I highly recommend the 1940s adaptation of Rebecca. Hitchcock did a brilliant job bringing the book to life visually. I love the way he filmed Maxim’s reveal scene, it was mind blowing. Lawrence Olivier and Joan Fontaine also did a fantastic job with their portrayal of characters.
Carolyn, I think the older versions of these books are best. 1952 My Cousin Rachel starring Olivia de Havilland, Richard Burton, and Audrey Dalton; 1940 Rebecca starring Joan Fontaine, Laurence Olivier; 1983 tv mini-series Jane Eyre starring Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke or 1970 Jane Eyre starring George C Scott and Susannah York (there have been something like 16 versions of Jane Eyre made since 1934, probably many more with foreign language films); there was a BBC mini-series which was over 12 hours long of War and Peace made in 1972 with Anthony Hopkins, Alan Dobie and Morag Hood (really an amazing adaptation)..the British BBC has adapted so many works of literature into the most amazing mini-series over the years; you can find adaptations of Shakespeare, Dickens, Austen, Trollope, Henry James, Gaskell, Bronte and the list goes on, many can still be located in libraries. If I'm going to have to watch an adaptation of a book I generally look to the BBC production company for it; I consider Britain's BBC the best at making them and now they even do the movies as well.
I can’t wait to see the books that are equally as good as the movie! I personally think that The Time Traveler’s Wife 🧳 the book and movie are pretty close! Hope you are feeling better Carolyn! 🤗🥰
Ooh! That’s a good one, Atlasinajar. I found the tv adaptation of TTW (I think it just released this year) was even more true to the book, which I read after watching the series thus far. You might enjoy it as well!
the great gatsby is one of my favourite books & the 2013 adaptation is one of my favourite films. i think actually the reason why i appreciate the film in terms of the book is because baz chose to convey f scott's writing in a complete contrast which, in my opinion, allowed the writing to be translated. nothing can ever be like f scott's writing but also nothing can ever be like baz's adaptation. so i respect them almost equally... i hope this makes a little sense !! 😅
cool idea for a video series! a plot point that comes to mind regarding film adaptation and The Great Gatsby - totally agree with your verdict and on Fitzgerald's writing style: in the book, Carraway is invited to a party by a mysterious character named Gatsby. he goes only to thank him for the invitation, but otherwise doesn't have much interest in the party itself despite running into some interesting characters and hearing shocking rumors about the man. at one point he sits down and a stranger starts a conversation. the stranger asks about whether Carraway was in the military, he was, and discuss their mutual military service (same division, this man recognized Nick!) in WWI before the person invites Nick on a hydroplane he had just bought. Nick is totally engaged and then says something like, "well this has been nice, but I must find this Gatsby fellow and thank him for the invite before leaving." His counterpart says, "I'm Gatsby." This conversation is beautiful because of its depth of character-reveal despite its brevity, and every film adaptation I've seen has omitted this moment in favor of something more grandiose or visually impactful. I understand films must make changes and take liberties since they're a different medium, but changing this moment in particular has always been upsetting to me. it changes Gatsby's character almost to the opposite of what it implies in the book, and while it would get lost in the transition from book-to-film it also show's Fitzgerald's artistic capabilities to do the reveal in this manner.
That’s an interesting take. I don’t disagree generally, but I do think the Sorcerer’s Stone movie is better because the first book is a little dry/boring to me.
The Hitchcock Rebecca is one of my favorite films and was the introduction to the book for me. It's VERY worth a watch! It gave me literal, actual, chills when watching it! And my favorite movie of all time is the 1992 Secret Garden, so I adored hearing you mention it and give it some love! The books I've found better than the movies are: The Hunger Games. I really like the movies, but the art direction just wasn't up to what I had imagined while reading, so it doesn't quite hit all the notes for me. A Series of Unfortunate Events. I really like the movie! It had great art direction and casting, and I had the biggest crush ever on the boy who plays Klaus when I was like 11 ha ha, but it was just too rushed and needed to be a series. The Netflix one I didn't really like-- It felt too glossy and "big production"ish and it felt like a lot had been changed and didn't give me the same feelings as the books. To All the Boys I've Loved Before (and the sequels). Don't even get me started on the Netflix movies. I cried for every one of the books and I barely made it 5 minutes into the first movie. The movie felt like it had NOTHING to do with the book. As if it was a completely different story where only the character names were the same. I felt some of the cast was very wrong, and the whole tone of the movie was so far off from what I got from the books. It also just completely lost all nuance in the relationships. Just a hard no on the movies, and I hope people aren't put off from trying the books if they didn't like the movie.
Such a fun video series! For my favorite book JANE EYRE, I’d like to recommend the 1983 mini series (it follows the book most closely and is wonderful despite it looking like a like a soap opera with limited sets and dated music) and also the 1996 movie which captures the romance of the novel and has gorgeous music. The 1943 movie focuses on the mystery and is charming as well. Nothing is better than the book, but these come the closest, imo. ❤
Yes! The 1973 miniseries is also a good adaptation because it is very faithful to the book. I think it is difficult to capture the beauty of Jane Eyre in a two-hour movie, which is why the 2011 film seems to lack something
no but i so get you with never let me go - i actually had the experience of watching first before reading because i loved the movie so much, so imagine my joy when i first read it !!!!
