I’m a devoted booklover. After seeing a movie based on a book, I almost always say, “the book was better.”
But that doesn’t necessarily mean the book is better than the movie. Not always.
With very few exceptions, media is best enjoyed in the format in which it was originally conceived.
The book is better than the movie because the movie was derived from the book. The book, as the original form, is better. It’s more complete, more whole, more nuanced, more enjoyable.
If you’ve ever read a book derived from a movie, you get this. Even if the movie was wonderful, the book feels flat and empty in comparison. This isn’t done frequently for adults (thank goodness) but it happens with children’s books all the time. Try picking up any Charlie and Lola book, or the book version of the Charlie Brown Christmas special. They’re summaries, shells of the original. They’re the Cliffs Notes, and no one reads those just for fun.
Great movies are just that: great movies. Turned into books, they lose their greatness. (For a richer appreciation of what makes a great movie great, I highly recommend McKee’s Story, which immensely deepened my appreciation of the craft.)
Occasionally, a movie will be better than its book. Very occasionally. Only two spring immediately to mind:
A Room with a View (1985)
E.M. Forster’s classic becomes an absolutely gorgeous film, complete with soaring arias and Italian vistas. I’ve loved this film since I was young.
(Heads up: there’s some serious nudity, but as my high school teacher would say, it’s nudity with a European sensibility–completely natural, not at all sexual.)
Nora Ephron turned a ho-hum book into a delightful movie. The film version hums because Meryl Streep brings Julia to life, Amy Adams portrays a much sweeter spirit than the author’s, and the mediocre parts are gone.
What movies can you think of that are better than the books? (Or, which films did you enjoy more than their literary counterparts?)
213 comments
I liked Howard’s End as a movie better than the book (do I hear an echo in here?!). Perhaps because Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson are such an amazing actors.
The Notebook. Loved the movie and could not get through Nicholas Sparks’ poor attempt at dialogue. Also, Ryan Gosling helped.
And I loved the ending in the movie better! So touching. The Notebook book’s ending leaves it open for The Wedding which is better than the Notebook…book
The Notebook is one where I really thought the book was much better. I do agree with the comment below that I liked The Wedding as much, if not more than The Notebook.
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham was better as a film (with Naomi Watts and Ed Norton). The book is good, but the film’s cinematography, acting, and slightly-altered plot definitely wins the day.
I don’t remember hearing of it before, but it’s mentioned here several times. Sounds like it’s worth watching. 🙂
I love The Painted Veil! Naomi Watts is amazing and everything about it is so well done. Didn’t even know there was a book!
Yes! The Painted Veil. I saw the movie first, then read the book. The movie seemed much more redemptive somehow. Maybe it is the stunning cinematography. Also Edward Norton. There is a scene in which he develops this system for clean water in order to stop an epidemic that might be the most romantic thing I have ever watched in a movie. I realize I am odd.
I haven’t read the book, but I remember loving the movie even though it is not my normal style at all. Of course, Edward Norton helped; he’s amazing! And the cinematography and music were truly fantastic!
Confession… although I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Jane Austen (obviously – blog name!), I have always thought that if Jane were alive today, she would have been a screenwriter.
Even though I enjoy her books, some of them can get tedious in the dialogues and details (it kind of depends on the mood I’m in when reading them), yet they make fantastic films! I admit that I enjoyed Emma Thompson’s screen adaptation of “Sense and Sensibility” far more than I enjoyed the original book. It came to life.
“Pride & Prejudice” (hello, the new version with Kira Knightley doesn’t even count, so it should be obvious I’m talking about Colin & Elizabeth), “Emma” (have you seen the one with Jonny Lee Miller?), “Persuasion,” “Mansfield Park” – each one brings depth to the dialogues, giving humor to them and allowing the viewer to see them in context of the characters. If anything, I think the movies helped me fall in love with Austen back in my high school & college years. 🙂
I agree with your point about Jane Austen: often at key moments Austen leaves the dialogue unspecific, so it’s a perfect chance for a screenwriter to make up some good dramatic speeches. My favourite Austen adaptations are the BBC versions of Sense & Sensibility (the actresses who play Elinor and Marianne are perfectly cast, and Dan Stevens of Downton Abbey fame also has a key role) and Emma (Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong are great together as Emma and Mr. K.).
Looking those versions up now, Jeannie! Thanks for the recommenations! 🙂
*recommendations 🙂
I second Jeannie’s suggestion for the Matthew Crawley version of Sense and Sensibility!
On the JA front, I love Emma Thompson’s Sense and Sensibility more than the book. I haven’t seen the other adaptations of it. I’m also a huge fan of the BBC Emma adaptation with Romola Garai.
Here’s Jane Austen, Scriptwriter, poolside in Hollywood.
First really good laugh of the day, Tim! I love it!
If you want something else that’ll brighten your Wednesday, Karlyne, try this.
Oh, those jackets! Not to mention the hair… And the music is superb!
I want one of those jackets!
