WARNING: The second part of my Novel Films Blogfest may cause severe shock to some writer friends of mine. Just remember these are my opinions, so feel free to disagree.
From my list of twenty novels to films from yesterday there are three movie versions I thought were better *gasp* than the books.
A Simple Twist Of Fate based on the novel Silas Marner by George Eliot. The novel was quite a slog to get through with lots and lots of telling and the pace of a turtle. But I found the movie charming and it makes me cry every time I see it.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman. I almost put this book down fifty pages in because I kept nodding off and although it did liven up after that, the movie is one of my favorites. I love the actors, especially Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya. He is quoted in my house at least once a week, "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
Silver Bullet based on the short story "Cycle Of The Werewolf" by Stephen King. I chose this one not so much because the movie was great, but because the written version read more like an essay than a narrative and I thought the film did a good job of fleshing it out in places.
There are three other movies from my list that I think are at least as good as the books.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. Classic. And who can resist Boris Karloff as a narrator?
The Shawshank Redemption based on Stephen King's short story "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption". The short story was wonderful and the movie was everything I'd imagined while reading it.
Stand By Me based on another of Stephen King's short stories, "The Body". The movie actually used dialogue straight from the book in several key scenes. Why mess with brilliance?
There are a couple of movies that I am anxiously awaiting to be released on DVD so I can compare them to their written counterparts, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen.. I am also looking forward to The Hunger Games due out next year based on the book by the same name by Suzanne Collins.
Are there any novel films you're looking forward to?
My Baker's Dozen Blogoversary Giveaway ends tomorrow at midnight so if you haven't entered yet, please do. I'll be announcing the six winners on Thursday, August 4th.
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17 comments:
I agree that Silas Marner was a slog to get through. The Wishbone version on PBS was much better than reading the book, which just seemed to go on and on about all that manners crap, or the Jane Austen crap as I usually refer to it.
I'm excited to see what the Coen Brothers do with "The Yiddish Policeman's Union" a book I didn't really like but can imagine they could do something great with the material.
Awwww yay for Stand by Me and Shawshank!! They were great films and I really must read the books too!! Yay!!!
I'm looking forward to Arrietty - the Japanese animation take on The Burrowers!!! Yay!!
Take care
x
I haven't seen any of these. :-( I really must do something about it.
I have read The Body by Stephen King but haven't watched the movie. I really wanna watch it :)
Stand By Me is a classic film, and I've talked about in my part two post today. Might have to read Silas Marner now!
Here is sad ignorant me - did not even know Shawshank was a book - loved the movie though.
I am looking forward to Hunger Games. And I'd like to see I Don't Know How She Does It since I read the book years ago. I am typically disappointed by the movie if I already read the book. We'll see.
I quote the Princess Bride ALL the time! :) Although - the movie, not the book. Still need to read that.
I'm looking forward to The Hunger Games, too. And I'd love to see Shannon Hale's Goose Girl series adapted someday!
I've seen all of these but only read Silas Marner many, many years ago and don't really remember it. These are all good films so I'll take your word on this one.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Standing ovation for Shawshank. One of my faves.
I think some of the lines Morgan Freeman says as "Red" are some of the best in cinematic history.
Hi Lisa,
A HUGE smile split across my face when I saw the Grinch.... MY ALL TIME FAVORITE christmas story! Christmas isn't Christmas without it.
Love that the Princess Bride made your list. I thought the novel was a a bit heavily written, but like you said, it did pick up and was very funny. And the movie is one of my all-time favorites.
Another great post Lisa. I am intrigued that Another Twist of Fate is based on Silas Marner. I might just check that one out. :O)
It's nice to hear you pointing out when the movie is better than the book because it's like a mantra for people to say the book is better than the movie.
Nice post, Lisa! I like your take on things. I love The Princess Bride SO MUCH. I haven't read the book yet, but do want to, just so I can say I did.
I like old lit, but agree about Silas Mariner.
Interesting, some of these I didn't even know about the book. Just for fun I'll have to check them out. See, either way you tweaked an interest.
Hi Lisa,
You have a fabulous blog! I want to award you with one of my homemade awards: Powerful Woman Writer Award for all the hard work you do!
Go to http://astorybookworld.blogspot.com/p/awards.html and pick up your award.
~Deirdra
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