I love Rebecca! I tried to watch the newer movie version....I DNF'd it. Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca is a favorite of mine, it is so atmospheric and well acted. Give it a go. I liked both equally. Thanks for your wonderful videos!!!!
the 1940s rebecca, in my opinion, is ideal. it illustrates all parts of the book that i adored so much ; the aesthetic, the mystery... joan fontaine did so well as the female lead, she's the exact character i imagined as i read the story. so please try the hitchcock version ! 🤍
THANK YOU You are the first person that I ever hear talk about the missing scene in Never let me go. I don’t understand why they excluded such an important part of the story and leave others that weren’t as vital. I just think that without that scene the ending doesn’t hit as hard, in the book the last page comes back to that scene in the most beautiful and heartbreaking way. The movie didn’t even try to replicate it. It so sad because I love the acting and the scenery but that scene is just to important to me, I can’t forgive them for leaving it out.
Carolyn Castagna! I must congratulate you on your magnificent use of the adjective "corny" to describe the film adaptations that turn the classic books you read into not quite classic films! I agree with your assessment so very much! Your analysis of Goblin's tears was also incisive. And I will definitely look for a video of "The Importance of Being Earnest" starring David Suchet
From what I remember, the Alfred Hitchcock adaption of Rebecca is soo good. I watched it when I was in high school & at the time I was a huge scaredy cat (even more than now lol) and Rebecca & Psycho were the only 2 horror films that I finished watching & actually enjoyed.
I always like reading the book before watching a movie. The book is the original of the story, and the movie is just what others get out of a book. I feel you miss more of the story if you don’t at least read the book. Stardust, by Neil Gaiman, is a good example. I like the movie, but the book has a bigger storyline. Thanks for your channel and being such an awesome person 😊
Hi! Really enjoyed this video. I like watching adaptations of books a lot, so I understand you. About War and Peace and Anna Karenina I highly recommend you to watch the 1967 adaptations cause it is Russian movies. I hope there should be a translated movies or subtitles, but these are really wonderful works that give you the atmosphere of book except they are pretty old.
I totally agree that the movie needed more Levin, but I understand the time constraint. I find it really hard to be able to equally love a movie (in comparison to the book) adapted from a loved classic novel.
@@benlewis3137 Yes, I suppose today they would show Yossarian peeling off his blood-soaked uniform and parading unwashed around the camp, nude, backwards, and holding a .45. It's not very funny. Major Major's machinations notwithstanding.
I agree about the 2020 film version of Rebecca - I think on its own it was a great movie, but in comparison to the book, it falls flat. I do think Armie Hammer and Lily James were great.
Levin is also my favorite literary character ever! so passionate!! and I LOVED those what.... 200+ pages of him farming in russia. some of the best pages ive ever read
Hi Carolyn. Definitely agree on thoughts on Rebecca. The book is an absolute favorite and I have too many words to describe the reading experience. The imagery, the plot and the characters and the language all came together so well... The movie felt like it was lacking a certain something and the characters were definitely a lot different from their novel counterparts.
Always I'll prefer the written plays to film adaptations of Shakespeare, however there are three or four that are very good: Franco Zeffirelli's Taming of the Shrew is nonpareil, an absolute tnt blast of color, slapstick, and close-up shots; also his Romeo and Juliet made life-long fans who still talk about and praise the subtle shifts of golden lighting, the costumes, and of course the lovely Olivia Hussey; four of the history plays are superior, two Henry Vs and the two Richard IIIs, but the one starring Ian McKellan and Annette Benning is so perfect it's only on this list because the Act I takes writing to a new and impossible sphere. Besides these are a few others yet the point which emerges is that when they were written there were neither special effects nor extravagant set designs. Anyway, too long already. Thx, Carolyn, enjoyed.
I love this video series! For the last one, maybe you can read an example from the books whenever you mention the “quality of language” that can’t (or maybe can) be translated into visual form, as you say, and then perhaps compare that with a specific scene or piece of dialogue form the movie to get the point across more clearly. Because I think it’s such an interesting point!
It always makes me laugh when you talk about Anna Karenina bc when I read it, I really didn't like Levin's scenes (in fact that was probably the main reason I gave the book such a low rating) so watching you gush about Levin so much just tickles me lol
Carolyn, you can buy a DVD of the stage adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest with David Suchet! I was as heartbroken as you when I couldn't find it online to watch, but I found the DVD and immediately bought it.
My favorite Wuthering heights adaptation is 2011 by Andrea Arnold (with Kaya Scodelario). Not so literal but true at the core of it. Nothing is just as good as Jane Eyre in my head! (but I like parts of different adaptations) I'm also in love with Anna Karenina (2012)) Currently rereading this book becouse of your channel❤️
Given you're an Audrey fan and given where you live, I'm sure you've seen the 1954 version of Sabrina -most underrated film ever! I've got a few ideas for great books that were also great films, but looking forward to see what you come up with!
