Books Re-Made into Movies

I spent a lovely afternoon at the movie theater today watching the movie-version of The Help. As with most movies based on books that I had previously read and loved, my feelings going into the theater were mixed. I was excited to dive back into a story that I thoroughly enjoyed, but at the same time dreaded that the movie would fall flat. Too many times I have been disappointed by films based on books. Either the adaptations stray too far from the original novel, crucial pieces of the plot are cut out, or character development is sacrificed for the whole plot to be squeezed into a 2 hour time slot.

However, the film version of The Help was as enjoyable as the hardcover version! In fact, this may actually be a movie that was, dare I say it, BETTER than the original novel. The visual scenes of the turmoil and racism in the movie were more powerful on a screen than in my mind's eye. The movie version made it more real for me. I was also very impressed by Emma Stone's dramatization of Skeeter. Her acting abilities shone through in this role, and it was good to see her in a more dramatic role than many of her previous roles in comedy.

I believe the majority of the Madwomen have read the book. So, are you planning on seeing the movie? What ruins film versions of books for you? Any reactions from those who may have seen the movie already?

Summer Vacation

I guess July was summer vacation for the Madwomen - not a single post. But that doesn't mean we weren't reading! Miss Havisham and I were so deep into the Game of Thrones series, we barely came up for air. I just finished A Dance with Dragons last week and I'm feeling a little bereft...I've been living in the world of Westeros for the two months and now I have to find something to take its place.

I'm thinking of a complete genre switch and some re-reading...maybe A Farewell to Arms...it has been 17 years since I first read it when I was 17. I can't remember what I loved about it, but I definitely remember loving it. And at one point, Miss H. and I had discussed a re-read of Gone with the Wind...anyone up for it?

The Distant Hours has me intrigued too. And Savannah's description of it recalls my impressions of The Remains of the Day, which has been on my "someday" list for about ten years now. Decisions, decisions...

What have the other Madwomen been up to?