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Original poster

OK we all agree that most film versions of books are crap but . . .

39 replies

BalloonSlayer · 23/09/2009 20:43

which ones are good?

(sorry, expect this has been done before)

I am watching Jurassic Park on telly - posting in commercial break - and it dawned on me that it's the only example I have of: Loved the book, Loved the film.

Any others?

OP posts:
MrsMerryHenry · 23/09/2009 21:04

Sorry Slayer, I got a bit carried away!

Original poster
BalloonSlayer · 23/09/2009 21:02

I agree MrsMerryHenry, I was [ahem] summarising for a succinct thread title [ahem again].

'Tis why I think Jurassic park worked well, as Michael Crichton was a screenwriter and wrote novels with the movie version in mind.

D'you know I have never seen the film of "Of Mice and Men" or any other Steinbeck adaptations but they are so cinematically written you'd think they'd take literally 15 mins to adapt as a movie.

OP posts:
thisisyesterday · 23/09/2009 21:01

do you think so browntrout?

i think one flew over the cuckoo's nest is a terrible, terrible film.
it misses out so much from the book

Rumpel · 23/09/2009 20:57

Interview With A Vampire - great book and good film too.

Red Dragon

Schindlers List (from what I remember)

Nightbreed - Cabal by Clive Barker

MrsMerryHenry · 23/09/2009 20:56

The thing is that film and literature are totally different media. A book based on a film is always going to be flimsy, and a film based on a good book is always going to have to cut huge chunks of the plot (or entire secondary plot lines) so as to make it workable as a film. So to say films based on books are simply 'crap' shows a total lack of understanding of the medium.

That said, the Terminator novel was brilliant, especially the gruelling death scene on p118!

browntrout · 23/09/2009 20:56

and Schindler's List/Ark

browntrout · 23/09/2009 20:55

one flew over the cuckoos nest. In fact, I prefer it - you know from the start that the Chief can really talk in the book whereas in the film, when he says those first words to MacMurphy, you are genuinely shocked. Tis one of my favourite films, can you tell?!

Prunerz · 23/09/2009 20:53

Agree with Bran.

TwoIfBySea · 23/09/2009 20:52

A Very Long Engagement, both book and film complimented each other.

Original poster
BalloonSlayer · 23/09/2009 20:51

Ooh yes, Remains of the Day is another for me. Thanks Foosa. Will check out others.

Back later. TRex due to attack.

OP posts:
scottishmummy · 23/09/2009 20:50

liked about a boy book and film

bran · 23/09/2009 20:49

High Fidelity, I think it's better than the book.

TheFoosa · 23/09/2009 20:48

Remains of The Day

francagoestohollywood · 23/09/2009 20:47

I liked Revolutionary road, though the book is much much better.

And Dangerous Liaisons, I loved the movie and the book