Better as a Book, or Better as a Movie?

Some of the best ideas for movies, come from the mother of all media--the book. Usually the original art form trumps the nouveau rendering, but at times, the film is made better by an ace screenwriter or director. Here are some of my thoughts on the matter:

Better as a Book:

• Catch Me If You Can
• A Praire Home Companion
• The Great Gatsby
• Goldfinger
• Wuthering Heights
• Along Came a Spider
• The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
• Empire Falls
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (both times)
• The Firm
• The Client
• The Pelican Brief
• Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkabahn
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Marathon Man
• Breakfast at Tiffany's
• A Walk to Remember
• Jurassic Park
• Rising Sun
• Timeline
• The Prince of Tides

Better as a Movie:

• Forrest Gump
• The Notebook
• Hearts in Atlantis
• Shopgirl
• A Time to Kill
• A Room with a View
• Big Fish

Equally Good as Both a Book and a Movie:

• Girl with a Pearl Earring
• The Human Stain
• Thank You For Smoking
• Disclosure
• The Postman Always Rings Twice
• The Importance of Being Earnest (play)
• The Rainmaker
• The Orchid Thief/ Adaptation

Not Very Good Either Way:

• Cheaper by the Dozen

Comments

[Darnell Lamb]

Better as a Movie: A Time to Kill, Field of Dreams

Better as a Book: The Adventures of Honey Love -- The Darnell Lamb Story