As a reader, I’m always thrilled when a book I love is being transformed into a movie or TV show. I can’t wait to see the characters that live in my head be brought to life on screen. However, I’m usually disappointed. The writing required in books versus television and cinema is very different, and typically targets different audiences. One example –an extremely well-known franchise– is Harry Potter.
Book fans simply know things that movie fans don’t –though I’m not hating on movie-watchers. I just thought that I’d point out a few of these hidden facts. For example, readers most likely imagined Hermione Granger entirely different from the girl played by actress Emma Watson. In the books, she’s described as having extremely bushy hair and large teeth, but in the movies, she’s the gorgeous Emma Watson we all know and love. Additionally, in the Sorcerer’s Stone movie (the first of the series), Harry kills Professor Quirrell; in the books, Voldemort is responsible for Quirrell’s death. Furthermore, fans of the books know a lot more regarding the Marauders (Harry Potter’s father, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew). The most famous difference can be found in the adaptation of the Goblet of Fire, when Dumbeldore confronts Harry. In the books, Dumbledore is calm, gently asking him the question. On the big screen, the conversation is much more confrontational and angry.
For something more recent, let’s consider Wicked. Whether you’re a hard-core fan of how Wicked was shown on the stage, or you can distinctly hear Cynthia Erivo’s incredible riffs from the hit song “Defying Gravity”, nearly everyone has experienced this showstopper in some way. From the book, to the play, to the movie, countless details are different. Many things from the book didn’t make it into the play, and even less made it into the movie. The play and movie are subtle with their political messages, while the book is very clear about them. Additionally, the friendship between Galinda and Elphaba isn’t very important in the novel, but it’s the main focus of the movie! Furthermore, the play and movie are quite PG, and young people can see it without being bothered. However, the book contains disturbing content, including sexual assault, racism, religious ideas and explanations, and some more “R-rated” themes.
Although it can sometimes be disappointing when a book is made into a movie, TV show, or play, it can also bring about a lot of new, good ideas. For anyone who reads this that loves a movie franchise or television show that was adapted from a book, I’d definitely recommend reading it! It most likely includes ideas that just didn’t make it to the big screen, and if you loved the adaptation, I know you’ll love the book.
