2012-13 was the year of the book in Oscar-land. Sunday night’s Academy Awards Ceremony was dominated by films that started their life on the page, with works as diverse as Silver Linings Playbook, Life of Pi, Argo and Les Miserables scooping major accolades.
Filmic adaptations of literary classics are by no means a novel phenomenon, but rather are a Hollywood staple. Successful versions can breathe new life into evocative storylines and iconic characters and can showcase the imagination and skill of the original author. Which can leave the reader/viewer with a difficult question: Which was better, the book or the film?
Ever keen to spark debate, the Library staff have assembled a list of great book/film pairs for your reading/viewing pleasure:
We Need to Talk About Kevin
Starring the indomitable Tilda Swinton, the film adaptation of We Need to Talk About Kevin changes the narrative structure of the book, but manages to retain all of the suspense of shock of the original, hard-hitting novel. Not for the faint of heart, this story of a fractious relationship between mother and son is as gripping on the page as on screen.
To Kill a Mockingbird
The film of To Kill a Mockingbird is a faithful adaptation of Harper Lee’s critically acclaimed novel, which tells the story of a young girl growing up in the American Deep South. Dealing with complex adult issues from a child’s perspective (racism, gender roles), both book and film are absolute classics. In 2003 the American Film Institute named one of the film’s protagonists, Atticus Finch, the greatest movie hero of the 20th century.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
First an obscure graphic novel series, then indie-hit film starring Michael Cera, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World tells the story of a man with a very serious problem. Scott Pilgrim is dating the totally hot Ramona Flowers, but can only continue to do so if he manages to defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends in mortal combat. Packed full of pop culture references and geek humour, the books and the film are laugh-out-loud funny and brimming with hipster romance.
Vile Bodies/Bright Young Things
Stephen Fry’s directorial debut, Bright Young Things is based on Evelyn Waugh’s acclaimed Vile Bodies. Both following a group of high-society party animals through the roaring 20s and on past WWII, both the book and the film evoke the furious pace of the era. Far from a one-dimensional romp, both book and film show the consequences of a party lifestyle and ask what cost would you pay for fun and for fame.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Sophie lives a very uninteresting life, fastidiously running a plain hat shop in the shadow of an outgoing sister. Nothing exciting ever happens to her. Until one day she meets the wizard Howl out in town one day and they go for a stroll through the sky. This attracts all the wrong sort of attention and Sophie is soon cursed by a jealous witch and transformed into an old woman. The worst part? She is magically unable to tell anyone about her curse. Discovering gumption she never knew she had, Sophie sets off in search of Howl and a way to break her curse. This fantasy romance by literary superstar Diana Wynne Jones was adapted for film by Studio Ghibli and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film is absolutely beautiful to look at and features a sweeping score, but is it as good as the original book?
We’re always keen to hear your views, and if you fancy reading a film or two, check out our display in the Library in celebration of Academy Awards season.