Carrie, I’ve never seen a version of Persuasion that I’ve loved (and I’ve seen the big two). Which one’s your favorite?
I LOVE the Emma with Jonny Lee Miller and Romola Garai. If I’ve ever seen Mansfield Park, I don’t remember. Which one do you like?
We need to have a long conversation one day about Jane Austen, Screenwriter. 🙂
Well, confession (it’s the day of those, so it seems), the only version of Persuasion that I’ve seen was the 1995 version (totally missed the one that came out in 2007, I’ll blame it on being overseas). I like that one well enough, but I think it comes down to it being one of my least favorite Austen stories. Hard to adapt, I think.
I adored the 1999 version of Mansfield Park with – again – Jonny Lee Miller and Frances O’Connor. The hubs and I were engaged when that came out and we went to see it 3 times (and I wasn’t dragging him – he liked it).
By the way, Anne, have you caught “Elementary” with Jonny Lee Miller on CBS? I just found out about it today (remember, we have cable and don’t watch TV, unless it’s online and on-demand) and am watching my first episode now. Seems like a knock off of the BBC “Sherlock.”
I was going to say that one of my favorite “movie is better than the book” examples is Mansfield Park (the one with Jonny Lee Miller). I saw it before I read it and I love the movie (it’s one of my all time faves) and the book fell flat by comparison. But you reminded me that I also prefer “Emma” in movie form, the book gets dull in places for my taste.
Other ones, like S&S and P&P and Persuasion, I love both book and movie (depending on the version).
I so completely love BBC’s version of Emma with Jonny Lee Miller and Ramola Garai. It is my favorite Austen movie adaptation that I have seen. (and I watch all of them I can) I don’t think any of the others have been able to do justice to Mr. Knightly’s speech when he confesses his love for Emma. But I do adore Jonny Lee Miller and truly love the Mansfield Park version with him too.
Ok, I thought I was the minority but I totally agree. I love Jane Austen DEARLY and I’ve read all her books, but particularly pride & prejudice, I prefer the movie! Even though her writing is lovely. I like to sit down and enjoy the movie in a sitting.
The Godfather and Silence of the Lambs are both mediocre books that were transformed into remarkable movies!
Yes! The Godfather is such a classic and the acting is so good, but I was disappointed with the book. Yes, it’s exciting, but the characters come to life in the movie. You may want to read The Sicilian by Mario Puzo though – as a book, it’s much better than The Godfather.
– In “The Bridges of Madison County,” Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood turned a cringeworthy book into real heartfelt drama.
– “About a Boy” is one of my favourite movies and, I thought, had a much more enjoyable ending than the book on which it’s based.
I loved About a Boy, the movie. So charming. Maybe that means I should just skip the book?
My husband doesn’t read books, but one book he read was About a Boy and he loved it, we both did. So we were excited when a film was made of it. Until we saw the film. I thought the film was quite good, although it’s very different. My husband sat there complaining about all the bits that were changed for no good reason, the type of things that annoy readers when they watch adaptations. On they way out of the cinema he announced to me that he will never read another book again! So that was the film that ruined my chance to make him a reader 🙂
I’d recommend reading the book. Like the other adaptations made of Nick Hornby’s books, both adaptation and book are worth the time.
What a fun question… although I have a terrible memory of movies so I must say, I have nothing to add to the conversation!
I completely agree that the movie of Julie and Julia is much better than the book! I slowly worked my way through the book, but have repeatedly watched the movie. What love is evident! Still, like you, I can’t think of other movies that I prefer over the book.
I’ve always thought the Breakfast at Tiffany’s movie was better than the book. The book was grittier, but I loved the lighter quality of the movie. Of course, that was all Audrey Hepburn!
I’ve never read the book, but have you seen the Seinfeld episode where George’s book club meets to discuss Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and his outspoken opinions are based on the movie instead? Hysterical.
I wholeheartedly agree with you about Julie & Julia. That book was interesting but so annoying. The movie, however, is a delight. I’m on the fence about Room With a View. I love the movie and I like the book a lot. I guess I agree with you. Not sure. The book/movie combo that immediately came to mind was The Painted Veil. I loved that movie so I read the book. Ugh! I did not like it at all!
You’re not the only person to mention The Painted Veil here! I’ve never seen it but now I’m curious. 🙂
It isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I think that the movie version of Fight Club is much better than the book. In general, though, I think it’s important to approach movies and books as separate works of art. If you “forget” that a movie is based on a book, then you can just enjoy it as a movie on its own merits.
For instance, I love the movie The Count of Monte Cristo, but it’s pretty different from the book. The changes make sense within the plot of the movie, though, so when I let go of “that’s now it happened!” I enjoy the different story that is being told, and it’s a really good movie on its own.
Oh, I forgot about “The Count of Monte Cristo,” but I completely agree! I actually watched the movie first and then read the book and wondered what in the world happened! 😉 Both are enjoyable, but different for sure!
I’ve never read or seen Fight Club (but I’ve thought about it, because I love Helena Bonham Carter) but it’s one of my brother’s favorites. I’m going to quiz him on which he prefers.
