Book-movie adaptations

Today, we will talk about book-movie adaptations, which are the next best thing to books! The movie industry is no stranger to taking books from the page to the big screen. Production companies have been doing book-movie adaptations for nearly a century. Iconic literature like Dracula, The Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice, and Gone with the Wind have been made and remade by Hollywood greats; they’ve stood the test of time in a rapidly changing world. What makes them special enough to keep people coming back through the generations? Is the casting accurate? Are the monologues true to the source? Let’s discuss!  

Well-known book-movie adaptations

Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Jane Austen's 1813 novel is the pinnacle of regency-era literature. I have read the book and watched the 2005 movie adaptation. First of all, the casting of Keira Knightley and Matthew McFadden as Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy is perfection. The atmosphere of the movie is immediate. A significant part being the instrumental score playing behind the English countryside at dawn. There's so much meaning as the music plays over key scenes. This ultimately adds a nuance to the idea of home and comfort. McFadden delivers Darcy's proposal with seriousness while being unconcerned that her disdain of his character could lead to a rejection. The finale pulls it all together. Darcy walks across the field. His silhouette is slowly becoming visible through the fog. The two meet. Finally, a swoon-worthy declaration of love from both parties subsequently follows without delay. 1,000 stars.

Little Women (2019)
Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel is a tale about that cusp of time between child and adulthood. Beth, Jo, Meg, and Amy, navigate life as they pursue dreams and subsequent struggles.The characters bring a depth to the screen that is relatable even today. Beth wants to be an artist in a man's world. Comparatively, Meg doesn’t want to struggle putting food on the table or buying new clothing. Each girl has a set of expectations that they want to break free from. It's such an innately human story.

​We'll always return to movies like those above for the heart of the story. We will always be enchanted by tales of love, loss, and perseverance. Time can never touch what impacts us so deeply.