RTW: A Novel Improvement
It’s Wednesday, so it’s time for another Road Trip Wednesday, courtesy of YA Highway. Every Wednesday, the YA Highway team post a question on their blog. Those who want to participate can then blog their answer and link to their response in the comments on the YA Highway RTW post.
This week’s RTW question is…
What movie have you seen that actually (gasp) IMPROVED on the book?
Confession: one of my favorite movies is The Devil Wears Prada. I realized it was one of my favorite movies when I found myself watching it whenever it came on television. I’d be flipping channels, flip past it, flip back to it, and stay to the end. I bought the novel thinking, as good as the movie is, the novel must be excellent. It turned out that, while the novel is good, I actually prefer the movie. I don’t like Andrea’s character as much in the novel as I do in the movie. There are some scenes they cut from the novel, or changed for time/pacing that I would have liked to have seen, but on the whole, I think the edits and changes they made to the book for the movie improved it. And Meryl Streep is just superb. Did she win an Oscar for her performance? She deserved one. Amazing. In fact, one of the things that made the novel enjoyable for me was having Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly in my head as I read.
One scene that was not in the book was where Miranda told Andrea to get the new Harry Potter novel for her kids. Of course, at first Andrea thinks she means the one that was last published (Book 6). No. Miranda wants Book 7. This is truly an impossible task, and Andrea would have failed miserably IRL. But I thought it was a nice addition that was both culturally relevant, and amusing. It also shows not only how demanding Miranda is, but also how determined Andrea is to impress–even when she’s ready to give up:
Have you read and/or seen The Devil Wears Prada? Which did you prefer–the book, or the movie?
I do like the movie – it is not my favorite, but I do not mind watching it if someone wants to do so. I have not read the book though, so I cannot judge on that.
When I think about a film that was better than a book, I must say “Jane Austen Book Club” – the book is so DULL, whereas the film is actually quite entertaining.
Thanks for stopping by at my blog. š
I’ve not seen “Jane Austen Book Club.” Isn’t it a bit of a shock, as readers, to find ourselves reading the book of a movie we liked and get that sinking feeling: “oh no–Hollywood did it better!”?
Thank *you* for returning the favor, Milka! š
Yeah, it is kind of shocking because usually the books are so much better than the films. I am a total film buff and love films sometimes maybe too much, I think, but I always try to keep the distinction between films and books – while reading books you can imagine the world the action takes place, the outlook of the characters etc. subjectively, whereas while watching a film, these decisions are usually made for you. So I think the biggest disappointments for me have been the ones when the fictional world and characters on film are total opposites of what I have imagined while reading.
Absolutely! Books give so much more freedom to your imagination–you can picture things in your mind’s eye the way you think they should be, regardless of whether such people or locations actually exist IRL. As you say, movies make a lot of those decisions for you, and it’s a let down when they cast someone who looks nothing like the character in your head. Thankfully, they get it right from time to time (e.g., Katniss, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger…).
I really liked that movie! Meryl Streep was amazing.
Wasn’t she? Ever since seeing her in TDWP, I’ve taken note of movies she’s in. In the few that I’ve seen, she’s just as incredible an actress.
You were right in your tweetāI am totally surprised! I really like the movie, but I’ve never actually read the book. I think it’s pretty great that you’ve read the book and love the movie. Very cool, Colin! š
Not really your typical “guy” movie–and I still have absolutely no fashion sense, and really don’t appreciate the fashion industry (despite Miranda’s lecture to Andrea, which is one of the most articulate defenses of the fashion industry I’ve ever heard). But what a great movie! I’ve seen other Lauren Weisberger books, but since reading TDWP, I’ve not been tempted to get any of them. On the other hand, since seeing the movie, I’d watch just about anything Meryl Streep’s in. š
Interesting choice. I’ve never read the book but I didn’t mind the movie although it’s really not my usual genre.
I can’t say I was enthused to see the movie when it came out. At that time, all I knew was it was about the fashion industry and not much else–not really my cup of tea. It was only after all the Oscar buzz the movie received that my wife and I rented it. I was immediately drawn in by the characters, and the performances.
I haven’t read this book, but I LOVE the movie! Like you, I’ll pause what I’m doing and watch through the end anytime I catch it on TV. Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep are superb, and you’re right: That Harry Potter bit is the perfect pop culture addition!
I would never tell someone not to read a book (okay, perhaps my kids, if they’re not old enough to handle the subject matter), but I would certainly advise caution to anyone like you who LOVED the movie that the book might be a disappointment. I didn’t have near as much sympathy for book Andrea as I did for movie Andrea. There’s more stuff in the book when they’re in Paris for Fashion Week, some of which might have been nice to see in the movie, but I thought the movie overall handled it better. It’s been a while since I’ve read the book, but I seem to recall Andrea’s exit being more of a hissy fit. I *much* prefer the movie, where she has a sudden realization in the back of Miranda’s car, when Miranda tells her how much Andrea reminds her of herself. Much much better.