And this is really well put: “I think it’s important to approach movies and books as separate works of art. If you “forget” that a movie is based on a book, then you can just enjoy it as a movie on its own merits.” So true!
I also agree that the book is better than the movie 99% of the time. The one book that comes to mind that I did not enjoy as much as the movie is The Time Traveler’s Wife.
Oh, really? I read the book and since I thought it was *only* okay, I never saw the movie. Maybe it’s worth watching, then? I do like Rachel McAdams…
This isn’t quite the same thing, but I think To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the rare instances of the movie being just as good as the book (but I can’t in good conscience say better). I can’t read the book without hearing Gregory Peck as Atticus and the film moves me just as much as the book.
I agree, Lindsey! The movie was so perfectly directed and acted that it just added to the book’s greatness.
Exactly! If you have Netflix, you should really check out the documentary Hey Boo: Harper Lee & To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s wonderful!
I agree! I love the book and the movie equally. Beautiful to read; beautiful to watch.
I totally agree about TKAMB! The book and the movie are practically equals, and I can’t think of any other book/movie pair that I can say that about. Loved the Hey Boo documentary as well. There was also a fantastic book that came about about 3 years ago, Atticus, Scout, and Boo, I think it was called. Some overlapping content to the documentary, but great stuff about the book and the movie!
I totally agree about Julie & Julia. I think it helped that the film pulled in more detail from Julia’s memoir, My Life in France. (And Meryl. Obviously.)
Totally agree about J&J! I really enjoyed “My Life in France” too.
I Am Legend. I really like the movie, so thought the book would be pretty good. The book was awful and pretty much nothing like the movie. Very disappointing.
I think you hit the nail on the head, Anne, with your observation that generally if the movie is better than the book, it might have been written after the movie or perhaps with the movie in mind. I’m thinking of one of my favorite movies, The Princess Bride. The book cracked me up, but the movie was genius.
Um, The Princess Bride is a book? I had no idea. (Ducking.)
Go to the library. Check out the book. Stop reading anything else and read this one cover to cover. Life will be even better thank it is now.
I have a friend who wrote a blog post about reading The Princess Bride. She’s quite adamant about it. The Princess Bride by William Goldman and Why You Should Read It. Immediately.
Yes. I agree with Tim and Kelly. Read The Princess Bride! It’s fantastic, as is the movie.
If I see the movie first, I usually like the movie better. If I read the book 1st, I always hate the movie. One recent and rare exception: I liked the movie version of The Help as much as the book.
Now that you mention it, I did too. (I think it helped that The Help was a debut novel with an excellent storyline, but the literary styling was only okay. So the movie really brought it to life without feeling like much was sacrificed, in my opinion. Plus the casting was fabulous!)
As a rule I agree with you that the book is generally better than the movie. My exception is The Princess Bride. I enjoyed the movie much more than the book.
Truth. The movie really is “the good parts version.” And also pretty much the best movie of all time ever.
Definitely in the top 10. Maybe 5. Ok, top 3!
I can’t believe this. I didn’t even know The Princess Bride was a book!
The Princess Bride is one of those where the book and the movie are both so good I couldn’t choose between them. In fact, I’d say I don’t need to since they convey completely different main theses. The point of the movie is that True Love Wins, while the point of the book is that Life’s Not Fair. It’s amazing how the same story can convey both points so well. (Here’s my post marking the 25th anniversary of the movie.)
Cheers,
Tim
I sometimes think that the hallmark of an excellent movie is the number of quotes we use from it in daily life. And if that’s true, The Princess Bride stands alone!
TRUTH.
That’s true, that the themes are completely different. Perhaps the book merits a re-read, since I think I read it in high school and expecting it to be more like the movie.
I can see that, Katie. I read the book before the movie was even made!
I must say I read The Princess Bride well before the movie and LOVED the book. One of the few books where I laughed out loud.
Of course it goes without saying that I loved the movie too.
One case where they are equally good. Same as To Kill a Mockingbird (as mentioned above) adored both book and movie equally and separately.
Exactly, WJ!
EXACTLY. I’m surprised, though, how many people think the movie was better. I absolutely loved the book, even as a high schooler. Maybe because I loved Inigo and Fezzik and you learn so much more about them in the book? Either way, I would say it is at least equal to the movie, and definitely worth a read.
“The Princess Bride” is an EXCELLENT example of a movie that was LOADS better than the book. Absolutely.
Yes to Julie & Julia. So true.
This is slightly different, but the movie Slumdog Millionaire and the book off which it is based, Q&A, are both equally good though completely different. I loved both and thought each was wonderful in its own right. It’s a case where the director/screenwriter/various movie people changed the book, sometimes drastically, to remain true to the medium. Slumdog Millionaire is a much better movie than it would be as a straight filming of Q&A, and Q&A is a much better book than the script of Slumdog Millionaire would be. If that makes sense.
Totally makes sense. (I loved Slumdog Millionaire, the movie!)
