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Sunday, August 16, 2009

Musing Monday (Aug 17)


Musing Monday is hosted by Rebecca at Just One More Page.
Today's musing is the following:

How do you react to movies made of your favourite books (or even not-so-favourite books)? Do you look forward to seeing them, or avoid them? Do you like to have read the book before seeing the movie?

Well it depends on the movie and the book. I do look forward to seeing books I read made into movies, but sometimes it takes away from my reading experience. For instance, Twilight. Sorry, but that is not how I picture Edward...not a little bit. Pattinson is nice looking but really not my cup of tea. Everyone else I could live with.

Memoirs of a Geisha was another book that didn't translate too well. Beautifully filmed, but the main character's inner struggles and such didn't cross over well. Now that is a book I would read again.

I always try to read the book before seeing the movie. I'm a wee bit OCD about that. That's why I only read half of Potter. Started with book 5 and gotta say, not impressed with the movies thus far. I know books don;t always translate well, especially the Potter books. They are big and cover a lot of material. But I just saw the last installment, and let me say this: When I have to look at my watch to see how much time is left, that is not a good thing. Acting was first rate, as usual, however the script leaves a lot to be desired.

Okay, I'm done ranting now. How about you? How do you feel about book to movie transitions?

15 comments:

kalea_kane said...

I haven't read or seen the Twilight movies, but I definitely will not watch the films until I read the books. I definitely prefer to read the book first, and for the most part the movies can do a good job but never will measure up. I loved Memoirs of a Geisha (the book) but I simply could not get into the movie.

I can totally relate to your answer. :)

Yvonne said...

I try to read the book before seeing the movie, too, but it doesn't always happen that way. I have all the Twilight books in my TBR and haven't read any of them yet, but I did see the movie. Although the movie was okay, it didn't make me anxious to read the book. From what I've heard, I'll probably enjoy the books much more than I did the movie.

Susan said...

I'm with you on Twilight, but I've gotten used to Pattinson, and I've made peace (lol) with the fact that he's going to be out Edward for the reas of the films :) Oh, well...

Tea said...

Yup, I like to read the book first. I'm trying to finish reading "Time Traveler's Wife" now because I don't want to see the movie before reading the book. So far, I love the book.

Rebecca Johnson said...

I agree with you on Memoirs of a Geisha - the movie fell short of the book. And while I still enjoyed the latest HP movie, I didn't think it was as good as the previous ones.

And yay on being the first responder! We almost didn't have a MM at all this week, I forgot to schedule it - oops!

Staci said...

I like to read the book first and yes, sometimes I find myself avoiding the movie until someone I trust has watched it and then take their word for it in regards to whether I should watch it or not!!

Anonymous said...

I guess most of us like to read the book first. Though I'm happy with Rob Pattinson as Edward Cullen :)

I'm hoping to finish Time Traveller's Wife too. I heard the review at the Daily 10 that the book was more romantic :)

Anonymous said...

The book always seems to be better than the movie, I don't know why!

Anonymous said...

I've seen several excellent adaptations, but I had the misfortune of bringing home "The Other Boleyn Girl" on DVD for my wife, who had enjoyed the book. She was not impressed.

Anonymous said...

I like the Harry Potter films for the visual grandeur of the magic world. The plots never cover the books, but I still can't stop myself from watching. And then telling my husband everything he missed by not reading the books!

Anonymous said...

I like the Harry Potter films for the visual grandeur of the magic world. The plots never cover the books, but I still can't stop myself from watching. And then telling my husband everything he missed by not reading the books!

Tudor Daughter said...

I have seen several good adaptations to film such as A Time to Kill by John Grisham that was a good movie and great book,and some lousy adaptations such as The Firm by John Grisham was a great book and horrible movie.

I saw The Other Boleyn Girl and thought it was an O.K. movie then read the book which I loved.

caite said...

I rarely find the movie adds anything to my pleasurable experience of the book, and in fact, often falls far short of the book.

If anything, I might see the movie first, and then the book can flesh it out more thoroughly.

Nise' said...

I like to read the book first as well and watch the movie with an open mind, but sometimes its hard... Did watch The Other Boelyn Girl prior to reading the book and am glad to hear the book is much better than the movie. It was just okay for me.

Jenny Girl said...

Kalea: I know the movie never measures up, but sometimes I get so excited, like Memoirs. That was a great book!

Yvonne: Yes I think you'll enjoy the books better, although the adaptation was pretty good, all things considered.

Susan: True. I'll still go to the rest of the movies in the series ;)

Tea: Never read the book, but now that I can think of Eric Bana...

Rebecca: You know lightening doesn't strike twice :)

Staci: I'm a word of mouth person too sometimes.

Judys424: not saying I would turn him down, just not what I pictured ;)

Vicki: very true! must be our impressions.

Michael: I agree w/your wife. Didn't think the movie could be as good either. But the costumes were gorgeous.

Stacybuckeye: I am the same. I will still go see the last 2!

Caite: here's one I liked Mystic River.

Nise: Def best to watch that movie first than read the book. I kind of figured the translation wouldn't work too well.

Thank you gals for stopping by :)
Always a pleasure chatting w/you.

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