I read Never Let Me Go a few weeks back on your recommendation. I really liked it. 💙 This being my first Ishiguro, I'll look forward to reading more by him. 😊 (Also...I got the FF blue cover for it and plan on getting the editions from the same series for the other books...really pretty ❤️)
I totally agree about Rebecca. I didn’t like Armie Hammer as Maxim. Laurence Olivier is so much better in the Hitchcock version. I think you’ll like that one better.
I've recently watched a theatrical adaptation on TV of Wuthering Heights,with song and dance.It has been adapted by Emma Rice,and while the second act drags,the first act does justice to the book,especially the portrayal of Cathy.💝
I was just wondering if youd checked out Nitasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1816? It's a wonderful Broadway musical, and it's soundtrack is what made me read War and Peace 2 years ago - its based on a very short extract from the book, but definitely worth listening to, especially if you're a fan of musicals in general :)
I completely agree about Rebecca, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, and Mrs Dalloway. I also prefer Harry Potter books to the movies, especially 4-7. Oh, and Interview with The Vampire film was super disappointing, after having read the book first.
I think with Rebecca the book feels so gothic and spooky, but when I watched the film I just didn’t get those spooky vibes, also there’s just no way to translate that amazing opening scene about manderley!!!
Not really literature, but… Searching for Bobby Fischer - The book has lots more stuff, like the author actually searching for Bobby Fischer. The movie sort of bends the story into the “sports underdog” plot. It’s a lot of fun comparing the discrepancies between book and movie. Read and watch in either order.
Hi Carolyn, You still sound so sick, hope you're feeling a lot better ! One of the books, and movies that comes to my mind is Hugh Lofting's Dr.Doolittle. I didn't like the Rex Harrison movie, and didn't like the Eddie Murphy movie either,neither actor captured,or resembled the Dr. Doolittle that were drawn in the books.
in terms of movies that are great adaptations of a book, anne of green gables (1985), sense and sensibility (1995) and much ado about nothing (1993) are all up there for me, along with both the 90s and the greta gerwig versions of little women!!
I definitely love the Percy Jackson books, but as to the two movies... Not that much. I really hope the Disney+ TV show does justice to this wonderful book series that was so important to me in my teenage years!
The Name of the Rose - Too much is left out of the movie. It’s a murder mystery wrapped in a lot of philosophy. The movie unwraps it and throws away the philosophy. Read the book first, then watch the movie. That way you’ll know what’s happening.
I love the Audrey Hepburn War and Peace, it's so beautiful, back then they had time limits, some movies broke it like Gone With The Wind, but that was an independent film. I've never seen Mrs Dalloway, I already put it on my list on Tubi. I agree about Jane Eyre, it is one of my favorite books. It so hard to capture it. I love Judi Dench in the film though, worth it just for that performance. Hard to admit, I have never read The Secret Garden or seen any of the movies. I decided to put the Maggie Smith version on my list on HBO. The Great Gatsby is my all-time favorite classic, I am huge Fitzgerald fan, and you're right they have not captured it fully on film. But I am sorry, Carolyn, i have to disagree with you on the movie, I prefer the one with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. I feel that movie with Leonardo DiCaprio really missed the point of the book, the actors were wonderful, Tobey Maguire was wonderful as Nick but his last speech was just so wrong, you don't change a genius ending like Fitzgerald's. Was that the David Suchet version of Importance of Being Earnest? I would have loved to have seen that, darn it, I can't believe I missed it. I love that play and I saw scenes from it during an interview with David and I would just have loved to see the whole play with him. I love Charlotte's Web, it is another top favorite for me. I remember when I was little girl my dad doing all the voices and when I was old enough, he gave me the book for my birthday. It holds a very special place in my heart. I did enjoy the movie; all the actors were wonderful including the voice over actors of the animals. The actor who played the mom, Essie Davis was wonderful, and she is a favorite to me, but you're right it would be hard to capture the beauty of the book.
Hey, so for Domhnall Gleeson it's pronounced Doe-nal like Doe a deer, and nal like pal. It's a super common mistake to make, he's famous enough that people know him, but not so famous that everyone has figured out his name a la Saoirse Ronan. It's pretty funny for me as an Irish person learning that these names aren't normal, like Saorise and Domhnall I get but I was shocked that people got Catriona Balfe's (Belfast movie) name wrong. I have an Aunt Catriona and thought it was an easy, common name
@Name TBD As mentioned by Tarquin you will get a far better understanding of the book by watching the 1972 BBC version. I read War and Peace, over 40 years ago, without watching a filmed version of the book, and enjoyed it immensely. However, I can understand why watching a filmed version would give you a firm foundation before reading the book. Good luck you won't be disappointed.
@Name TBD I appreciate the response either way! This is why I was wondering. I’ve read Anna Karenina and loved it. I still haven’t seen the movie. But I’ve heard that War & Peace has a lot more to keep up with.