Another movie like that is Mean Girls (loved it!), which is based on the nonfiction parenting book Queen Bees and Wannabees.
I agree. Loved both the movie and the book. I read the book because I loved the movie and was surprised at the differences, but it was so rich and interesting for different reasons.
Better than the book: Wicked. I know it’s only on stage and not yet a movie, but it is so much better than the book. In fact, I think I only got to page 15 or so and put the book down, never to pick it up again. The musical, though, we saw twice and practically wore out the soundtrack CD.
YES. I finished the book and even read the second one, but returned the third one to the library unread. Definitely a book I never should have finished reading in the first place, but I’m still working on that skill….
I read Wicked, too. It was a gift so I kept slogging on through it (if I’d had a stapler handy, I would have stapled the porn pages together so no one would accidentally read them. But I did skip them. Not only offensive, but borrrring.) But the music and the performances (I’ve only been privileged to see excerpts on tv) are wonderful!
Never seen it. This needs to change.
Actually, for that matter, “The Wizard of Oz” film was, in my opinion, better than the book. I found the series of books to be odd, to say the least.
I had never read the book until I read it out loud to my kids this summer! I adored the book so we rewatched the movie and I was so disappointed. After reading the book, it seemed so dull and contrived. However, I’ve never read the rest of the series and if it’s odd, I think I’ll pass.
I have my mom (she’s in her 70’s) copy of The Scarecrow of Oz, and I thought it was really odd, but that could just be me. 🙂
They are odd, I suppose, but no more so than any other fantasy novel or fairy tale. And they’re so clever! Baum loved playing with language and it’s a lot of fun. The abundance of strong female characters and utter lack of romantic plotlines are also a plus in children’s books, I think.
That said, I do still love the Judy Garland movie. It’s definitely a classic and epitomizes the film industry of the time. And the music!
Oh, the movie Return to Oz? Creepy as heck.
Also the Oz movie that came out this year is terrible.
The end. 🙂
I love both The Wizard of Oz musical (film or stage) and Return to Oz (which is actually its own story, based on characters and plot elements from at least two books; yes, it’s creepy, but in a good way) but I think the books are great, too, in their own way. My grandma was a big fan and had first editions of many of them (they were new in her childhood) that she read to me, and I’m reading them to my son now. The only one I’ve read that I thought was kind of lame was The Road to Oz–disappointing because the first edition was so pretty, with different colored pages as they traveled through the various countries within Oz.
I like the movie Return to Oz, even though it mashes up a couple books for the Oz parts. It’s the beginning bit with the mental hospital that’s so creepy. But if the commenters think the books are odd, I don’t think they’d like the movie either!
The books are wonderful. How lovely that you have your grandmother’s first editions! My parents hunted them all down at used bookstores for me and they’re mostly trade paperback versions, but I love that they put all that effort into finding them for me. 🙂
Oops! I did make it sound like I have the first editions, but I don’t–my uncle inherited them–and it’s just as well because I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking them on trips and out on the porch and so forth, like we do with the newer editions we have and the ones we’ve checked out from the library.
I was kind of impressed that you were brave enough to read the first editions to your kids–mine has already shown a penchant for tearing pages out of library books. 😉
Yes! The musical is so clever, while the books were horribly confusing and pointless.
I forgot about this one. I read Wicked years ago but wasn’t impressed. I think I even gave up near the end. Good concept though. I haven’t seen the stage production yet, but I hear it is better!
YES! I loved the Broadway show so much that I had to read the book. Couldn’t even finish it.
Totally agree. I think the play kept all the good about the book with none of the long politically charged parts. And the music was wonderful.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy! I was a huge fan of The Hobbit as a child, having enjoyed my mom reading it aloud to me (after I begged and begged and begged!) when I was about 5 years old. When I was older, I attempted, several times, to read Lord of the Rings and could not seem to ever get into it at all! So boring! But the movies completely drew me in.
I enjoyed the books, but I have heard many, many people express the same opinion!
Exactly. LotR has a lot of slow, boring sections that could have been summed up as, “They walked for several days,” and the films cover these with a series of shots of them walking.
The Hobbit is a wonderful book, though! As a child I loved the animated movie, then the record based on the animated movie. I didn’t read the book until I was an adult. My son enjoyed having it read to him for the first time at age 4. I’m glad we didn’t take him to see the new film, though, because it was much too scary and violent for him at 7 years old. I didn’t like the way it dragged in scenes from other books and gave us a full look at awful things that are background details in the book. My biggest disappointment was that the dwarves were too rough and scary for me to enjoy traveling with them; I felt betrayed, compared to the experience I’d expected.
Tolkien’s prose is unmatched, even the long walks. Sorry to disagree, ‘Becca!
I respectfully and completely, utterly, disagree. But, then, I am a Tolkien geek of nearly the level as Stephen Colbert, so there you go! 😉
I agree that the movies are more action-packed, but the language of the books! Tolkien was truly a master of the English language and I’m in awe every time I read something he’s written, even just an essay. Every sentence is perfectly crafted. And there’s so much more to his world than the movies can convey. I do love the movies, though. Much better adaptations than the Harry Potter ones.
