World Book Day thought:
You know that feeling, right? You read a book, fall headfirst into it, live inside it for days… and then they announce the adaptation.
You say, “the book will be better.” You also know you’re watching it anyway.
And then it happens.
They add a twist.
Read on to know more.
hahahaha this is so relatable. same situation with housemaid. I secretly wanted non readers to read it. though it turned into a Amanda and Sweeney comparison, the bizarre theories that came out during that fight made me into a giggly naughty girl because they had theories which made no sense because they had no relation to the book. It was fun for sure.
It's so true. Sometimes the screenplay changes the story so much it destroys the whole mood. I had this feeling watching the HP movies. It was so wrong! Lovely write up.
I loved reading your wit-filled & very relatable write- up about adaptations from the books. I do not know, somehow the books are always better. Even for Pride & Prejudice, I had loved the book more than the on-screen adaptation.
Well, it's true we dread adaptations, yet we're curious about them too. For me, it always begins with the casting. Somehow, while reading, you start imagining the characters in your mind, giving them faces, voices, and personalities of your own. And if the real casting matches those imagined versions or even surpasses them, only then do I give the adaptation a thought. Otherwise, books are any day better than their screen versions.
That said, I truly enjoyed your write-up. It was hilarious, sharp, and absolutely relatable!- Pinki Bakshi (#ECM)
In the process of making it suitable for the screens, a lot gets lost and the essence gets faded - agreed, but if executed well, it can add layers and perspective to the story and builds character arc that probably feels more personal by a particular narrative on screen. And hands down, it's infinitely harder to bring in both the imagination of the author and reader together as an adaptation.
The Book: Provides the skeleton, and every reader’s brain "skins" the character differently.
The Screen: Has to pick one skin, one voice, and one face.
I haven't read the books but the 'ye zaroori tha kya?' question popped up in two recent adaptations where I realized they changed something substantial. One was in the show Bridgerton where they turned a character named Michael into Michaela *gasp* and the other one was in yet another show One Day where they made the female lead brown while she was white in the book. In both instances I found asking myself and out loud to whoever would listen (or not listen :P) the question you posed.
Btw, while we are on the topic, I believe there is one adaptation that turned out way better than the book. Can you guess which? Hint: It's a Hindi film (surprising right?) Let's see if you get it right :D
So true! I watched a few episodes of TWOT and then decided against watching the rest - I could see that they were going to irritate the hell out of me. I am reading the Neopolitan series now and while one part of me wants to watch the series, the other part is wary. And I would like to tell Gurinder Chadha to make the films she makes - just don’t call it P&P.
Loved this quirky write-up! I too get excited about adaptations and there are a few that turned out to be as good as (and some better than) the book. Can't see Mr. Darcy with a third nipple, though. But I can totally picturise an adorable and lovable boy named Chandler Bing for whom it would be a big deal! Rest of my comments reseved for a VN! Loved this article, gal. You are just ❤️❤️
hahahaha this is so relatable. same situation with housemaid. I secretly wanted non readers to read it. though it turned into a Amanda and Sweeney comparison, the bizarre theories that came out during that fight made me into a giggly naughty girl because they had theories which made no sense because they had no relation to the book. It was fun for sure.
It's so true. Sometimes the screenplay changes the story so much it destroys the whole mood. I had this feeling watching the HP movies. It was so wrong! Lovely write up.
I loved reading your wit-filled & very relatable write- up about adaptations from the books. I do not know, somehow the books are always better. Even for Pride & Prejudice, I had loved the book more than the on-screen adaptation.
-Chinmayee
Well, it's true we dread adaptations, yet we're curious about them too. For me, it always begins with the casting. Somehow, while reading, you start imagining the characters in your mind, giving them faces, voices, and personalities of your own. And if the real casting matches those imagined versions or even surpasses them, only then do I give the adaptation a thought. Otherwise, books are any day better than their screen versions.
That said, I truly enjoyed your write-up. It was hilarious, sharp, and absolutely relatable!- Pinki Bakshi (#ECM)
In the process of making it suitable for the screens, a lot gets lost and the essence gets faded - agreed, but if executed well, it can add layers and perspective to the story and builds character arc that probably feels more personal by a particular narrative on screen. And hands down, it's infinitely harder to bring in both the imagination of the author and reader together as an adaptation.
The Book: Provides the skeleton, and every reader’s brain "skins" the character differently.
The Screen: Has to pick one skin, one voice, and one face.
I haven't read the books but the 'ye zaroori tha kya?' question popped up in two recent adaptations where I realized they changed something substantial. One was in the show Bridgerton where they turned a character named Michael into Michaela *gasp* and the other one was in yet another show One Day where they made the female lead brown while she was white in the book. In both instances I found asking myself and out loud to whoever would listen (or not listen :P) the question you posed.
Btw, while we are on the topic, I believe there is one adaptation that turned out way better than the book. Can you guess which? Hint: It's a Hindi film (surprising right?) Let's see if you get it right :D
Which adaptation made me go - was this necessary? All of them. For me Book > Movie. Period.
So true! I watched a few episodes of TWOT and then decided against watching the rest - I could see that they were going to irritate the hell out of me. I am reading the Neopolitan series now and while one part of me wants to watch the series, the other part is wary. And I would like to tell Gurinder Chadha to make the films she makes - just don’t call it P&P.
Lol. I get it, Binu.
I rarely watch TV for this reason alone.
Books are magical. I prefer the ones where the end could go in 6 different directions.. keep me panting for more. Love the write up. Keep at it Nats!!
Thank you, Ajju! Love the ambiguous ones too. Besides the others 🤪
Loved this quirky write-up! I too get excited about adaptations and there are a few that turned out to be as good as (and some better than) the book. Can't see Mr. Darcy with a third nipple, though. But I can totally picturise an adorable and lovable boy named Chandler Bing for whom it would be a big deal! Rest of my comments reseved for a VN! Loved this article, gal. You are just ❤️❤️
Chandler comment likh ke delete Kiya.
Thanks for stopping by!
When I first saw Outlander, the on screen Jamie was nothing like I imagined!
Spot on, Sistah!
Hilarious and you hit the nail right in! Sharp!
you da best. Thank you for the restack. This should be a word, really.