Hello from British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦👋👍♥️🧀🐀🐁☃️❄🧘♀️🌲🏍🛣🚐🐴🥳 Ove is the only book/ movie that I have watched...in swedish with english sub-titles (available from my local library)👍 added another layer. Most often movie wrecks the book eg. Anne E Proulx's Shipping News. Laughed out loud the whole time....people kept on asking me what I was reading😅🤣😂😆😹🤭 Rebecca, I listened to the audiobook, fullcast, with spooky music between the chapters.
You didn't ramble and your repetitions were emphasis. Wonderful vlog. Brava. I generally prefer book over movie because content is lost in translation. An average movie script has fewer than 30,000 words, which is a short novella length. Most novels are 90,000 - 200,000 words, or more, and the consequence is, much must be cut out to fit into a two-hour movie. There are a couple movies I think improve the books on which they're based, in both cases because of an elevated ending. Those two are Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk and Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg. FIGHT CLUB the movie ends bigger and better, grander, which drives home the main point more effectively. SMILLA'S SENSE OF SNOW follows the story's logic to its conclusions, where Hoeg shied away from what he probably saw as a science fictional ending that might mar his "literary" status. Cold feet hobbles the novel but the movie goes for it, and succeeds Wonderfully.
Omg I just got home from the movies where I saw a preview for A Man Called Otto and found myself wondering what you would think😂❤ what do you think of the name change?
I would love to know which books you think should have a series/film adaptation. I love reading atmospheric books and think this would be a great video to find some recommendations! 🌟
Yes, you really need to watch the Alfred Hitchcock version. I am utterly scandalized that you would compare the book to any other version. Tell me at least that you've seen Hitchcock's Jamaica Inn (Maureen O'Hara's first film)
Hi there's very few movies or adaptations that outshine a book. I have found mini series are much better for eg rebecca with Charles dance. It hasa very strong Atmospheric presence and the actors convey how I imagine the characters of the book to be.
I don't understand why you liked the Beartown miniseries, they changed so much about it, it almost became a completely different thing than the book. Because of this, it was hard to get through the miniseries for me...
I am lending you all of our credibility to dunk on the 2012 Anna Karenina adaptation. It’s pretty, but ultimately says nothing of significance. Somebody stop me before I get started on the labyrinth of plots👻
You need to compare War and Peace to the right film--the 7 and a half hour Russian film of 1965, directed by Sergei Bondarchuck. Even Tolstoy didn't have the whole Russian army standing on the hillside dressed in period costume.
Atlas Shrugged - Too much in the book for even 3 movies. Needs to be a miniseries. Also the movies gave away too much plot too early. Read the book. The movies are optional.
I highly recommend the 1940s adaptation of Rebecca. Hitchcock did a brilliant job bringing the book to life visually. I love the way he filmed Maxim’s reveal scene, it was mind blowing. Lawrence Olivier and Joan Fontaine also did a fantastic job with their portrayal of characters.
Yes Hitchcocks version of Rebecca was fantastic!! I love anything Hitchcock he is my favorite director.
Definitely agree! One of my favourite movies
Definitely!
Carolyn, I think the older versions of these books are best. 1952 My Cousin Rachel starring Olivia de Havilland, Richard Burton, and Audrey Dalton; 1940 Rebecca starring Joan Fontaine, Laurence Olivier; 1983 tv mini-series Jane Eyre starring Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke or 1970 Jane Eyre starring George C Scott and Susannah York (there have been something like 16 versions of Jane Eyre made since 1934, probably many more with foreign language films); there was a BBC mini-series which was over 12 hours long of War and Peace made in 1972 with Anthony Hopkins, Alan Dobie and Morag Hood (really an amazing adaptation)..the British BBC has adapted so many works of literature into the most amazing mini-series over the years; you can find adaptations of Shakespeare, Dickens, Austen, Trollope, Henry James, Gaskell, Bronte and the list goes on, many can still be located in libraries. If I'm going to have to watch an adaptation of a book I generally look to the BBC production company for it; I consider Britain's BBC the best at making them and now they even do the movies as well.
Glad to see a new Carolyn video is up. She always brings about a nice, cheery distraction from the day. Hope your recovery continues to be speedy!
Thank you so much! :)
You’re very welcome. And thank you for another great video! You never disappoint. 😊
I can’t wait to see the books that are equally as good as the movie! I personally think that The Time Traveler’s Wife 🧳 the book and movie are pretty close! Hope you are feeling better Carolyn! 🤗🥰
Thank you so much!! 💕
Ooh! That’s a good one, Atlasinajar. I found the tv adaptation of TTW (I think it just released this year) was even more true to the book, which I read after watching the series thus far. You might enjoy it as well!
