My son is taking a literature class - The Filmed Novel - that sounds like a hoot. They read an assigned novel, discuss it and watch the movie together. So far they've read
The Maltese Falcon,
High Fidelity and
True Grit. It's been interesting to hear his take on how closely the movies follow the books. He has definite opinions about the movies made of some of his favorites. I have to agree with him on the Harry Potter finale being anticlimactic but I am totally satisfied with the treatment of The Hobbit. I like to think that Tolkien would be, too.
Why didn't they have classes like that when I was in college?
This may border on heresy for some, but in my opinion the book is not always
better than the movie. Here is my list:
- The African Queen - My edition of this book ends poorly. The odd couple who fought together for something that mattered and found love in the film do not accomplish their goal in the book and simply...separate. What a downer. We need heroes and hope.
- The Painted Veil - Again, the movie ending was more satisfying.
- The Ghost and Mrs. Muir - the book was a snoozer. The script writers got it right.
- Remains of the Day
- Chocolat
- The Accidental Tourist
- Out of Africa
Some of my preferences must be attributed to the great performances of talented actors and actresses who breathed life into two-dimensional characters. Other preferences were in regard to story.
This is my partial list. I wonder if you would add
