I thought the 2017 BBC version of Little Women (limited series of 3 episodes) was well done. Because film/tv and books are different media it's hard for a film to accurately reproduce what's in a book. Movies have the ability to add so much, especially visually, going into details that would bog down a written story. Books have the ability to explore the inner landscape of characters in a way that film just can't. And by necessity there will be deviations from the original plot, often leaving scenes out or combining two characters into one. Personally, I don't mind any of that, as long as the heart of the story remains the same. I love movies and I love books, they're different things though.
Linda, I completely forgot about that version. I'll have to see if it's available for streaming somewhere, as I do recall that it is well regarded. Interesting that the BBC produced a very American classic, proving the universal appeal of Little Women. And all your other points are well taken. I also enjoy cinematic versions, as long as they stay true to the emotional content and don't overdo it with taking artistic license.
From a craft perspective, I agree... however, it's a banned/challenged book, and when viewed from that lens, I wish people would get over themselves as quickly as possible.
I've watched all versions including the 1994 Little Women movie, which is my favorite. I do own it, have watched it several times and like the idea of reading the book again and then watching the movie(again) Christmas week.
So many wonderful, timeless books to read or re-read. This is a great list.
The Secret Garden is a wonderful book that I read to my son, many moons ago & the BBC serial was fairly true to the book , but the latest film version was an abomination! 😡
1939’s Wuthering Heights movie, on the other hand, is much better than the novel, in my opinion I love the Brontë’s novels, but the dark elements in this book leave me depressed, unlike the movie. I’ve watched it repeatedly.
I thought the 2017 BBC version of Little Women (limited series of 3 episodes) was well done. Because film/tv and books are different media it's hard for a film to accurately reproduce what's in a book. Movies have the ability to add so much, especially visually, going into details that would bog down a written story. Books have the ability to explore the inner landscape of characters in a way that film just can't. And by necessity there will be deviations from the original plot, often leaving scenes out or combining two characters into one. Personally, I don't mind any of that, as long as the heart of the story remains the same. I love movies and I love books, they're different things though.
Linda, I completely forgot about that version. I'll have to see if it's available for streaming somewhere, as I do recall that it is well regarded. Interesting that the BBC produced a very American classic, proving the universal appeal of Little Women. And all your other points are well taken. I also enjoy cinematic versions, as long as they stay true to the emotional content and don't overdo it with taking artistic license.
I hope the universal appeal of Little Women bodes well for my book! :-) Maya Hawke plays Jo in the BBC version. I thought she did a great job.
Agree, Peyton Place is a very good book!
I wish it was taken more seriously ...
From a craft perspective, I agree... however, it's a banned/challenged book, and when viewed from that lens, I wish people would get over themselves as quickly as possible.
I've watched all versions including the 1994 Little Women movie, which is my favorite. I do own it, have watched it several times and like the idea of reading the book again and then watching the movie(again) Christmas week.
So many wonderful, timeless books to read or re-read. This is a great list.
Thank you, Carol. I can't imagine a better version than the 1994 Little Women. It's as timeless as its source material!
The Secret Garden is a wonderful book that I read to my son, many moons ago & the BBC serial was fairly true to the book , but the latest film version was an abomination! 😡
These adaptations can be so variable, especially when they take too many liberties with the source! And yes, The Secret Garden is a very special book.
1939’s Wuthering Heights movie, on the other hand, is much better than the novel, in my opinion I love the Brontë’s novels, but the dark elements in this book leave me depressed, unlike the movie. I’ve watched it repeatedly.
Interesting perspective — it is a dark novel, indeed. One wonders what part of Emily Brontë's psyche it was born from.
From what we know of their lives and that era, one can guess…