Films that are better than the book

[Bollo]

"It's not as good as the book" is a phrase that I often use during discussions about films, because I'm a pompous smart@rse and best avoided in social situations. BUT, are there any films out there that are better than their source material. I'll start....

"Let the Right One In" (original Swedish version, not the lukewarm 'Merkin remake) I saw the film first and it's one of my favs and then read the book. It was ok, but lacked the subtlety of the film.

Over to you!

 

[pplpilot]

Shawshank redemption.

Oh an ALL films are better than the books in my opinion. Perhaps its because I'm not a huge reader and i have little imagination.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

Possibly Fight Club ( the author seemed to think so) and A Witness For The Prosecution (bit of a cheat as I believe it was a play?)
The best way to view films adapted from books is as totally separate entities as film, by definition, is a totally different medium, and not ask the question on the first place!

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

What about Charlie Kaufman's Adaptation - which if you haven't seen, is a must on the subject of adapting books for the screen....

 

[nappadang]

the Commitments........ Better choice of songs in the film and brought to life by a really geed band. The Barrytown Trilogy are still excellent books mind.

 

[zizou]

The Godfather...very average book but a masterful film

 

[Yellow Fang]

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Midnight Cowboy (probably, not read the book)
Bladerunner (although very different to Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep)
Get Carter (probably)

 

[Bollo]

The best way to view films adapted from books is as totally separate entities as film, by definition, is a totally different medium, and not ask the question on the first place!

(Exit Bollo left, quietly weeping and vowing never to start another thread ever.)

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Brilliant thread Bollo, best one for years. Can't think of anything at the moment but well done anyway.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

(Exit Bollo left, quietly weeping and vowing never to start another thread ever.)

It wasn't a criticism, and its a lovely idea for a thread xx

 

[ColinJ]

I don't think you should be able make a suggestion unless you have both read the book and watched the film of it!

Oh, and should we also count 'books of films' as well as 'films of books'?

 

[LarryDuff]

Dare I say Lord of the Rings

 

[ColinJ]

Dare I say Lord of the Rings

Blimey - was the book that bad!

 

[LarryDuff]

Blimey - was the book that bad!

I liked the book ok but I loved the films especially 2 and 3.

 

[mr_cellophane]

2001 - The stargate chapter was so dull in the book.