It is an age old battle between readers and non-readers. It is highly irregular that a book-lover will choose the movie over the book.
Filmophiles usually respond with: Book? Is there really a book about this? Imagine that!
Let’s have a look at books that were made into good or great films, and also at books that were not done justice to.
Lord of the Rings
The LOTR universe is a challenge to replicate and many fans have observed an overall similarity in theme and world replete with changes in characterization and even characters being left out. It is a set of books that is impossible to do justice to and yet many of you would agree that Frodo was exactly what they thought a hobbit should look like. You would agree that it is nearly impossible to remember what one’s personal Gollum looked like. We all share the generic one.
This is perhaps one complaint that we could make about the movies. They rob the reader of the opportunity to create their own characters or retain their own vision.
Harry Potter
With around half a billion of Harry Potter books sold, it is a fair wonder if there is anybody out there who has not read this brilliant children’s series. J.K. Rowling created the most interesting and exciting parallel world. She has the knack of igniting the imaginations of her young and not so young readers. However, although the overall view is that Harry Potter’s books have not been dissected too much for adaptationm’s sake, fans give innumerable instances of differences as shown here.
Walt Longmire Mysteries
Walt Longmire, is the fictional sheriff of the fictional Absaroka County in Wyoming. Longmire is the pen-fruit of best selling author Craig Johnson. The book series consists of twelve easy to read volumes. The fourth series of this TV adaptation was recently released on Netflix, and it seems that a fifth series might be on its way.One of the most interesting aspects of this series is the insights Johnson shares about the rituals of the Cheyenne people. More detail is payed to this in the books than on TV
The books evoke images of beautiful scenery. The camera work does not disappoint either. The Powder River features repeatedly in the books. In both the books and on TV, Walt strongly reminds one of the traditional sheriff of the Old West. Hard, fair, honest and loyal to the end. Having said that, there are also quite a few differences between the books and the movies.
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank redemption, the novella by Stephen King, and Shawshank Redemption directed by Frank Darobont are both master pieces. The movie has received much more attention than the book though it was not a box office hit, and has made it onto many “The Best Ever” kind list. It is interesting to note the kind of liberties taken with casting, especially with Morgan Freeman.