I agree with ‘Becca, though, The Hobbit movie was not nearly as good. Too much stuff added. The Hobbit, unlike the main trilogy, is a children’s book, but they turned it into an adult movie.
You aren’t the first person to say that the movie was better than the book in regard to Julie and Julia. After hearing more than one person say this, I feel justified in leaving the book on the library shelf! Thank you for your public service 🙂 Happy today!
I first found out about the book when I read about it in Bon Appetit. So if you want the gist, read it here: http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/article/julia-knows-best
Then skip the book. Because you just read the best part.
(Her follow-up book, Cleaving, is truly horrendous. Don’t even think about that one!)
Cleaving was atrocious. Definitely do not waste your time on it.
I liked the book, but loved the movie of J&J.
Chocolate – can’t stand the book, adored the movie.
I did like the book, but it certainly wasn’t much like the movie (which I liked better, too).
I liked the movie, never read the book. Never going to, now. 🙂
P.S. I Love You. I hated the book. Hated because I hated the characters. But I thought the movie was cute.
I liked the book, P.S. I Love You well enough but loved, loved, loved the movie!!
The Hunger Games books are FAAAR better than the movie, at least the first one. Verdict still out on movies yet to be released! 🙂
Actually, I only made it through the first page of The Hunger Games when I decided the dystopian novel wasn’t for me. However, I rented the movie because of Jennifer Lawrence, and loved it. This has made me want to give the book another try. Funny how opinions differ.
Interesting. I read the book first and then saw the movie. I thought the book was better–the movie was seriously lacking depth in comparison. But I thought the experience of sitting in the theater, watching The Hunger Games–just like a citizen of the Capital, was creepy/cool and an experience you just didn’t get as a reader.
I couldn’t think of an example of a book which was made into a movie — where the movie improved on the book — until I scrolled down to Julie and Julia. Liked the book. LOVED the movie. Meryl Streep is one of my favorite actresses of all time . . .
. . . which brings me to “Out of Africa.” I’ve never read the book by Isak Dinesen, but I’ve long adored the film. The sweeping music by John Barry — the airplane ride — so many great scenes! I could go on and on.
I’ve never seen it! (Don’t hate me.) Adding it to my list. 🙂
Watch it when you are in the mood to be transported, not when you are tired.
I started the book, but it’s not nearly as good as the movie. And the Out of Africa on the big screen is even better.
“Seabiscuit” is one book that comes to mind where I felt the movie was better than the book. And I read the book before seeing the movie.
I liked the book better, but I saw the movie first. I read it right after I read Unbroken, so maybe I was on a narrative nonfiction roll?
Stardust the movie is far and away better than the book. It’s so polar to me that the movie is my #1 absolute favorite and the book is probably my least favorite book I have ever read. They are that different. I know a lot of people love Neil Gaiman, but I’ve had a hard time coming around to him since that book. (The Doctor Who episode helped.) 🙂
I loved that movie! I’ve never read the book, but “probably my least favorite book I have never read” definitely does not make me want to start now! Thanks for the tip. 🙂
YES! Stardust is my least favorite Gaiman book, though I love love love The Graveyard Book and several of his others (haven’t read all his books yet though). Graveyard Book is definitely one of my all time favorites-so don’t give up on him just yet!
I loved the Graveyard Book too. And I know a lot of people like Stardust; it just was not for me.
Oh I loved that movie and always meant to look up the book but somehow never have. Probably won’t now, Thanks!
“Jurassic Park” – just can’t replace the feelings I had when I first saw that movie in the theater. It was a brilliant concept, and so brilliantly carried out on film. I really felt like I was seeing live dinosaurs for the first time.
I agree about “Julie & Julia” – I didn’t read the book, but I read a few posts from the original blog, and, let’s put it this way, I was not a fan, and it made me decide not to read neither the book nor anymore of the blog. Blech.
I agree about “The Notebook,” and “The Princess Bride.”
You’re in good company: I’ve heard a lot of people say that about Jurassic Park.
I read Jurassic Park because I heard they were making a movie about it. I loved the book, AND I loved the movie…in my mind, they were separate entities. “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” was a horrible book to read, but a pretty decent movie. Two of my favorite modern books – “The Help” and “Secret Life of Bees” made a good movie interpretation.
I forgot they made The Secret Life of Bees into a movie. Thanks for the reminder, because I really liked the book!
Silver Linings Playbook in my opinion. I didn’t love the book 🙂 but I loved the movie, mostly because I think Jennifer Lawrence made the film!
Haven’t read the book, but loved the movie! (I’m a JLaw fan. 🙂 )
I prefer the movie version of Practical Magick to the book as well as The Hunger Games. I’ll be interested when the next movie comes out in the trilogy to see if it also is better than the book.
It just came to me: every Harry Potter movie was better than every Harry Potter book. By a mile.
