Sometimes books turned into movies are cringeworthy. A director builds up the plot for the big screen ripping apart the core of the original book. Other times the movie shines on its own, so amazing that we forget about the book. Here are a few of the movies we think were actually better than the book.
The Notebook
You can’t go wrong with any book written by Nicholas Sparks. “The Notebook” is an iconic love story, but the movie screen brought it to life in a new way. The amazing chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams is something that brings this movie to life. Their story seems like the story of so many grandparents out there. We want to fight for their relationship. The book is a sweet love story itself, but it cannot pull in the reader like the movie can the viewer.
Fight Club
The book and the movie hold pretty tight until the end. The book features the protagonist failing and ending up in an insane asylum. The movie gave viewers a happier ending with a mentally happy protagonist holding hands with his love interest. The book and the movie are all about a man falling in love after fighting all of his demons. The movie brings the fights to life and trust to another level. The book could not convey the true love story as it stuck so close to the “Fight Club.”
Little Women
“Little Women” is an iconic book that’s been interpreted and done a thousand times for TV and the big screen. The 2019 movie screen adaptation of this Louisa May Alcott novel stands on its own. First off, Greta Gerwig is a director that sees things no one else can see. The artistic vision and the cinematography play next to the characters’ portrayals by some of the best actresses of our day. The book is cozy, but the movie jumps off of the screen into your heart.
American Psycho
The book and the movie are a lot alike. The main difference is Christian Bale. His portrayal of this crazy, twisted person takes the movie to the next level. While reading the book, you can only imagine living in his mind. While watching the movie, you see it all acted out. It’s the perfect blend. He’s so charming and you want to like him, yet he’s a cold-blooded killer. It makes it all too real.
The Silence of the Lambs
“The Silence of the Lambs” movie is filled with award-winning performances. Hannibal is someone you almost want to hug, but know he’s insane. YOu want to see some human decency in him, yet it’s not there. The book can write that out in words, but the movie brings it out in Anthony Hopkins’ performance. Jodie Foster is so calm and chill throughout the film. You’re screaming at the screen but love the entire movie. The book simply cannot dive as deep as these actors did in these roles.
