Filming Words

Obviously, making a novel into a movie is hard work.
First of all, the director of a movie is usually not the author of the book, so his interpretation of the novel can be different from what the author had wanted to express through his work.

Secondly, novels are sometimes accompanied with long, vivid and expressive details of setting, personalities, and events, which are very hard to mimic with a single shot, or even multiple shots.

Thirdly, characters in a book are completely unique; their personalities, looks and actions are always different from reader to reader, as the reader gets to create their own version of the character with the outline that the author sets up. In movies, you do not get that liberty. The characters are chosen, and interpreted for you. The only choice you have in the matter, is how to understand their words and expressions. That, of course, is very limited. Therefore, if you have read a novel, have a certain character in mind, and then watch a movie based on the novel, that character can be erased and replaced by the chosen character in the movie.

Lastly, and definitely the worst, sometimes what you felt as one of the most important concepts, events, or feelings from the novel are completely erased or forgotten in the movie. I personally hate this. The director can simply chose to leave out scenes and phrases - what is with that?

In lunch the other day, I asked Laura if she had liked the movie Pride and Prejudice, which starred Keira Knightly as Elizabeth. She told me that her personal opinion was one of dissapointment. Mr. Bingley seemed unintelligent, characters were missing, and the feeling had changed. I understand where she is coming from. The four characteristics listed above of what can happen to a novel turned movie were all present in Laura's description.

Although I do love the movie, Pride and Prejudice (starring Keira Knightly), I have to agree with Laura. Why did they chose to not include Mrs. and Mr. Hurst? Why does Bingley seem sort of silly, when really he is supposed to just sound carefree and sweet? And Mr. Darcy is definitely supposed to have a more intense look than simply the lost puppy one he wears to the ball - plus more harshness. And Elizabeth is supposed to be slightly more carefree, too. Or, at least, this is my understanding of the characters...