I am one of those people who always says books are better than films. I am also a big film fan, don’t get me wrong, but there have been so many occasions where I have gone to see a film based on a book I have read and been so full of expectations that I’m left feeling disappointed!
I have however, through much searching, found a few that do not disappoint! I have loved the books and then gone on to watch the films and loved them too! So I thought I’d share with you for your reading and viewing pleasure!
Number 1:
The Plot: A graphic and at times disturbing portrayal of Edinburgh’s drug culture demonstrating the euphoric high’s and inevitable consequences of a drug addict’s lifestyle. Highlighting Scotland’s political issues and lack of opportunities available to the young generation and the alternative lifestyle this can lead them to.
The book: I read this when I was at sixth form and studied it for my A-level and really enjoyed it. It’s written phonetically, the main character and voice has a strong Scottish accent and so if you are not familiar with this accent it is quite hard to understand what the words actually say at first! Once you get going (and you can imagine a Scottish voice in your head as you read) it’s such a good book with a really good plot and some though provoking themes.
The film: I had high expectations from the book and I have to say they were met by this film! It’s an old one, one of Ewan McGregor’s first I do believe, directed by Danny Boyle. It obviously has it’s differences from the book and lots is changed around and left out but it works! I like how the “Choose Life” monologue from the book (which I won’t insert here because it has a lot of swearing!) is read out at the beginning by the main character. It sets up similarities with the book but also the change of placement here indicates that there will be differences also. The acting is amazing and the characters are all how I imagined them in my head whilst reading the book!
Overall a fantastically written book and an amazing film!
Number 2:
The Plot: Set in the summer of 1935 in an upper middle class household, 13 year old aspiring writer Briony Tallis thinks she witnesses something horrific which leads to the incarceration of an innocent man. Following Briony through her life after making this fatal allegation, it is clear how many lives were changed forever as a result.
The Book: The book is written beautifully and I’d say it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. The structure is confusing at first but after the ending has been reached, it is evident that there was reason and intention behind every word. It’s very impressive!
The Film: After thinking so highly of the book, the film had a lot to live up to for me! Directed by Joe Wright, the film really does live up to the book, it uses different techniques to demonstrate the complex structure but it still gets the message across in moving image as well as in text.
I would definitely recommend giving this one a read/watch if you haven’t already!
Number 3:
The Plot: Writer Liz Gilbert is unhappy in her marriage, then finding herself divorced and in a new relationship which is heading downhill, she is even more unhappy. She takes a drastic leap of faith and plans to go travelling for a year on her own to take some time to get over these failed relationships, find herself and search for happiness. She plans a trip which takes her to Italy first, then to India then on to Bali and it changes her life forever.
The Book: I love a book that is based on a true story because it’s so much more relate-able! This is based on the author, Elizabeth Gilbert’s own experience and it is such an amazing story. The book is really well written and she opens up and lays herself bare on the pages, which is very admirable and also makes reading the book that much more enjoyable.
The Film: I don’t know whether it’s because Julia Roberts is the star, or because of the marketing of it, but this film was made out to be a massive chick flick! My boyfriend refuses to watch it with me but as much as the plot may seem this way, it really is so much more than that! I also loved the casting, every single character was exactly how I pictured them in my head, Ryan Murphy did a great job of directing!
It may seem chick flick-esque in the trailer but it’s definitely worth a watch (and a read!) for the more serious viewer too!
So that is my Top 3!
I hope you enjoyed reading this and if you have any to add to the list,
do let me know in the comments!
Georgia x
About Georgia
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