When they make a film from a best selling book, is it better to read the book first then see the film, or watch the film then read the book. Just wondered what you think. I can't make my mind up.

Personally, I prefer to read the book first although you often find, for reasons of time, that the film misses out chunks of the book and the characters aren't always as you imagine them to be ;)

I usually read the books first, which is probably a bad idea, because I'm usually disappointed when the film misses out huge chunks of the story.... :lol:

I usually read the books first, but I think you should always watch the film first and THEN read the book, since films are always a huge let down if you compare them to the books

I usually read the books first, but I think you should always watch the film first and THEN read the book, since films are always a huge let down if you compare them to the books

 

Well, in the case of "V For Vendetta" (which I mention cos it's in your sig) I was hugely let down, as I'd read the graphic novel over 15 years before the film actually came out and feel that it is a very important work of modern comic art, a very mature, sophisticated and deeply complex work, completely reduced to very simplistic terms by the film which was nothing more than an above-average action movie IMO.... One cannot blame Alan Moore for being peed off and wanting his name taken off the credits...

 

Some things are better off left on the printed page, V For Vendetta was definitely one of those....

Well, in the case of "V For Vendetta" (which I mention cos it's in your sig) I was hugely let down, as I'd read the graphic novel over 15 years before the film actually came out and feel that it is a very important work of modern comic art, a very mature, sophisticated and deeply complex work, completely reduced to very simplistic terms by the film which was nothing more than an above-average action movie IMO.... One cannot blame Alan Moore for being peed off and wanting his name taken off the credits...

 

Some things are better off left on the printed page, V For Vendetta was definitely one of those....

 

Well I am not a fan of comic books, so I have never read V For Vendetta, therefore I can't really judge the film based on the quality of the comics ;)

But as I've said, I do agree with you when you say some things (most things actually) are better off left on books... For instance, Harry Potter, the films, despite being massive and fabulous productions, they are nowhere near as good as the books.

I read Jaws first but still liked the film, and Alien and thought the film enhanced the book, really brought it to life if you know what i mean

I read Jaws first but still liked the film, and Alien and thought the film enhanced the book, really brought it to life if you know what i mean

 

When you get a genius, visionary director on the top of his game as Ridley Scott was back in the day when he did "Alien", and "Bladerunner" as well let's not forget, then films certainly can enhance a literary work; but it is a very, very rare occurence. As rare as a hen's teeth....

 

I would rather read the book first. The only film I've done in reverse was Bridget Jones' Diary - read the book after seeing the film and was :unsure: , it was completely different.

Edited April 22, 200619 yr by Harri

I would rather read the book first. The only film I've done in reverse was Bridget Jones' Diary - read the book after seeing the film and was :unsure: , it was completely different.

 

Yeah, you're right, in the book she's British, not a fukkin' Yank..... :lol: :lol:

 

In all seriousness though, I enjoyed the book quite a lot, but found the film rather cloying to be honest.... Not being a huge Hugh Grant or Renee Zellweger fan and all....

 

I really do prefer to watch the film and then read the book.

 

I went to go see the latest Harry Potter and i'd alreadt read the book, but the film left me really dissapointed as it missed out huge parts of the book and tbh I nearly found myself falling asleep as it was so rubbish.

I'd rather read the book first too.

You gotta read the book first to know all the details. Then when you watch the movie, you'll know what it's about.

Edited April 25, 200619 yr by Merita

I usually read the books first, which is probably a bad idea, because I'm usually disappointed when the film misses out huge chunks of the story.... :lol:

 

Yup! I find I enjoy a film adaptation more if I have not read the book first. I actually haven't seen Everything is Illuminated, because I loved the book so much I knew the film would disappoint me.

 

Although, I did find the film of The Princess Bride was better than the book. Just.