@@eweindesign oh yes! So true HBO Max did a release of it! Thanks for reminding me! 🥰 Cannot wait to watch!
the great gatsby is one of my favourite books & the 2013 adaptation is one of my favourite films. i think actually the reason why i appreciate the film in terms of the book is because baz chose to convey f scott's writing in a complete contrast which, in my opinion, allowed the writing to be translated. nothing can ever be like f scott's writing but also nothing can ever be like baz's adaptation. so i respect them almost equally... i hope this makes a little sense !! 😅
This makes perfect sense and you’re giving me a new appreciation for the film (which I already love) so thank you old sport 😂
cool idea for a video series! a plot point that comes to mind regarding film adaptation and The Great Gatsby - totally agree with your verdict and on Fitzgerald's writing style:
in the book, Carraway is invited to a party by a mysterious character named Gatsby. he goes only to thank him for the invitation, but otherwise doesn't have much interest in the party itself despite running into some interesting characters and hearing shocking rumors about the man. at one point he sits down and a stranger starts a conversation. the stranger asks about whether Carraway was in the military, he was, and discuss their mutual military service (same division, this man recognized Nick!) in WWI before the person invites Nick on a hydroplane he had just bought. Nick is totally engaged and then says something like, "well this has been nice, but I must find this Gatsby fellow and thank him for the invite before leaving." His counterpart says, "I'm Gatsby."
This conversation is beautiful because of its depth of character-reveal despite its brevity, and every film adaptation I've seen has omitted this moment in favor of something more grandiose or visually impactful. I understand films must make changes and take liberties since they're a different medium, but changing this moment in particular has always been upsetting to me. it changes Gatsby's character almost to the opposite of what it implies in the book, and while it would get lost in the transition from book-to-film it also show's Fitzgerald's artistic capabilities to do the reveal in this manner.
The 2012 Anna K movie (one with the cool scene changes) was excellent but you do have a point.
When I think of books better than the movies, even though it hurts, Harry Potter books were so much better than the movies
That’s an interesting take. I don’t disagree generally, but I do think the Sorcerer’s Stone movie is better because the first book is a little dry/boring to me.
The Hitchcock Rebecca is one of my favorite films and was the introduction to the book for me. It's VERY worth a watch! It gave me literal, actual, chills when watching it! And my favorite movie of all time is the 1992 Secret Garden, so I adored hearing you mention it and give it some love!
The books I've found better than the movies are:
The Hunger Games. I really like the movies, but the art direction just wasn't up to what I had imagined while reading, so it doesn't quite hit all the notes for me.
A Series of Unfortunate Events. I really like the movie! It had great art direction and casting, and I had the biggest crush ever on the boy who plays Klaus when I was like 11 ha ha, but it was just too rushed and needed to be a series. The Netflix one I didn't really like-- It felt too glossy and "big production"ish and it felt like a lot had been changed and didn't give me the same feelings as the books.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before (and the sequels). Don't even get me started on the Netflix movies. I cried for every one of the books and I barely made it 5 minutes into the first movie. The movie felt like it had NOTHING to do with the book. As if it was a completely different story where only the character names were the same. I felt some of the cast was very wrong, and the whole tone of the movie was so far off from what I got from the books. It also just completely lost all nuance in the relationships. Just a hard no on the movies, and I hope people aren't put off from trying the books if they didn't like the movie.
Such a fun video series! For my favorite book JANE EYRE, I’d like to recommend the 1983 mini series (it follows the book most closely and is wonderful despite it looking like a like a soap opera with limited sets and dated music) and also the 1996 movie which captures the romance of the novel and has gorgeous music. The 1943 movie focuses on the mystery and is charming as well. Nothing is better than the book, but these come the closest, imo. ❤
Yes! The 1973 miniseries is also a good adaptation because it is very faithful to the book. I think it is difficult to capture the beauty of Jane Eyre in a two-hour movie, which is why the 2011 film seems to lack something
no but i so get you with never let me go - i actually had the experience of watching first before reading because i loved the movie so much, so imagine my joy when i first read it !!!!
I’m so glad you understand! It’s such a wonderful scene, so I hope you were pleasantly surprised when you read it after watching!
The movie i love as much as the book is perks of being a wallflower ❣️
Oooww yes!
I love the 1998 Great Expectations - its use of green, its cast. Anne Bancroft and DeNiro are delights.
ooo I'll have to watch that one!
I love Rebecca! I tried to watch the newer movie version....I DNF'd it. Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca is a favorite of mine, it is so atmospheric and well acted. Give it a go. I liked both equally. Thanks for your wonderful videos!!!!
the 1940s rebecca, in my opinion, is ideal. it illustrates all parts of the book that i adored so much ; the aesthetic, the mystery... joan fontaine did so well as the female lead, she's the exact character i imagined as i read the story. so please try the hitchcock version ! 🤍
THANK YOU
You are the first person that I ever hear talk about the missing scene in Never let me go. I don’t understand why they excluded such an important part of the story and leave others that weren’t as vital. I just think that without that scene the ending doesn’t hit as hard, in the book the last page comes back to that scene in the most beautiful and heartbreaking way. The movie didn’t even try to replicate it.