After seeing the first movie and the second-to-last movie, I decided to skip the rest. But I love the books!
Totally disagree about the Harry Potter movies. Yes the movies were good, but no way compare to the depth of the books.
False. The movies were awful, really.
Hmm, looks like I stepped on a couple sets of toes!
Beware the wrath of the PotterHeads, Tim! 😉
I’m staying in a cave somewhere in parts unknown until this blows over, Katie!
No. Just no.
**Adjusts Gryffindor scarf, turns on heel, and walks off with nose in the air.**
😀
(HA!)
Two that I always cite: A Walk to Remember, and the Devil Wears Prada. In both cases, I thought the developments (relationship and work transformation) were more realistically described and paced in the movie than the book.
However, I realized that in both cases I watched the movie before reading the book, which normally isn’t the case, so this may bias my opinion!
The Devil Wears Prada is my #2 most-hated book of all time, forever.
The movie was GREAT!
I don’t think the movie tops the book, but it comes pretty darn close: Little Women with Winona Ryder is such a lovely film, and I watched it curled up with hot chocolate every winter with a blanket 😉
I generally find that I like the version I experience first. If I read it first, then the film doesn’t live up; if I see the movie first, I don’t like the book. Of course there are exceptions (see my Jane Austen comment above–I almost always saw the movie/miniseries first; books like Persuasion and S&S held up, Emma on paper seemed dull by comparison, and with Mansfield Park I much prefer the film}.
It’s not better, but I thought the movie The Help was as good as the book. I enjoyed them both so much!
I agree with you about Julie and Julia. I liked the book, but I LOVED the movie.
I’m torn about Julia and Julia-I couldn’t finish the book with the same title I disliked it so much, but loved My Life in France, which I’ve always figured is why I liked the movie. I still wish they had cut Julia the blogger out of it entirely and just stuck with Meryl! Sometimes I find that the two versions make the other better. I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time after watching the Colin Firth miniseries and I think it really helped bring the story to life for me as I read Austen’s prose. The only Austen that didn’t help with was Mansfield Park…but there’s not much that’s going to make me like Fanny Price!
Poor Fanny! She’s not easy for us to understand, is she?
I love Mansfield Park, although it’s not my favorite Austen. (That is a tie between Persuasion and Northanger Abbey.) Fanny is more sympathetic and understandable a character when we understand just how truly horrid some of the people around her were by the standards of Austen’s day. No one should have to go through what she went through, and her behavior throughout is of the greatest decorum. Readers of that time would have found her someone to be admired.
I am so glad to hear you defend Fanny, Tim! I think she is almost uncomprehensible to many modern readers. It took me many readings to get to the bottom (I think!) of her personality and behavior. And, yes, I do truly esteem her now! On a side note, if any filmmaker has made a true version of Mansfield Park, I have yet to see it. What I have seen is a modern take on Fanny that has nothing to do with her. At all.
Have you seen the 1983 BBC miniseries of MP? Very true to the book, while still an adaptation.
I just looked up the 1983 version. I’m not sure how I missed it, but now I’ll have to try and find it! It sounds interesting – in a good way!
Several years ago I read the book that the movie Forrest Gump was based on. I didn’t like the book at all. In the book, Forrest is kind of a bland lump of a man. It was one of the rare times when I thought the movie was better than the book.
Tale of Despereaux. Highbrow, I know. But the movie was way better than the book.
I’m basically repeating what others have said, but you must read The Princess Bride. Those who said the movie is better are crazy. Both are phenomenal. And the movie doesn’t tell you about The Zoo of Death.
Silver Linings Playbook was such a disappointment to me when I read it after seeing the film. I love the movie so much and the book fell hugely flat in comparison.
I will mention one that I don’t think anyone else did: Hugo. Brilliant both ways.
Inkspell: great book, terrible movie. The fact that the author cast Brendan Fraser as Mo kills me. Worst casting choice ever. The only redeeming role was Paul Bettany as Dustfinger. But they butchered the story attempting to condense it into one family-length film.
And I completely disagree with a previous poster – I adored Stardust equally as a book and a movie.
Shutter Island: both good
I’m a huge bookworm and and film lover. I could converse on this subject for hours…
I love The Sound of Music, but was extremely disappointed when I read Maria von Trapp’s autobiography. She had an interesting life, but the movie (and play first) took many liberties to make it much more romantic and exciting than it actually was. And all of the children had different names, which really frustrated me.
I loved the book “A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett when I was growing up (and the gorgeous illustrations by Tasha Tudor), but I have to say, I think the mid-1990’s movie was better! Really fun, exciting, and a more satisfying ending. : ) But both were great. (The Shirley Temple movie, on the other hand, was NOT better!)
Sandy B., you just brought back a funny memory; I did a book report on The Little Princess and ended it with something like “But do not confuse the Shirley Temple movie with this beautiful book!” And I love Shirley Temple- that kid was a genius! But the movie was not…
I remember the ’90s movie as being lovely, too!
