I've come to the conclusion that a movie simply cannot emulate the story found in its original novel form. The two mediums are meant to be different so that different experiences can be taken from each.
After watching the latest Harry Potter (Half-Blood Prince) movie (4/5), or possibly even going into the film, I accepted that whatever happened would be perfectly fine with me. I didn't, and don't mind the things that have been added or removed from the original text. There are people who will complain until several blue moons have passed, but I will not be one of them.
I reckon that these filming type people have a fair idea of what they are doing, and anything that they are changing, they will accommodate for in the final two installments.
Another book that I've read which has been adapted for the big screen is The Time Traveler's Wife, and its a good example of a book that I don't believe they can take directly and make a carbon copy in film form. It just won't work. There is far too much back and forth, and I think viewers would get bored of that. They would have to generalise that situation, I think to keep it interesting and not over-exposed.
In contrast though, another book that I'm reading, Revolutionary Road, seems to be the type that can be lifted directly on to film and it would work. I haven't seen the movie yet, though I plan on it. The book alone is good enough to warrant a movie watch. Then again, so are the lead actors (to be politically correct) : Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
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Some films, such as the Godfather, that are mostly the same (in fact, I've heard tell that they only used dialog that was in the book) but have subplots trimmed out to streamline the story, can actually improve on the original. The Godfather is the example I give for this.
ReplyDeleteOther films change the ending. Watchmen and Fight Club are good examples. In both of the films it works, and in the case of Fight Club, it improves on the original's ending.
Kinda getting lost with what my original point was here. I'm gonna stop talking now.
those are good points none the less, showing that different does not mean worse. nuh uh! haha
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