The long-disputed subject of which one’s better, more accurate, or just simply more thrilling has never ended, and probably never will. Maybe it is because of the context, but if we’re talking about a film and a book based off the same script, then it’s just a matter of details, character traits or actions described along the way.
Let’s take a look at the widespread Harry Potter saga. 8 fascinating books written by J.K.
Rowling, presenting the life of a young ‘’chosen’’ orphan boy called Harry. Despite its
irreproachable popularity and community, the true devoted fans have often discovered minor details that make a difference sometimes, if taken into consideration.
For example, in the 3rd book, Sirius Black, Harry’s godfather, gifts Ron Weasley, Harry’s good friend, an owl call Pigwidgeon, which, to the reader’s surprise, does not make an appearance in the film universe. Or, in the 6th novel of the saga, Dumbledore’s fall from the Astronomy Tower,
which later on leads to his death, is noted, but there is no funeral scene, whereas in the film, there is a sumptuous scene where upper-class characters take part in his set-off.
Furthermore, these are only a few examples that highlight the omnipresent yet rarely noticed differences between films based on books or vice versa. Whether there are subtle changes in the character’s appearance or behaviour, missing lines from the books, or just different actions sometimes, they make a significant difference in the reader’s or viewer’s liking towards it. Be it famous films or not so popular books, opinions and theories are or can be quite controversial even over the slightest mistake, inconvenience or just cut-out action.
Nevertheless, these are the aspects which often influence one another’s appreciation of either films or books. From my perspective, not one is better than the other, since, whilst the film
shows the raw emotions of the characters and implies a spectacular scenery, the book presents the feelings and emotions through brilliant words and phrases which make the reader react in a
certain way. There’s often a tendency for people to choose one over the another simply because of it being better, but a true reader and viewer both watches the film and reads the book before stating their opinion. Worthwhile or not, well-scripted or masterfully acted out could also be
factors that change the liking of the public, but in the end, it all narrows down to our very person, and our capacity of interpreting it.
To conclude with, even though we share different opinions about books or films, in the end, only our opinion should matter to us, despite everyone else’s.
But if you were to choose between the film you’ve watched and the book you’ve read based off the same script, which one would you choose?
Miruna Ursutiu, a 9-a A
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