The 90s version of ALP was wonderful. Beautifully designed, wonderful adaptation for the script, good acting. Worth watching all around.
The 1986 miniseries is excellent, too, or at least I loved it when I was 13–haven’t seen it as an adult. It’s like the illustrations came to life.
I couldn’t agree with you more about the Julie & Julia book and movie. I started the book and put it down part way through– just didn’t like the protagonist. But the movie–oh my! It made me go back to the book and read it through. You’re right that Meryl Streep is a delight and the visuals of the movie just couldn’t compare with my imagination from the book.
Great post. thanks.
This might be an odd one but The Godfather. I watched the movie first then read the book which might be why. Both were really good, the book was quite a page turner, but the movie is just such a classic its kind of hard for the book to compete with it, even though the movie is from the book.
I read “The Vow” and loved it and then watched the movie and could not believe how they botched the story. If you have seen “The Vow” be sure to read the book for the true story of God’s redeeming grace and true love.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, it might have something to do with what a huge Kevin Spacey fan I am though:)
“Call the Midwife” comes to mind. I read the first two books, but I have to say I enjoyed the television series more.
I gave a quote about this this topic here: http://www.quirkybookworm.com/2013/05/book-v-television-call-midwife.html.
Not a movie, exactly, but the miniseries The Box of Delights was so magical and exciting that my brother and I were thrilled to find a copy of the book–which turned out to be nowhere near as good. I’m glad that someone who read it was inspired to make the miniseries.
I don’t know, Stephanie, I found the “Call the Midwife” books even more impacting than the shows, although I thought they were indeed very well done. I think the books did have more “teaching” moments in them and so perhaps less entertainment, but the glimpse they give us of the East End at that time is invaluable. And her last book, In the Midst of Life, is amazing and one of the best new books I’ve read in years! But it probably wouldn’t make good TV…
I totally agree about “Julie and Julia.” I thought the book was a bit crass and had me cringing at times for no good reason while the movie was a delight.
I loved the movie The English Patient but could not follow the book. Great post!
Stuart Little and Mary Poppins are both better movies than books. And I certainly hope the Tale of Desperaux was a better movie because the book was completely awful, not a child’s story at all.
Princess Diaries was a horrible book, not appropriate for the audience it was written for. However the movie was great.
Mary Poppins was a different movie than the book. Both are great but not really comparable.
Wizard of Oz is my least favorite of the Oz books but made a good movie.
I really liked reading Julie & Julia, but Julie was certainly not a very likeable person in the book. And I loved how they developed more of what was going on with Julia in France during Master the Art. I remember reading somewhere that reporters told Amy Adams Julie Powell’s next book was about her affair. (I think we’ve talked at some point about our dislike for Cleaving.) And Amy Adams said, “MY Julie would never have had an affair.” Which pretty much sums up the differences.
Thanks for the newsletter link to this older post. 🙂 It always thrills me when the movie IS actually good – Bridget Jones’s Diary is one of my favorite adaptations that actually worked.
I feel like Bridget Jones is coming up ALL THE TIME lately, and it makes me want to re-watch the movies, re-read the books, and finally finish Helen Fielding’s latest Mad About the Boy. Maybe soon?
I loved the first movie, hated the second one. But both books were awesome. I don’t think I’ve even heard of Mad About the Boy, though!
I think the Gone With the Wind movie is better than the book. IMO, at least 1/4 of the book could be left out and nothing would be missed. The movie leaves it out!
Gone with the Wind was a great book. The movie was wonderful up until the intermission then it was awful
The one that comes to mind is Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I used to love the movie. Read the book and hated the ending. I’m a sucker for a happy ending.
Remains of the Day is one of my very favorite books and movies. It’s hard to decide which is better. Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson are amazing in the film but the book is achingly beautiful on its own.
What about The Jane Austen Book Club? I haven’t read the book because I have heard it isn’t very good, but I love the movie!
For this next one, I can’t say that the movies are better than the books, but I like them just as much. The Chronicles of Narnia. I think the books are wonderful, but I just love what they did with the movies (especially The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe).
That’s funny: I haven’t seen the movie because I hated the book! Glad to hear it’s not terrible. 🙂
I missed this post when it was originally published, and I have to add my examples: The Pelican Brief and The Firm. Both movies are action packed, suspenseful fun with pretty people in them, and I can watch them over and over. But a single reading of both Grisham books was enough. 🙂
I just finished a suspense novel a la John Grisham and I’ve had him on my mind all week! Specifically, I want to WATCH (not read) The Pelican Brief again. Nobody ever talks about that movie now so it’s fun to see you mention it here, now.
The Pelican Brief is one of my all-time favorite movies. I’ll watch it any time it’s on – even if it’s on one of those channels with horribly long commercials!
This is such good news! I just read The Firm and the movie just happened to be on HBO a week later. The movie was horrible compared to the book in my opinion. I had almost decided not to watch the other Grisham-based movies.
Just found this post from your 4 year birthday post. I have to add that The Count of Monte Cristo movie is lovelier than the book. It pulls out all the best themes in the story and really gets across that justice vs. mercy question in as compelling a way as Les Mis.