Oh, I’ve never read the book! But this movie is just so fun. There is definitely something about it that makes me want to watch it again and again. And Meryl is brilliant, but so is Stanley Tucci! What a great cast. Honestly, I’d almost forgotten this was based on a book, and that’s the sign of a great adaptation!
You’re right Sarah. Meryl does kinda steal the limelight, but there are great performances from everyone, including Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, Emily Blunt, and a pre-Mentalist Simon Baker. The movie really does stand alone–and it’s probably best to treat it that way and not compare to the book.
I liked the movie and the book, but I think I read the book first, which usually makes me lean toward the book..
Meryl is oscar-worthy in everything she does.
I wonder if I’d have thought the same if I’d read the book first? I don’t know. As I mentioned, I didn’t like Andrea’s character in the book… but again, that might be tainted by the fact I came at it expecting the movie Andrea. It’s hard to know, but a good point, Jennifer.
I TOTALLY agree, Colin! I enjoyed the book for what it was worth, but loooooved the film. The book was my plane read for one vacation but the movie was great. š
I also participated in today’s RTW: http://rachelwritesthings.blogspot.com/2012/07/road-trip-wednesday-what-movie-actually.html
The book was good, and I enjoyed reading it, but, yeah… the movie was just better. š
Yes! I can’t believe I didn’t think of this one! Meryl Streep + Anne Hathaway + Stanley Tucci = a winning combination! And the book is one of those ones I bought, and left sitting on my shelf…
You might want to read the book someday, just to see how different it is. And, like I said, it’s a good book. Just don’t expect the movie. š
i enjoyed the movie, but have yet to read the book. I heard they’re making a part 2.
Really? A part 2? I’m not sure how I feel about that. I thought the story ended nicely the way it did. Andrea really should be left to get on with her life. But, yeah, Miranda’s hard to let go of–I could stand to see Meryl Streep take up that role again. I guess we’ll have to see. š
Liked the movie, never read the book. And I agree, Meryl Streep knocks it out of the park. It’s funny how the cast in an adaption can sway it so much. Twilight, for example, I liked the book so much more because in the movie, Kristen Stewart makes Bella much whinier than in the book. She almost creates a different character.
An interesting example of casting is Emma Watson as Hermione in the Potter movies. In the first two movies, she was perfect. But as the series progressed, I think her movie version became a lot more Hollywood and a lot less J. K. Rowling. Though I was never happy with the fact they didn’t give her big teeth. š
I LOVE The Devil Wears Prada. It’s one of my favourite chick flicks. I haven’t read the book but I’ve read the summary and it does sound a whole lot different to the film. I’d still love to read it but I hope watching the film too much hasn’t ruined it for me.
I hope Streep did win an Oscar. Her acting is always brilliant. One of my favourite actresses along with Anne Hathaway.
Ooo, just wanna add: If you want some Meryl Streep films my other favourites of hers are Death Becomes Her and Mamma Mia. They’re a bit on the silly side and the former is very dark comedy but terrific performances from her. She’s very versatile!
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA is a good book, so you could do a lot worse than to read it. Perhaps try not to compare it to the movie, though–it’s hard, especially when the movie was so good.
I’ve seen MAMMA MIA and enjoyed it. Meryl Streep’s performance in KRAMER VS. KRAMER was outstanding, too. I’ve yet to see JULIE & JULIA. My wife has seen it and says it was really good. I’d certainly be willing to see many of her other films.
I love love LOVE that movie š I remember watching it at the movie theaters and have seen it now countless times…IĀ“ve never read the book though, I love Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt and was soooo happy to see Simon Baker. The last time I had watched him was in Heartbreak High (the aussie TV show!) š
As I said, my reading of the book was helped by having Meryl Streep in my head as Miranda. I wonder how much the movie affected my enjoyment of the book (both positively and negatively)? To be fair, I really should have separated the two and treated them almost as different works. But the movie was so good, it’s hard not to have expectations, and to be disappointed when those expectations aren’t fulfilled. If you do read the book, I hope you do a better job than I did of not comparing it to the movie. It’s a good book, and might be better if judged on its own merits.
I’ve never read the book, but I did enjoy the film. I think Meryl Streep did a great job and the Harry Potter moment in the film was hilarious (didn’t know it wasn’t in the book…but that makes sense).
-Lauren
I was hoping to find the whole clip, starting from when Miranda tells Andrea, “I need the new Harry Potter book for the twins.” In fact, the set up for it is when Andrea drops off “The Book” from Miranda’s house and trespasses on Miranda’s private conversation with her husband. You’re left wondering if Miranda was asking Andrea out of spite, or testing her loyalty. Either way, I think the challenge, while not in the book, fit perfectly with the story and the characters.
