Original Screenplays vs Films Based on a novel

[Drew Beringer]

So as much as I am excited for Watchmen and the new Harry Potter movie, is it a less enjoyable movie experience than movies not based on novels? I mean, do you miss being surprised by what is going to happen in a movie? Like in Watchmen, it is my most anticipated movie because I love the novel, but at the same time I know exactly what happens and how it ends, and I don't know how that affects my experience at the movies.

[pshh]

depends if the screenplay adaptation sucks ass compared to the glorious novel.

coppolas adaptation of the great gatsby was phenomenal turning into a great movie and twilight was just awful.

but it is a little different, it's interesting to see your favorite scene through another persons eyes like how the director envisioned it when you might of had something completely different, but it could be good as well when a director has a great vision only making your imagination of that scene so much more better being manifested in front of you.

the director can only do well or fuck up completely on crucial scenes, or the entire movie. haha

[CTMarshall]

I think that it greatly affects my enjoyment of a movie if they change any major details that occurred in the novel. Sometimes it can be interesting, but other times...not so much.

[marrost]

Unaffected.

[Adeniz19]

if a movie is good, it's good.

[JJJ]

Most of the time, the movie is not as good as the book. Certain stuff gets left out, things change, the way you envisioned it was different, etc. But it doesn't ruin the movie that I know what's going to happen at all, it's cool to see how someone else saw the book's scenes played out.

[Drew Beringer]

I am slightly jealous of those who will see Watchmen without every reading the book though.

[colorlesscliche]

'This is why I don't read books.'

[cantnokdahustle]

I am slightly jealous of those who will see Watchmen without every reading the book though.

really? I can see that being the case, if and only if it is an excellent film. Had I seen, say, The Golden Compass prior, there is no way in hell I would have ever picked up a Philip Pullman novel. As it stands, I am damned glad that that was not the case.

[Drew Beringer]

really? I can see that being the case, if and only if it is an excellent film. Had I seen, say, The Golden Compass prior, there is no way in hell I would have ever picked up a Philip Pullman novel. As it stands, I am damned glad that that was not the case.
haha, I just mean in the sense of the "holy shit" ending it has.

[colorlesscliche]

So this Watchman movie is just a movie? There's no sequal or anything?

[WakingTheMisery]

Thread is as subjective as your reviews.

[JustSway]

haha, I just mean in the sense of the "holy shit" ending it has.

Ive never read it but have heard amazing things about it. Im so stoked.

[Drew Beringer]

Thread is as subjective as your reviews.
??

[jusscali]

It really does blow that Hollywood lacks many original screenplays that get the needed push for mainstream appeal.

[JustSway]

Thread is as subjective as your reviews.

Thanks for saving the day Captain Obvious, but I have to wonder, where is your side-kick The Condescension Kid?

??

He's just being a dick.

[Jessooker]

it doesn't matter either way to me. some of my favorite movies are based on books and plays, others are completely original.

[Drew Beringer]

it doesn't matter either way to me. some of my favorite movies are based on books and plays, others are completely original.
No, I know, same with me, I was just asking if you miss the element of surprise.

[Jessooker]

ahh i see. well, it depends really. if i know and like the original story, i just want to see it well adapted and brought to life. however, i do like being completely surprised by a story completely.

[JustSway]

Well in some cases you can still be surprised I think, even if you're surprised it doesn't take away from enjoying the experience. Otherwise no-one would re-watch anything ever. Like there are some differences in the book to the film of The Godfather, it doesn't make either less enjoyable.

[WakingTheMisery]

Thanks for saving the day Captain Obvious, but I have to wonder, where is your side-kick The Condescension Kid?

Banned for five months. :-(

[S9Dallasoz]

I am slightly jealous of those who will see Watchmen without every reading the book though.

score.

[JustSway]

Banned for five months. :-(
http://i27.tinypic.com/2hmg6ps.jpg
?

[WakingTheMisery]

I was thinking:

http://nicknackpaddywhack.files.wordpress. com/2007/05/bruce-willis-on-john-mcclane.jpg

[JustSway]

Touché. I know when I've been beaten. Haha.

[depardu42]

I'll enjoy a movie either way, so long as it's a good one. If I've read the book beforehand, I'm still going to be just as excited about it as I would be about an interesting original piece. Directors and writers often put their own spin on adaptations, so there's always that thought of wondering how they're going to work out different scenes and such.
I'm excited to see what Peter Jackson has done with The Lovely Bones. Even if he wrecks it, I'll still love the book.