“The movies didn’t change them a bit, son. They’re all right up there. Every word is the same as when I wrote them.” ~James M. Cain
There’s something precious about the book version of a story. Sure, authors release abridged, unabridged, audio and new editions, but for the most part they stay the same. That’s one of the reasons I have been so attracted to novel-writing. As much as I love screenwriting, I’m too much of a control freak and am still learning to LET GO of my words.
PIN IT!I have anticipated and avoided the release of World War Z, simply because the book is SO GOOD. I knew it couldn’t follow the same format or storyline, so I tried to prepare myself over the past couple weeks. I’m usually not one of those people, but this book provided such a fresh twist to the zombie category. I’m tired of seeing the same old story-lines and new iterations of 28 Days Later (not to confuse with 28 Days which I have flipped to only end up disappointed).
I decided to finally see the movie after reading Stephen King’s open letter to fans about the CBS television version of Under the Dome. I haven’t completed the novel yet, but caught the first episode and thought it was pretty intriguing.
Apparently his readers are/were upset which prompted him to pen a few words to them:
It’s best to think of that novel and what you’re seeing week-to-week on CBS as a case of fraternal twins. Both started in the same creative womb, but you will be able to tell them apart. Or, if you’re of a sci-fi bent, think of them as alternate versions of the same reality,” says King.
What an interesting way of putting it all into perspective.
With that, I sat back, knowing that World War Z would not be the story I was familiar with.
No, I didn’t get to see the lobo, the intriguing stories of survival from China to the Great American Plains or a deep dive into the social and economic impact of the zombie apocalypse, but overall the film kept me entertained and on edge.
Stephen’s right. If I REALLY want the World War Z I loved or to finally see the Under the Dome he created, I can always pull it off the virtual shelf of my Kindle and re-read.
What do you think? What adaptations made you go running back to the novel version?