By Lauren Bergner
If you knew a book was going to be adapted into a movie, would you still read it? Or would you skip straight to the movie? Many books such as the Notebook, 12 Years a Slave, and the Harry Potter series have all been transformed into motion pictures. So, the question is: which is better, the book or the movie?
If you knew a book was going to be adapted into a movie, would you still read it? Or would you skip straight to the movie? Many books such as the Notebook, 12 Years a Slave, and the Harry Potter series have all been transformed into motion pictures. So, the question is: which is better, the book or the movie?
According to Barnes and Noble, there are 6 main reasons that books can be considered better than their movie adaptations. Some, but not all, of these reasons include: translation, limited storytelling time, and lack of detail.
Kendall Frick, a junior, has a few more reasons to add to Barnes and Noble’s list.
“Most of the time, movies don’t live up to the books. Books are very descriptive, and the reader can really imagine what the setting and characters are like.”
Mrs. Laune, New Haven’s high school librarian, also adds, “I hardly ever watch a movie before reading the book first. Books have so much detail, whereas movies usually leave out major parts and events that happened in the book.” Some of Mrs. Laune’s top picks include A Child Called ‘It,’ Perfect Match, See You at Harry’s, and Love, Aubrey.
On the other hand, for those who do not enjoy reading, movies are a better suit. Movies offer a real-life visual of characters, places, and events. They are also a huge money maker for the entertainment industry. In 2015, motion pictures such as Star Wars Ep. VII: The Force Awakens and Jurassic World grossed over 3 billion dollars (www.the-numbers.com).
People like avid-film enthusiast Paige Adams would choose a movie over a book.
“Although I like to read, I really love movies and films. Dramas, thrillers, romances--whatever mood I am in, there is a movie for! Right now, documentaries are my favorite. There is just so much to learn about everything!”
Sophomore Emma Engelbrecht also has thoughts regarding the debate.“I’m not really a huge reader. Books aren’t my thing. Movies are better because they allow you to actually picture and see what is going on.”
All in all, a person knows how they are entertained. For those edging towards books, details, description, and imagination are the answer; whereas those who enjoy movies look for visual, real-life motion pictures including a story within. Whatever your preference may be, books and movies are both great ways of passing time.
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