Colin — what a great choice! I think that Miranda Priestley may be strong on paper, but she was visceral on film! Loved her and loved the movie!
Yes, she was visceral on film. Streep’s delivery was perfect. Never shouting. But cutting. And the look in her eye. Superb!
Can’t judge on the comparison as I haven’t read the book, but the movie is really cute. Anne Hathaway was great, but Emily Blunt rocks her role in this. And of course Meryl Streep. She always rocks everything.
Emily Blunt is really good. It’s the accent, of course. There’s a reason why Brits get cast as bad guys so often: a put down, or a cutting remark, sounds so much harsher with an English accent. š
I haven’t read the book actually but great movie! I agree Meryl is awesome.
It certainly is… and all this talking about it makes me want to watch it again… š
Enjoyed the movie, but I can’t say it made me want to read the book. That’s actually pretty rare for me to see a movie and then want to read the book–I’ve been burned too many times.
For me, it’s not necessarily the movie itself that will make me want to read the book, but the fact that books generally are better than the movies upon which they’re based, so if the movie was good, I expect the book to be better. With TDWP, that was not the case–at least for me.
Oh, I haven’t seen the movie or read the book! But now I think I will. It sounds fascinating.
*jaw drop* You have to see the movie! Though it might be interesting to see what you think of the movie if you read the book first…. your call. Either way, I seriously recommend you add this movie to your TBW (To-Be-Watched) list. š
Ah, I completely agree and I’m surprise I forgot this one of I’d have added it to my list. I read the book last christmas and it just didn’t live up to the movie for me. And I loved that bit about the HP manuscript in the movie too.
There aren’t many movies I prefer to the book, so mine was a very short list to choose from. One of the things I like about that HP scene is it’s not just a throw-away cultural reference, like “Ooo, we mentioned Harry Potter, aren’t we cool!” It actually serves a purpose in the story, showing us aspects of Miranda and Andrea’s characters. And it becomes a turning point in the movie. Great stuff! š
Love this movie but haven’t read the book. Now i think i’ll save my TBR and leave it off the list!
=)
Yes, this is one of the few RTWs where we’re suggesting books NOT to go on your TBR! š Seriously, though, it’s a good book. But if you love the movie, it might not live up to your expectations.
I think this might be the first time that I disagree with you Colin! While I did really enjoy this movie, the book, for me, was so much better. But I read the book and then watched the movie – I wonder if that has something to do with it. I find that when I read the book first, the movie doesn’t usually meet my expectations.
All that said, I really loved Meryl Streep in this – she’s fantastic in everything, isn’t she? And I also loved Stanley Tucci as the art director – he’s one of my favorite actors, and he plays so well off Meryl – probably why I love Julie and Julia so much, as well! š
Argh! Daisy! How could you?!! Noooooo!!! š Okay, seriously, it’s actually interesting to have a dissenting opinion. Maybe this is evidence that your first experience will set the standard for subsequent experiences. So, reading the book first gave you completely different expectations to what I had having seen the movie first. Very interesting.
Nevertheless, we agree that the movie was really great, and Meryl Streep is amazing. š
Yes, as long as we can agree on Meryl, I think we our blogosphere friendship will survive! š
I didn’t even know that was a book! Great movie.
That’s something I’ll look for now in the titles of movies I like: “Based on the novel by…” Though this experience does give me pause–if I loved the movie, there a good chance I might *not* like the book, which runs counter to my general view that books are better than movies. But, chances are, if the movie’s that good, I’ll read the book anyway.
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA is a good book. I would recommend if you read it, though, not to compare it to the movie. Think of it as a different story featuring some other Andrea working for some other Miranda Priestly. If you can. š
I haven’t read the book or seen the movie, but I know so many people who love it. There are a lot of movies I missed out on during my childbearing years. I do love Anne Hathaway, though.
Oh, you must find time to see this movie, Sara. It’s such a lot of fun, and the performances are exquisite! Treat yourself one evening. You know you deserve it. š
I haven’t read the book, but I really like the movie. Yes, Meryl Streep was brilliant in it! And I loved Emily Blunt too. I might have to check out the book now!
While I clearly don’t think the book’s as good as the movie, it’s still a good book. Try not to compare, that’s what I say. š
I’ve seen this movie a few times (since I own it), but still haven’t read the book. I picked up the book last summer at a used book sale and it’s been sitting on my shelf ever since, so maybe I should read it soon so I can do my own comparison…
I thought Stardust was much better as a movie than as a book. I saw the movie first, then went and read the book when I found out the movie was based on a book. I was really disappointed by the book. I love the movie, though, so I’m actually glad I saw it first because I might not have watched it otherwise.
That’s an interesting follow-up question, Stephanie: would disappointment in a book put you off seeing a movie version? I think before this week’s RTW, I might have said yet. But I’m not so sure now. š