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Thursday, April 21, 2011

A Rare Reversal?

In my experience, people are usually disappointed when novels are adapted to film; I largely share this viewpoint. Which of you has experienced a rare reversal, i.e. when a movie adapted from a book is better than the original?

I recently re-watched "Jaws", a terrific action movie with three exceptional lead performances, including a young Richard Dreyfuss. As I watched it, I recalled the Peter Benchley book the film was based on. For any of you who read and remember that book, I'm curious if you would agree that this is indeed a rare reversal. More to the point, which novel to film adaptations represent a rare reversal for you?

How about a "less" rare reversal (at least I think it's less rare)? What was the last song you heard remade that you felt surpassed the original? I know this is an apples to oranges comparison but it intrigues me, I'm interested in your views, and after all, this is my blog so I can ask whatever I want. 

3 comments:

  1. A rare reversal-The Secret Life of Bees movie was 5 star. The book was just okay. The casting was excellent, and the set. My eyes could not take in everything at once nor could I get enough. Also the music by Liz Wright (new artist for me) added mood to the movie. I just had to download Liz Wright the next day.

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  2. I read "Bees.." also and must have liked it more than you. But...I haven't seen it yet so based on your recommendation I'll make sure I do.

    Thanks for all your comments.

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  3. I agree with Jaws - that movie affected me more than almost any other book or movie.

    As for songs, Linda Ronstadt has some awesome remakes - well maybe almost everything she did was a remake. Her "Desperado" destroys the Eagles' version (who I'm also a fan of). And, she owns Blue Bayou . . .

    I'm a huge Beatles fan, but really like Eddie Vedder's "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away". Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Over the Rainbow". You could have a whole separate blog on this topic.

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