Books vs. Movies - The Great Debate

I used to think that I didn't like movies that were made from books. I had the attitude that "the book is always better than the movie". But recently I've begun to see things a little differently and have a had a change of heart. I can no longer make such a blanket statement.

It all started with Memoirs of a Geisha. By the time that book had been made into a movie, it had been several years since I had read the book. I LOVED that book and was anxious (though nervous) to see the film. The film was absolutely gorgeous and wonderful and I couldn't remember enough details of the book to know if the movie butchered it or not. The same thing happened with The Lovely Bones and The Other Boleyn Girl. At that point, I changed my opinion and decided that as long as I had read the book long enough ago, that I would be able to judge the movie on its own merits and not compare it unfavorably to the original.

And then last week, I had to reevaluate my stance on this issue yet again. A few weeks ago I read and reviewed the fantastic Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I LOVED this book and couldn't stop thinking about it for days after I finished it. I was aware that it had been made into a movie very recently and I was anxious to see the film. I watched it within a couple of weeks of reading the book and was afraid that since I remembered the book vividly I might regret watching the film. I was wrong! Even though the movie did stray from the book in a few minor ways, I loved it! It was very well done and watching the movie actually enhanced my understanding of the characters and added a whole new layer of appreciation for the story. This was so unexpected and such a revelation. It has caused me to rethink my whole philosophy on movies made from books.

The timing of this attitude adjustment couldn't be better, either. There are two current movies based on books that I've loved either playing now or opening soon - Jane Eyre and Water for Elephants. I actually saw Jane Eyre last night and thought it was terrific. The cinematography was gorgeous and I thought the movie was very well done. I loved that most of the actors are relative unknowns and their "celebrity" did not get in the way of the characters they were playing (if you know what I mean). This very issue is one that worries me about Water for Elephants. I am excited to see this movie, but I think it was very miscast. I really can't envision Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon in the leading roles. But, I'm willing to put aside my reservations. I just might be surprised. As I've recently come to realize, the book isn't always better than the movie.

How about you? Do you enjoy seeing movies made from your favorite books? Or do you avoid them at all costs?

Happily Surprised

Yesterday I blogged about the movie Julie and Julia, which I saw a couple of weekends ago. Well, this past weekend I saw The Time Traveler's Wife with my friend Colleen. Colleen and I had each read the book awhile ago and we were both excited about seeing the movie. I went in with low expectations, but Colleen was more optimistic.

I am happy to report that I was happily surprised! I thought the movie was actually pretty good. I had heard some not so great reviews about the movie as compared to the book. And the trailers for the movie really made it look like a sappy romance. This is what I was worried about. The book is so amazing and such a complex and creative story I was afraid that the movie would total butcher it. But it didn't. I will admit that I read this book a long time ago and don't remember a lot of the details, but I do remember that Audrey Niffenegger had written a very intriguing story about travel time. And not the usual time travel story of someone traveling back in time or to the future. The Time Traveler's Wife tells the story of a man who time travels within his own life. That is a very unique and creative take on time travel and time travel stories. And Niffenegger weaves a complex and multi-layered story. And the movie did a good job with that, I thought. Colleen, who has a much better memory of the book than I do, did notice some plot changes and differences between the book and movie, but she still liked the movie and thought it was a pretty good representation of the book.

In any case, I'm glad I saw it. And I'm glad I didn't let my low expectations keep me from seeing the movie. Oh, and one other thing. Eric Bana stars in this movie. Did I mention that I LOVE Eric Bana. Well, I do. I had heard that you get to see his naked behind TWICE in this movie. Bonus. Well, that's not EXACTLY right. You get to see his naked buns THREE times! What's not to love about that!

Image from Google Images

Seen Any Good Movies Lately?

Ever notice how there are either a million movies you want to see or none at all? Usually when I have the time to go to the movies there is nothing I want to see. Of course since there is currently a long list of movies I want to see, I either can't find the time or someone to go with. Well, I finally decided to take matters into my own hands and I went to the movies yesterday afternoon and again today (by myself)! I know, I'm really living on the edge, right? Anyway yesterday I finally saw Revolutionary Road, which was the movie I most wanted to see. The whole idea of "the road not taken" really intrigues me. I thought the movie was pretty good. A bit melodramatic. I came away feeling as though it's important not to be afraid to make changes in your life if it will make you happy. No one should be made to feel as though they need to live their lives in some way that has been prescribed by society or by someone else's expectations. At the very least, we should all make sure that there is some small measure of joy in our lives, each and every day.

*Spoiler alert for the movie Doubt*

Today I saw Doubt. First, I must say, that Meryl Streep is an absolutely amazing actress. She really is phenomenal. But, the movie was frustrating for me and my Type A personality. I can not believe that they left the whole question unanswered in the end. Are you kidding me?! Yeah, I get it, the title is Doubt, but come on! This is really one movie that needs to be seen with a group of people so that you can have a "movie discussion" afterward. I felt as though I had read a really good book with an ambiguous ending and I needed my book club to sit down with me and hash it all out. So much for being independent and taking matters into my own hands. Oh well. I'm still glad I got to see the movie. If anyone has seen it, I'd love to talk it over with you....