Great Adaptations
I just finished reading Great Expectations for my book club and, as a reward, re-watched the 1998 film adaptation directed by Alfonso Cuaron. I found it to be drastically different from the book, which is nothing new. Most adaptations have a ton of differences from the book, but does that mean we should enjoy them less because of this? I don’t think so.
Over the years I’ve seen a lot of movies adapted from books (admittedly, many were at midnight showings while wearing homemade t-shirts *ahem*), Catching Fire, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc.. And afterwards I would pick the movies apart, noting all the subtle differences from the book:
They didn’t show that the clock in the water arena signaled the time of rescue to the tributes…
Oh, Dobby should’ve been wearing his cute knobbly socks and colorful hats rather than the dirty pillowcase. He’s a free house-elf for goodness’ sake!
In the book, Faramir doesn’t take Frodo and the ring all the way back to Gondor; he’s too wise for that!
Focusing on these types of details makes me appreciate the movies less, but I think I’ve figured out a way around this: to view the movies as their own stories, re-imagings, and interpretations. After all, that’s what they are.
One of the beautiful things about language is that everybody perceives words differently. We all have our own little backstories and experiences that are with us every time we sit down to enjoy a book or write a scene. As a result, the images that pop into our heads are bound to be wholly unique from what everyone else envisions. And I think that’s why film adaptations are so tricky, but maybe why we should approach them with an open mind.
I love seeing my favorite characters come to life on the big screen. To experience anew the emotions I felt after finishing a truly great book. And hopefully be surprised, or at the very least entertained, by a fresh take on a story. From here on, I think that books and their movie counterparts can co-exist, each offering something special.
What are your favorite book adaptations?
What I’m reading: I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley (a Christmas-themed Flavia de Luce mystery? Yes please!)
What I’m listening to: Broken Bells – Holding On for Life
I completely agree, they should be taken as separate entities! At times a director can find inspiration to make the world more interesting and beautiful than the writer ever envisioned (the long hallway to Hagrid’s hut in Harry Potter 3 comes to mind). And oftentimes they’re able to cut things that add thematically to the story, but drag the plot down (like cutting Tom Bombadil out of LOTR).
Though I still count myself among the number who was disappointed that Snape’s Challenge wasn’t in Harry Potter 1. It meant that Hermione’s shining moment was one of good memory instead of true knowledge.
Great examples, Zach!! Converse to omitting content, I’m struggling with how I feel about movies adding characters/subplots like what they’re doing with the upcoming Hobbit movie. Your thoughts??
I like the remakes of older Shakespeare or Austin novels like Clueless, 10 Things I Hate About You, Bridgett Jones Diary, and Easy A
I love those too! It’s always fun to think about how a classic could be applied to modern times 🙂