I LOVED Julie and Julia! Loved Loved Loved it. I will not read the book now. Thank you for saving me. And I WILL watch A Room with a View. Thanks!!! love your blog btw.
Ghost World. One word: Seymour. Steve Buscemi’s Seymour wasn’t in the book so they got it right in the movie.
The Princess Bride. The adaptation was made with the author, so that might be why it is so excellent. I read the book after watching the movie, so that may also have biased me. But I didn’t think any of the stuff they left out added much to the story and would rather watch the movie.
A Walk to Remember is poignant and beautiful, a movie I watch again and again. The book neither touched me as the movie did, nor left me wanting to experience it again.
The Book Thief–thought the movie was really good but couldn’t get through the book!
Oh, I felt the opposite. I couldn’t put the book down and loved it so much, and I was disappointed with a lot of what the movie changed or left out.
I read the whole book and loved it! I loved the movie even more.
Enchanted April
One of my all time favorite movies, with the most beautiful scenery. You just couldn’t experience that in the book. Read book once and watch the movie over and over. Missed this first time around, but couldn’t resist commenting now.
Love that movie! Haven’t read the book yet.
Wasn’t yet a blog reader when this was originally was published, but I think this really clarifies a lot. I will say, two movie examples that I liked just as much as the books are The Princess Diaries and Chocolat. I think they both work though because the films make major changes. They are sort of like remixes. Very obviously derived from the original but with enough of their own thing going on that they are a different story.
I love BBC’s version of North and South so much more than the book! Maybe I’m just a sucker for Richard Armitage, but the music and cinematography is amazing and I think the ending is so much better than the book. I also think Stephen King’s novels adapt well to the big screen.
My mom and I LOVED the ending to that version! We seriously watched the train station scene over and over.
I hated the ending of the adaptation of North and South! I thought it was such a shame the filmmakers went with a public display of affection because it was so unrealistic and not classy at all, as well as being out of character. Mr Thornton was a man who prided himself on keeping himself together so for him to be scruffy on a train is not in keeping with his character. Also, Margaret regarded Henry as a friend so I think it unlikely that she would have humiliated him by dumping him at a train station. I was so disappointed when I saw it.
Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic. I saw the movie first and fell in love. It remains a favorite. I read the book several years after seeing the movie. It just did not have the magic the movie possessed. In my mind, the more memorable of the two is the film.
Fannie Flagg’s “Fried Green Tomatoes” – I liked the movie better than the book. This never happens with me.
The Painted Veil, starring Naomi Watts, Lev Schreiber, and Edward Norton, is beautiful: lush scenery, gorgeous light, and a redemptive story. The book, by W. Somerset Maugham, is depressing and the ending–while possibly quite literary–is too much of a disappointment to inspire further reflection.
Gone Girl. I really disliked the book, and was only mildly annoyed by the movie.
In my opinion, Forrest Gump the movie was better than the book.
Forrest Gump was much better as a movie. I also felt that The Help was just as good as the book.
I enjoyed the movie Bridget Jones 2 much better than the book.
Witches of Eastwick is a perfect example.
Hidden Figures. The book was very clinical/scientific. The movie brought the characters to life.
The Hours
I saw the movie before I read the book, so that may be a reason why I enjoyed the movie so much more. Streep, Kidman and Moore are amazing, and the cinematography and musical score are so moving that I couldn’t evoke the same emotions reading the book as I did watching the movie.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
Not better, but just as good: I’m so glad I saw Silver Linings Playbook first, because it was SO good! I read the book second, and the book was SO good that I probably would have skipped the movie, thinking that it could never be as good as the book. But it was! How about a blog post where the movie really did live up to the greatness of the book?
I just watched Silence of the Lambs last night and the movie was so well done. I had forgotten how good it was.. I actually think I might like that movie better than the book.
I have to say I love the movie Chocolat! I was so excited when I discovered there was a book it had been based on. I was disappointed. The book was flat and boring and I didn’t like or connect with the characters at all. Still love the movie!
Two of my favorite movies proving this point are ‘What Dreams May Come’ which is incredibly visual,absolutely mesmerizing in part, and ‘The Razor’s Edge’ with Bill Murray. Exceptions proving the rule.
The Color Purple. Wonderful moving movie. So human. Book I found the themes to be very heavy handed academic feminism.
The Godfather. Great movie, obviously. The book glorifies mobsters far more than the movie, justifying the violence. Also a very strange and unnecessary gynecological side story left out of the movie, thank God.
The Dressmaker is one that I liked the movie more than the book. Don’t get me wrong: I really did like the book by Rosalie Ham, but the movie with Kate Winslet – something about all of the wonderful, colorful, larger-than-life dresses set against the drab, dry, brown landscape just brought the whole thing in to wonderful focus. It truly is a delight to watch.
Funny you mentioned Seinfeld. Was reading about your “half of the bread” story and immediately thought off the babka episode! You had a happier ending. ?