It so sad because I love the acting and the scenery but that scene is just to important to me, I can’t forgive them for leaving it out.
Carolyn Castagna! I must congratulate you on your magnificent use of the adjective "corny" to describe the film adaptations that turn the classic books you read into not quite classic films! I agree with your assessment so very much! Your analysis of Goblin's tears was also incisive. And I will definitely look for a video of "The Importance of Being Earnest" starring David Suchet
If you can find it the 1952 film of this book, starring Michael Redgrave, is by far the best.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Normal People! I thought that was such a great adaptation of the novel and I LOVED IT.
From what I remember, the Alfred Hitchcock adaption of Rebecca is soo good. I watched it when I was in high school & at the time I was a huge scaredy cat (even more than now lol) and Rebecca & Psycho were the only 2 horror films that I finished watching & actually enjoyed.
I always like reading the book before watching a movie. The book is the original of the story, and the movie is just what others get out of a book. I feel you miss more of the story if you don’t at least read the book. Stardust, by Neil Gaiman, is a good example. I like the movie, but the book has a bigger storyline. Thanks for your channel and being such an awesome person 😊
Hi! Really enjoyed this video. I like watching adaptations of books a lot, so I understand you. About War and Peace and Anna Karenina I highly recommend you to watch the 1967 adaptations cause it is Russian movies. I hope there should be a translated movies or subtitles, but these are really wonderful works that give you the atmosphere of book except they are pretty old.
We all look forward to what you have in store for us. May God bless you always.
I totally agree that the movie needed more Levin, but I understand the time constraint. I find it really hard to be able to equally love a movie (in comparison to the book) adapted from a loved classic novel.
The adaptation of Catch-22 is a good movie with a great cast, but the book is one of my favourites so the book wins!😄
I always felt that the book was unfilmable, but they made a brave stab at it. Though as you say the book outshines the film.
@@ba-gg6jo Yes I completely agree! its definitely not an easy book to adapt but as you said they made a great attempt.
@@benlewis3137 Yes, I suppose today they would show Yossarian peeling off his blood-soaked uniform and parading unwashed around the camp, nude, backwards, and holding a .45. It's not very funny. Major Major's machinations notwithstanding.
I agree about the 2020 film version of Rebecca - I think on its own it was a great movie, but in comparison to the book, it falls flat. I do think Armie Hammer and Lily James were great.
Levin is also my favorite literary character ever! so passionate!! and I LOVED those what.... 200+ pages of him farming in russia. some of the best pages ive ever read
Hi Carolyn. Definitely agree on thoughts on Rebecca. The book is an absolute favorite and I have too many words to describe the reading experience. The imagery, the plot and the characters and the language all came together so well...
The movie felt like it was lacking a certain something and the characters were definitely a lot different from their novel counterparts.
Always I'll prefer the written plays to film adaptations of Shakespeare, however there are three or four that are very good: Franco Zeffirelli's Taming of the Shrew is nonpareil, an absolute tnt blast of color, slapstick, and close-up shots; also his Romeo and Juliet made life-long fans who still talk about and praise the subtle shifts of golden lighting, the costumes, and of course the lovely Olivia Hussey; four of the history plays are superior, two Henry Vs and the two Richard IIIs, but the one starring Ian McKellan and Annette Benning is so perfect it's only on this list because the Act I takes writing to a new and impossible sphere. Besides these are a few others yet the point which emerges is that when they were written there were neither special effects nor extravagant set designs. Anyway, too long already. Thx, Carolyn, enjoyed.
Love this video! Is it possible to edit the title of a video after you’ve published it? Then/than 😅
Yes hahaha oops! Thank you for catching that!
I love this video series! For the last one, maybe you can read an example from the books whenever you mention the “quality of language” that can’t (or maybe can) be translated into visual form, as you say, and then perhaps compare that with a specific scene or piece of dialogue form the movie to get the point across more clearly. Because I think it’s such an interesting point!
It always makes me laugh when you talk about Anna Karenina bc when I read it, I really didn't like Levin's scenes (in fact that was probably the main reason I gave the book such a low rating) so watching you gush about Levin so much just tickles me lol
I wanna read a man called ove soon before the new movie comes out. It's been on my tbr for a while.
Your videos and smile oddly comfort me :)
Thanks for being a RUclipsr😸
Aw I’m so glad! Thank *you* for watching and being so kind :)
I love your channel! 🌸🧁🐾
Carolyn, you can buy a DVD of the stage adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest with David Suchet! I was as heartbroken as you when I couldn't find it online to watch, but I found the DVD and immediately bought it.
My favorite Wuthering heights adaptation is 2011 by Andrea Arnold (with Kaya Scodelario). Not so literal but true at the core of it.
Nothing is just as good as Jane Eyre in my head! (but I like parts of different adaptations)
I'm also in love with Anna Karenina (2012)) Currently rereading this book becouse of your channel❤️
Given you're an Audrey fan and given where you live, I'm sure you've seen the 1954 version of Sabrina -most underrated film ever!
I've got a few ideas for great books that were also great films, but looking forward to see what you come up with!
