch :)
Usually I prefer books, not the movies.Though, I loved Ship of Fool with my favorite actors, Simon Signoret, Vivien Leigh, and Oscar Werner. It's much better than Ann Porter's novel. A Street Car Named Desire, I love the play, but again, Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando made the play so alive, especially, Vivien Leigh. I loved Single Man with Colin Firth better than story by Christopher Isherwood. Usually, I read first, so I know what I will see. Like Contempt by Albert Moravia, I loved the novel much more than movie with Brigitte Bardot, because she is such a kitten, that even famous Frits Lang couldn't save this novel.
Thank you for sharing, Larisa. I love both A Streetcar Named Desire plan and film. Anything by Tennessee Williams, honestly!
Me too! First time I saw A Street Car Named Desire played by the provincial Voronezh Theater and it was so devastating for us, for me, a young Soviet woman. When T. Wiliiams plays were published (in Russian translation), his book was sold right away.
I love this. The book of the Bruce Lee film, Enter the Dragon is a great book that beats the film for me.
I think I have seen the film but not read the book, so will have to take your word for that! Thanks for commenting :)
There's a fantastic film of The Prestige, which was better than the book, Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. I'd also argue that the Bridget Jones films took a good book to another league. Wonder Boys with Michael Douglas also transforms a decent book into a film I can watch over and over. I thought the Netflix One Day was better than the film. Worst adaptation? Bonfire of the Vanities? Captain Corelli?
Thanks, Sarah. I actually didn’t like the Bridget Jones first book at all and loved the film when it came out. I’d forgotten about that!
Yes to Atonement!
The movie Barney's Version based on the Mordecai Richler book, does it justice. I loved this book. The Running Man based on the Stephen King short story is terrible and unrecognizable.
Oh, I always forget that The Running Man is a Stephen King short story! Yes…I disliked that film also. Thanks, Lisa! :)
I think the movie of Fight Club is much better than the book. It’s a lot tidier and makes a bit more sense, more polished if you will.
Interesting! Ashamed to say I have never seen Fight Club! It's one of those films that I've always intended to watch and never got around to. Thanks for sharing :)
Movies better than the book? Not many that jump to mind straight away. But there are quite a few which are worthy complements to a book and add something of their own, perhaps make you go back to the book and re-read in a new light. The oustanding example for me is The French Lieutenant’s Woman.
I’ll give you an example of a TV adaptation which is better than the book, at least based on the first half of the first novel in the series: Bridgerton. It’s on another level.
As for movies that are WORSE than the book, without any redeeming features, well it's a long list. From Cliffhanger to David Lynch's Dune. Actually, Cliffhanger does have Janine Turner, so that's a redeeming feature.
I remember watching The French Lieutenant’s Woman a long time ago and it was a classic! I think you make a very valid point in that some are ‘worthy complements to a book and add something of their own.’ I may be the only person, but I haven’t watched any of the Bridgerton series’ (or read the books) but I have heard similar sentiments to yours by people who have. Thank you for your comments :)