Do I even need to tell you what movie? In nearly all cases when I have read a book and then seen the movie (or the reverse) the book was better.
A book can spend a whole paragraph describing an outfit, or setting the scene, or filling you in on thoughts..but a movie HAS to move quick.
I am guilty of that need myself I like fast music, fast fight scenes, and faster car chases. Don't slow 'em down 'for effect' please. (ok one slow bullet evade is ok, but I already saw it so no more are needed)
And yet, when I read a book you can make that fight scene of seconds take several pages and fill me in on the hero's thoughts, the villain's every snipe and trip. And while you're at it go ahead and tell me how the sun felt mercilessly beating down on the bystanders...No rush, use all the words you need (and none that you don't).
So how can a movie even hope to compete with a book? Seems the only thing a movie can do is hope to encourage non readers to join the fan base....hard to sell XYZ gadgets if no one outside of the library has heard of them...but then they often ruin the world for the reading fans.
Edit to add pertinent article
The book was better...
August 22nd, 2007 at 07:14 pm
August 22nd, 2007 at 08:00 pm 1187812853
Probably explains why I am not a big movie fan. I am a book person through and through. I am loathe to sit through a movie most of the time, which drives my husband nutty since he lives, eats and breathes movies.
I never really thought about that maybe I don't enjoy movies as much as they leave so much to be desired to me. Obviously the books win hands down when it comes to book-turned-movies. & I love some of the movie scenery. But they each have their place I guess.
August 22nd, 2007 at 08:50 pm 1187815819
For example, I enjoyed "Gone with the wind" as much as I enjoyed the book. Especially, all the visuals were helpful for a Japanese teenager who didn't have much understanding about the Civil War.
On the other hand, "Memoir of Geisha" was a big disappointment. The book was just toooo good!! Actually, I didn't touch the book for a long time. I found the title so cheesy. (I feel awkward when non-Japanese people mention "Geisha" and confuse them with regular Japanese girls.) But my friend (American) insisted that I should read. I'm glad I did because it was a wonderful book.
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:51 pm 1187826689
I do for example have a very definite view of Nancy Drew (and Trixie Belden)...and that movie gal ain't it...all because of drawings in the books.
August 23rd, 2007 at 04:58 pm 1187888328