Books are Better (Most of the Time)

 

I’ve gone to many movies that were based on books that I’ve read.  Most of them were good, a few questionable, but nine times out of ten, the book was better than the movie by far.  Though cinematography can make movies pop, books tend to sweep you up into the characters thoughts and allow you to see the world from their perspective.  Between that and shortened dialogue, movies can’t always make that clear.  One of the things I truly dislike about movies made from books is that the ending changes.  I can’t tell you how many movies I’ve seen that don’t end the way the book did.  I think that robs both the author and the audience. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love movies, whether going to a crowded theater or enjoying the film on my home television in private companionship.  I can laugh out loud or cry in the dark at either.  I appreciate movies.  However, I appreciate where they came from more.  The artist’s brain who wrote the book or the script is the true genius.  I’m not calling myself a genius, but I do appreciate the person who puts words on the page.  Even when you love it, it still takes a lot of work to get those words in the correct order, the correct form, and to make something entertaining come out of them.

I believe that as a society, we need access to both books and movies.  We learn and we grow from both sources.  I have a book sitting on my coffee table at all times to pick up and read every chance that I get.  I derive much pleasure from storytelling, whether my own or someone else’s.  With someone else’s, I can get lost in their words and not have to worry about all the details of my own work.  I can truly let go and enjoy the story. 

How about you, do you enjoy books better their movie counterpart?  What are some of your favorite book adaptations or disappointments?