What are your thoughts on
adaptions of classics (mini-series/ movies / modern versions)? Are there any
good ones? Is it better to read the book first?
Over
the years I’ve watched dozens of films and mini-series based on classic novels.
Sometimes they are wonderful. The BBC mini-series of Cranford was well done and
it absolutely gave me a deeper appreciation for the book. The 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility is another one that I could watch over and over again. Other times they
deviate so far from the text that it’s hard to recognize the original work (think
Scarlet Letter with Demi Moore.)
When a
classic is reworked in the modern world I think just as true that it can be
good or bad. A few of my favorites include 10 Things I Hate About You, a
re-telling of The Taming of the Shrew, Clueless, a re-telling of Emma and then
Much Ado About Nothing (Joss Whedon’s 2013 version.) All three movies are
well-cast and fun. The first two deviated from the original text, but they did
it in a fun way that kept the heart of the story intact.
Sometimes it’s fun to see a variety
of versions of the same story. There are a dozen version of Jane Eyre, each
with its own twist. I thought Michael Fassbender made a fantastic Mr. Rochester
in the 2011 version, but I loved the 2006 mini-series more. The Jane from that
version, Ruth Wilson, was so perfect.
Great Expectations has had a recent
resurgence of remakes. I loved the 2012 version with Ralph Fiennes, but I
thought the 2011 version was off-putting. The actor who played Pip (Douglas
Booth) was too pretty for the role. It just didn’t work. There’s another 1998
modern version with Ethan Hawke that is interesting. I like it, but not because
it sticks closely to the original story.
In my opinion you should always read
the book first. Then take the adaptation with a grain of salt, don’t expect it
to be a perfect recreation of the story in your head. Allow the movie or
mini-series to enhance your experience with the book instead of trying to
compare them scene for scene.
What are your favorite versions of classics
on the big screen?
5 comments:
Yeah, there are some adaptations I love, and there are others I don't. I loved the Emma Thompson Sense and Sensibility and the Thompson/Branagh Much Ado About Nothing (particularly for its diverse cast). As for disappointments, there's the 2007 Sally Hawkins version of Persuasion. The ending was just strange.
I usually think it's important to read the book first, but sometimes it's the adaptation that gets me to read the book (such as the 2004 mini-series version of North & South)
I definitely agree how important it is to read the book first! My all time favourite classic adaptation is Far From The Madding Crowd, the one with Terence Stamp.
misfortuneofknowing - I loved the earlier version of Persuasion (I think 1995) much more!
LindyLouMac - I have that one to look forward to. I haven't read that one yet, so I'll save the movie until after I have.
Absolute favorite adaptation? Also my absolute favorite movie: The Man from Snowy River, based on Banjo Patterson's poem. I love how it takes the poem's action -- trying to capture a runaway horse that's joined a band of wild horses -- and gives it a whole backstory.
(I liked the 1995 version of Persuasion better too.)
Hamlette - I think I've heard of that one, but I've never seen it. Looks like I'm going to have to read and watch it now!
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