I read Never Let Me Go a few weeks back on your recommendation. I really liked it. 💙 This being my first Ishiguro, I'll look forward to reading more by him. 😊
(Also...I got the FF blue cover for it and plan on getting the editions from the same series for the other books...really pretty ❤️)
I totally agree about Rebecca. I didn’t like Armie Hammer as Maxim. Laurence Olivier is so much better in the Hitchcock version. I think you’ll like that one better.
I've recently watched a theatrical adaptation on TV of Wuthering Heights,with song and dance.It has been adapted by Emma Rice,and while the second act drags,the first act does justice to the book,especially the portrayal of Cathy.💝
I was just wondering if youd checked out Nitasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1816? It's a wonderful Broadway musical, and it's soundtrack is what made me read War and Peace 2 years ago - its based on a very short extract from the book, but definitely worth listening to, especially if you're a fan of musicals in general :)
You should check out the 1983 Jane Eyre! I love it! Plus Timothy dalton..
Off to read and watch Never Let Me Go so that I, too, can be angry at the missing scene 😂 Really though, I do need to hurry up and read some Ishiguro.
I completely agree about Rebecca, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, and Mrs Dalloway. I also prefer Harry Potter books to the movies, especially 4-7. Oh, and Interview with The Vampire film was super disappointing, after having read the book first.
I think with Rebecca the book feels so gothic and spooky, but when I watched the film I just didn’t get those spooky vibes, also there’s just no way to translate that amazing opening scene about manderley!!!
You should also make a video on the books you want to be adapted into movie / series 💜🌸
Not really literature, but…
Searching for Bobby Fischer - The book has lots more stuff, like the author actually searching for Bobby Fischer. The movie sort of bends the story into the “sports underdog” plot. It’s a lot of fun comparing the discrepancies between book and movie. Read and watch in either order.
Hi Carolyn, You still sound so sick, hope you're feeling a lot better ! One of the books, and movies that comes to my mind is Hugh Lofting's Dr.Doolittle. I didn't like the Rex Harrison movie, and didn't like the Eddie Murphy movie either,neither actor captured,or resembled the Dr. Doolittle that were drawn in the books.
Agree. I think the Levin and Kitty subplot is actually much better than the Anna/Vronsky/What'sHisFace main plot.
in terms of movies that are great adaptations of a book, anne of green gables (1985), sense and sensibility (1995) and much ado about nothing (1993) are all up there for me, along with both the 90s and the greta gerwig versions of little women!!
I definitely love the Percy Jackson books, but as to the two movies... Not that much. I really hope the Disney+ TV show does justice to this wonderful book series that was so important to me in my teenage years!
The Name of the Rose - Too much is left out of the movie. It’s a murder mystery wrapped in a lot of philosophy. The movie unwraps it and throws away the philosophy. Read the book first, then watch the movie. That way you’ll know what’s happening.
I love the Audrey Hepburn War and Peace, it's so beautiful, back then they had time limits, some movies broke it like Gone With The Wind, but that was an independent film. I've never seen Mrs Dalloway, I already put it on my list on Tubi. I agree about Jane Eyre, it is one of my favorite books. It so hard to capture it. I love Judi Dench in the film though, worth it just for that performance. Hard to admit, I have never read The Secret Garden or seen any of the movies. I decided to put the Maggie Smith version on my list on HBO. The Great Gatsby is my all-time favorite classic, I am huge Fitzgerald fan, and you're right they have not captured it fully on film. But I am sorry, Carolyn, i have to disagree with you on the movie, I prefer the one with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. I feel that movie with Leonardo DiCaprio really missed the point of the book, the actors were wonderful, Tobey Maguire was wonderful as Nick but his last speech was just so wrong, you don't change a genius ending like Fitzgerald's. Was that the David Suchet version of Importance of Being Earnest? I would have loved to have seen that, darn it, I can't believe I missed it. I love that play and I saw scenes from it during an interview with David and I would just have loved to see the whole play with him. I love Charlotte's Web, it is another top favorite for me. I remember when I was little girl my dad doing all the voices and when I was old enough, he gave me the book for my birthday. It holds a very special place in my heart. I did enjoy the movie; all the actors were wonderful including the voice over actors of the animals. The actor who played the mom, Essie Davis was wonderful, and she is a favorite to me, but you're right it would be hard to capture the beauty of the book.
I prefer and recommend the 1996 version of Jane Eyre with William Hurt, Anna Paquin and Charlotte Gainsbourg over the 2011 version.
will you continue your book collection series? like the "my penguin english library books"
You’re voice is perfect ❤
I actually prefer the 2013 two-part movie version of Anna Karenina.
I have the BBC 2016 version of War & Peace on DVD. I need to watch it soon!
Hey, so for Domhnall Gleeson it's pronounced Doe-nal like Doe a deer, and nal like pal. It's a super common mistake to make, he's famous enough that people know him, but not so famous that everyone has figured out his name a la Saoirse Ronan.
