As a writer I think this is a worthwhile subject because I enjoy seeing the books I love in a different way. I understand that they're different mediums and I no longer expect movies to be exactly like the book. Usually I think the movie doesn't quite capture the book, but on rare occasions I've found the book actually fell short. If you've seen the movie and read the book and you don't agree with me - please feel free to voice your opinion - in a polite way of course. Same thing if you do agree.
So every Friday join me for a discussion on why This Movie Was Actually Better Than The Book. If you'd like to take part in this Meme on your own blog - please leave me a link in comments and I'll come check it out.
The first book and movie I've chosen to discuss is:
For those who aren't familiar with Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day by Winifred Watson - here's a brief synopsis:
Miss Pettigrew (Francis McDormand) is a down-on-her-luck, middle-aged governess sent by her employment agency to work for a nightclub singer, Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams) rather than a household of unruly children. Over a period of 24 hours her life is changed -- forever.
This delightful, funny, light-hearted 1938 novel was a bestseller on its first appearance and has been reprinted many times since Persephone Books first reissued it, complete with its original illustrations, for a new generation of readers. - Goodreads.
This delightful, funny, light-hearted 1938 novel was a bestseller on its first appearance and has been reprinted many times since Persephone Books first reissued it, complete with its original illustrations, for a new generation of readers. - Goodreads.
I had never heard of this book until I saw the movie. I enjoyed the movie so much I decided to read the book, but to my amazement the book just wasn't as good.
Here's why I think that is:
The book was a fun, light read, but in my opinion it lacked heart. It felt superficial and the characters lacked depth. The year this was written World War II had not yet begun, but the fear of it loomed in the background. The book doesn't mention this at all - which is fine - there's plenty of books that are beautifully written during times of war without mentioning the war, but the movie does add this element and it changes a frothy book into something with substance. I was very moved by the way Delysia LeFosse comes to realize there's more to life than the frivolous one she's been living. The passions and humor are stronger in the movie and the characters leap off the screen.
I recently read a review where the reviewer had the opposite viewpoint. She felt the movie added too much gravity to something that was meant to be a whimsical fairytale. It's possible that she's right, and maybe I would have felt the same if I'd read the book first. But since I didn't, I'm sticking by my opinion that - This Movie Was Actually Better Than The Book.
So, what do you think? Have you seen the movie or read the book? What's your opinion? Do you think this Meme is lame?
Hi! I have not read or seen this one yet, but the trailer for the film looks hilarious. I don't think it is a lame meme, it will be interesting to see what films you bring up here. If I were doing this, I think I'd run out of material quickly. ;) Because, I find it is rare for the movie to truly be better than the book that often.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday!
This is a great idea for a meme! I haven't read the book, but I agree that the movie was wonderful. I loved how things ended up for both Delysia and Miss Pettigrew.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun meme! I haven't read it or seen the movie, but now I want to do both just to decide for myself. How fun!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen either, but I'm guessing it's all a matter of viewpoint and subjective as to what the viewer/reader wants out of the story. Thanks for this! I think I'll check out the movie.
ReplyDeleteHi Corinne - Thanks for commenting - the movie is hilarious and fun, check it out. I do like the book too - just not as much. You may be right that I'll soon run out of material, but I have at least a dozen books in mind right now so it should last awhile.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa - Yes the movie was so good and I loved the ending. It doesn't end that way in the book.
I wasn't too impressed with the movie. It just seemed dull to me. But I haven't read the book either, so I can't really compare.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED the movie but have yet to try the book :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book, but I enjoyed the movie. The main characters were very fascinating!
ReplyDeleteHi Tiana - it's too bad you didn't like the movie - maybe you'd like the book more. Well - we can't all like the same things right?
ReplyDeleteHi Juju - I enjoyed the movie a lot and now that I've done a post on it, I want to watch it again. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Stacie - thanks for visiting. I liked the characters too - some of the personalities are different in the book.
I haven't read or seen that, but I like your point about why the movie is better. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read or seen this, but now am intrigued to do both . . .
ReplyDeleteI LITERALLY just finished reading this book this morning before hopping onto the Internets. Talk about good timing!
ReplyDeleteI do have to disagree, though. I thought the book was way better. There was so much emotion in the book, and for me the actors couldn't pull it off.
Great idea for a meme!
Hi Angie - thanks for commenting and yes go check them both out.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie - thanks for your comment and for becoming a follower.
Hi Mariah - Finally - someone who's read it. Thank you so much for expressing your opinion. I agree with you that we never quite get the same emotion from movies that we do from books.
It's better than the book? Okay, I'm going to have to check this movie out!
ReplyDeleteI am unfamiliar with both however I did enjoy this post. It's nice to see the flip side of the book v. movie deathmatch!
ReplyDeleteI like this idea. And now I want to read the book AND see the movie.
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