by Connolly Bottum
Upon hearing that the film or television rights for a book I love have been acquired, I always simultaneously feel excited and wary. Will the production company capture what I love about the story? Will they do it justice? Could they possibly help me realize new things about the book or will I cringe constantly while watching?
Regardless of my fears, I almost always see the television shows and movies. Here are five reasons I love watching adaptations:
- It is as close as I can come to experiencing the story for the first time again. I may know the intricate details of the plots of my favorite books, but the filmmaker will undoubtedly need to cut some of the book’s content to fit it into the allotted time. Some storylines may even be added or extended. As such, I can’t know exactly what to expect when I enter the movie theater or turn on my television.
- I love seeing new audiences experience the story. The number of books that people read varies greatly. Some people read a book every day while others can only find time to read a few books each year. Yet, even non-readers may feel inclined to watch a movie or a television show. I always enjoy sharing stories with people I love – even when they don’t experience the story in its original form.
- I can see how others experienced the book. How did the casting director picture the characters? What did the set designer imagine as the backdrop? I am always fascinated when I compare my ideas with others’ perceptions of books.
- I learn new details about the book’s world. This point is especially true when one watches television shows. In most cases, television shows do not stick to the original storyline. When they run for several seasons, the screenwriters can run out of source material. As such, it is almost as though new books are added to my favorite series.
- It allows me to join the conversation about the differences between a given book and its adaptation. Honestly, who doesn’t love those conversations?
What are your favorite adaptations?
3 replies on “5 Reasons to Watch Adaptations”
I loved the Nicholas sparks book Nights In Rodanthe, then I saw the movie. I enjoyed the movie ten times more. Of course, Richard Gere might have something to do with that. 🙂 I also liked the way the movie focused on the hero and heroine (cutting out the kids) and made it so memorable. I cry every time at the end. Great story. 🙂
I like the movies adapted from Jane Austen’s books, but my favorites are Mystic River and Shutter Island adapted from Dennis Lehane’s books of the same names. Shutter Island, the movie, is pretty close to the book. It’s one of my all time favorites.
I can’t wait to see Catherine Lanigan’s Harlequin Heartwarming book “Heart’s Desire” as a Hallmark movie “The Sweetest Heart.” This month on the 17th!
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!