It's pretty funny for me as an Irish person learning that these names aren't normal, like Saorise and Domhnall I get but I was shocked that people got Catriona Balfe's (Belfast movie) name wrong. I have an Aunt Catriona and thought it was an easy, common name
It's Ca-tree-na btw, most people said ca-tree-o-na
I wonder: is there is a CarolynMarieReads video that does not have a mention to Anna Karenina (or Tolstoy)?
haha - she really does like AK!
After all, it is her favorite book :) Her passion for the book has made me very excited to read it!
I’m planning to read War & Peace (finally) probably in January. Would it be a bad idea to watch the bbc adaptation first?
@Name TBD As mentioned by Tarquin you will get a far better understanding of the book by watching the 1972 BBC version. I read War and Peace, over 40 years ago, without watching a filmed version of the book, and enjoyed it immensely. However, I can understand why watching a filmed version would give you a firm foundation before reading the book. Good luck you won't be disappointed.
@Name TBD I appreciate the response either way! This is why I was wondering. I’ve read Anna Karenina and loved it. I still haven’t seen the movie. But I’ve heard that War & Peace has a lot more to keep up with.
If I really love the book I WON'T watch the movie - I worry that it'll tarnish the book-experience!! I know it's weird....
There is also a 1952 adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest that has an excellent cast and is very funny.
Hello from British Columbia Canada
🇨🇦👋👍♥️🧀🐀🐁☃️❄🧘♀️🌲🏍🛣🚐🐴🥳
Ove is the only book/ movie that I have watched...in swedish with english sub-titles (available from my local library)👍 added another layer.
Most often movie wrecks the book eg. Anne E Proulx's Shipping News. Laughed out loud the whole time....people kept on asking me what I was reading😅🤣😂😆😹🤭
Rebecca, I listened to the audiobook, fullcast, with spooky music between the chapters.
Have you seen the 1972 BBC adaptation of War and Peace with Anthony Hopkins? I think it's better than the later one.
I love Band of Brothers series but i never read the book. Is it worth to do it?
You didn't ramble and your repetitions were emphasis. Wonderful vlog. Brava.
I generally prefer book over movie because content is lost in translation. An average movie script has fewer than 30,000 words, which is a short novella length. Most novels are 90,000 - 200,000 words, or more, and the consequence is, much must be cut out to fit into a two-hour movie.
There are a couple movies I think improve the books on which they're based, in both cases because of an elevated ending. Those two are Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk and Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg. FIGHT CLUB the movie ends bigger and better, grander, which drives home the main point more effectively. SMILLA'S SENSE OF SNOW follows the story's logic to its conclusions, where Hoeg shied away from what he probably saw as a science fictional ending that might mar his "literary" status. Cold feet hobbles the novel but the movie goes for it, and succeeds Wonderfully.
Omg I just got home from the movies where I saw a preview for A Man Called Otto and found myself wondering what you would think😂❤ what do you think of the name change?
I would love to know which books you think should have a series/film adaptation. I love reading atmospheric books and think this would be a great video to find some recommendations! 🌟
I made it 400 pages into War and Peace and just couldn't go on, I had to DNF it.
Yes, you really need to watch the Alfred Hitchcock version. I am utterly scandalized that you would compare the book to any other version. Tell me at least that you've seen Hitchcock's Jamaica Inn (Maureen O'Hara's first film)
Hi there's very few movies or adaptations that outshine a book. I have found mini series are much better for eg rebecca with Charles dance. It hasa very strong Atmospheric presence and the actors convey how I imagine the characters of the book to be.
I don't understand why you liked the Beartown miniseries, they changed so much about it, it almost became a completely different thing than the book. Because of this, it was hard to get through the miniseries for me...
I'm just starting to reading war and peace
Oh, you're in for a wonderful treat - try to check in now-and-then to let us now how it's going.
@@jamesduggan7200 okay I will
I am lending you all of our credibility to dunk on the 2012 Anna Karenina adaptation. It’s pretty, but ultimately says nothing of significance.
Somebody stop me before I get started on the labyrinth of plots👻
hip hip hoorah! for Tipsy Tolstoy
Carolyn, is it your sister? Your voice sounds different.
Thanks Much !
You need to compare War and Peace to the right film--the 7 and a half hour Russian film of 1965, directed by Sergei Bondarchuck. Even Tolstoy didn't have the whole Russian army standing on the hillside dressed in period costume.
Atlas Shrugged - Too much in the book for even 3 movies. Needs to be a miniseries. Also the movies gave away too much plot too early. Read the book. The movies are optional.
The Harry Potter books - most of the pleasure is Rowling as a narrator.
Shouldn't _Jane Eyre_ be filmed in black and white? It's _gothic._
_Wuthering Heights_ is too nasty to be a successful film.
i hated the great gatsby film sososo much
Hope you find a good and romantic hubby one day
or wife (no assumptions)
put this in RUclips search - The Importance of Being Earnest - part 1 | Oscar Wilde - the uploader is. Шедевры русского театра,, part 2 is also there