The Books vs. the Movie

At the risk of losing my library degree, I am going to throw out what some may think is a bold statement.  There are times when the movie is better than the book.  There, I said it. When I told one of my colleagues about my using this idea as a blog post, his immediate reaction was, “Anna, you can’t do that. You’re a librarian!” As he and I, as well as others, started talking, we ended up coming up with quite the list. With some of the suggestions, there was a bit of debate whether the movie was actually better than the book. For example, was the movie The Godfather really better than Mario Puzo’s novel, or were they both excellent pieces in their own respective format?

I have been in an ongoing debate with a friend from college about which is better: Alice Walker’s The Color Purple or Steven Spielberg’s movie adaptation. Now, don’t get me wrong, Walker’s book was groundbreaking, and it certainly stands the test of time.  The movie, however, is amazing in its own right. The acting, cinematography, and musical score brought the book to life and created a stunning production. They are both wonderful pieces of work, but I tend to lean toward the movie being better. (A quick side note: The Color Purple had ten Oscar nominations in 1986, but the film did not win a single statue. Out of Africa, also based on a book, dominated that year. This is the argument my friend throws at me every time in defending her “the book is better” stance.)

After many lively discussions with my colleagues (patrons got into it, too!), I narrowed down our list to ten movies that (in my opinion) are better than the books on which they are based.  See if you agree.  What would you add to the list?

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Holly Golightly is an eccentric New York City playgirl determined to marry a Brazilian millionaire. Her next-door neighbor, a writer, is "sponsored" by a wealthy patroness. Guessing who is the right man for Holly is easy; seeing just how romance blossoms is one of the enduring delights of the film. Based on Truman Capote’s 1958 novella.

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017)
George and Harold are fourth-grade BFFs who love dreaming up funny pranks. One day, they accidentally hypnotize their principal into believing he's a dimwitted super-hero - but when the new schoolteacher turns out to be a disgraced scientist bent on ridding the world of laughter, George, Harold and the dimwitted super-hero must band together to stop his evil agenda! Based on the Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey.

Forrest Gump (1994)
The story follows the life of low I.Q. Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) and his meeting with the love of his life, Jenny. The film chronicles his accidental experiences with some of the most important people and events in America from the late 1950's through the 1970's, including a meeting with Elvis Presley, JFK, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, fighting in Vietnam, etc. The problem is, he does not realize the significance of his actions. Forrest comes to embody a generation. Based Winston’s Groom’s 1986 novel.

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
A chance encounter in a nursing home between a dowdy housewife and a spry octogenarian leads to an unexpected friendship. The story told of a fiercely independent woman half a century ago inspires the housewife to change her life, often with hilarious results. Based on Fannie Flagg’s 1987 novel, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle-Stop Cafe.

Pitch Perfect (2012)
Arriving at her new college, Beca finds herself not right for any clique but somehow is muscled into one that she never would have picked on her own: alongside mean girls, sweet girls and weird girls whose only thing in common is how good they sound when they sing together. When Beca leads this a cappella singing group out of their traditional arrangements and perfect harmonies into all-new mash-ups, they fight to climb their way to the top of college music competitions. Based on the 2008 non-fiction book, Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate a Cappella Glory by Mickey Rapkin.

The Princess Bride (1987)
Westley, a farm boy, goes off to seek his fortune shortly after declaring his love for Buttercup, the most beautiful woman in the world, but their relationship is put to the test when his ship is captured by pirates and she is summoned to become the bride of the evil prince. Based on William Goldman’s 1973 fantasy, romance novel.

Schindler’s List (1993)
The story of a Catholic war profiteer, Oskar Schindler, who risked his life and went bankrupt in order to save more than 1,000 Jews from certain death in concentration camps. He employed Jews in his crockery factory manufacturing goods for the German army at the same time he tried to stay solvent with the help of a Jewish accountant and negotiated business with a vicious Nazi commandant who enjoyed shooting Jews as target practice from the balcony of his villa that overlooks the prison camp he commands. Based on the 1982 novel, Schindler’s Ark, by Thomas Keneally.

Shawshank Redemption (1994)
"Red" Redding is a lifer who knows the ropes at Maine's Shawshank State Prison. New inmate Andy Dufresne is a quiet banker, unjustly convicted of murder. Andy's indomitable will earns Red's friendship and his resourcefulness brings hope and change to the entire prison. Andy is full of surprises-- and he saves his best for last. Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.

Silence of the Lambs (1991)
When FBI agent Clarice Starling is assigned a case involving a monstrous serial killer, she seeks counsel from an imprisoned cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, whose fascination with the young woman is as great as his hunger for murder. As their relationship develops, Starling must confront her own demons and an evil so powerful that she may not have the courage or strength to stop it. Based on the 1988 novel by Thomas Harris.

Wonder Boys (2000)
During a single weekend, college professor Grady Tripp scrambles to gather together a life that has suddenly reeled out of control. An unfinished novel, a stolen car, a murdered pet and a failing marriage are just a few of the crises piling up. Based on Michael Chabon’s 1995 novel.

- Anna V., Hopewell Branch

Photo courtesy of Rachel C. Photography