Best Book Adaptations

Opinion posted March 19, 2023 in CommRadio, Arts & Entertainment by CommRadio Arts and Entertainment department

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”

Not only is this the best movie adaptation in “The Hunger Games” series, but it is also the best movie adaptation of any Young Adult novel.

Following the second book of the series, “Catching Fire” follows Katniss and Peeta, played by Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, through their second Hunger Games.

After the events of the first movie, President Snow has devised a plan to get previous winners of the games to have to play again, really for the goal of killing Katniss, as she has become an inspiration for the revolution in Panem.

This movie, while being more similar to the book than most film adaptations are, introduced several new characters, and the casting was impressive.

Some specific standouts are Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair and Jena Malone as Johanna Mason, both of whom portrayed their roles perfectly.

With a series like “The Hunger Games”, the social commentary aspect is necessary for the story, but that can often either get lost or feel way too heavy-handed and ruin the story.

In these movies, it is almost exactly the way it is in the books, and this is especially true in this second installment. -Izzy Charboneau

“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”

It is common knowledge that book adaptations generally deviate from original pieces. Whether that be due to limited screen time or lack of means to recreate the scene, it is likely to happen.

In this matter, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” is no different, however, the product was just as good as the source material and occasionally better.

A lot of scenes that were omitted or changed onscreen were replaced with an equally wholesome film equivalent.

The meet-cute in both the film and the book with Lara Jean, the main character, and Peter K., the main love interest, occurred using incidents with cars.

Although the movie strayed a bit, it still establishes a charming and heartwarming time that also characterizes interactions between Peter and Lara Jean.

In some aspects, the movie improved the story.

Peter K. in the book was not depicted to be as kind as he was in the movie. In particular, the hot tub interaction in the film versus the book had different subsequent moments, but in the film, it is easier for viewers to understand Peter’s perspective and it is not as detrimental.

Book adaptations reasonably tend to get a bad rep, but “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” represents the finer side of things. –Erell Williams

“Call Me By Your Name”

The story of “Call Me By Your Name” is portrayed perfectly in this movie adaptation. Lovers of the book will appreciate the attention to detail present in the film.

Taking place in Italy, the adaptation is expected to reflect the beauty of the landscape.

Director Luca Guadagnino showcases this with scenes of the characters riding bikes on paths through the country and lounging in the backyard of the villa.

This film not only captures imagery of the Italian countryside described in the book, but also reflects the characters’ growth as the plot goes along.

As the main characters grow closer and apart they naturally reveal some development.

The director demonstrates this character development well, which can sometimes be difficult when adapting a book into a movie.

“Call Me By Your Name” is one of the best movie adaptations created thus far. No matter how many times one watches, it never fails to impress. -Cassie Baylis

“Little Women”

Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel “Little Women” has seen countless adaptations– on the stage (both as a play and musical, an extremely rare occurrence), on the small screen, and on the big screen.

Since the story of the March sisters has been told so many times, one would assume modern audiences are done with it.

Director Greta Gerwig took a risk and added her spin to “Little Women” in 2019, and ended up creating not only one of the best book-to-screen adaptations but one of the best films of all time.

“Little Women” has an incredibly impressive ensemble cast, starring Saoirse Ronan as Jo, Florence Pugh as Amy, Emma Watson as Meg, Eliza Scanlen as Beth and Laura Dern as their mother, Marmee.

Greta Gerwig gave audiences a new look into the lives of the Marchs, utilizing color grading in scenes to indicate if they were taking place in the past or present. The scenes in the past had a hazy gold glow to them, while the present was clearer and gray.

The best scene in the movie has to be Laurie (Timothée Chalamet) and Jo arguing on the hill after he confesses his love for her.

These two actors are well-practiced in making audiences cry, and it’s almost impossible to understand how someone could turn down a declaration of love from Timothée Chalamet. -Kaitlyn Murphy

“Gone Girl”

David Fincher had a tall task in turning “Gone Girl” into a film, with all of the novels’ nuances and layered storytelling, but he truly hit a home run.

Something that could’ve vaulted “Gone Girl” above other adaptations is the prevalence of Gillian Flynn in the movie’s development.

Flynn wanted to make sure that her story didn’t get altered and the movie’s production team responded as Flynn said they told her, “We liked the same things about the book, and we wanted the same thing out of the movie.”

It certainly shines through, as the bulk of the movie stays true to the novel.

There are some big alterations, like the parents of both Amy and Nick playing smaller roles in the movie then they did in the novel, and certain speeches and interviews cut down for time.

In the end, though, the movie encapsulates the heart of the story.

Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike deserve all the praise in the world for their roles in this film as well, both elevated the movie that much more by their being in it and truly helped make this one of the better book adaptations. -Dylan Price

“Pride and Prejudice” (2005)

While “Pride and Prejudice” has had its number of remakes, there’s no comparison to the 2005 adaptation starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden.

The scenery and costuming are absolutely beautiful, with most of it staying true to Jane Austen’s vision, but with some additions from director Joe Wright.

Knightley plays a lively and fierce Elizabeth Bennet and does a great job portraying one of the greatest book heroines of all time. Macfayden plays her opposite Mr. Darcy and takes on the challenging role of a brooding man who can’t get what he wants.

In one of the most memorable scenes of the film, Bennet visits Pemberley, Darcy’s estate, and the two of them smile at each other for the first time in the film, and the sun hits both of their faces just right in a scene that will make hearts in the audience melt.

As a period piece with spot-on acting, scenery, dialogue, soundtrack and costumes, this adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” has stolen the show for years. -Adrianna Gallucci

Izzy Charboneau is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email ijc5186@psu.edu.
 
Erell Williams is a second-year majoring in broadcasting journalism. To contact her, email exw5303@psu.edu.

Cassie Baylis is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email ceb6085@psu.edu.

Kaitlyn Murphy is a first-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email kvm6255@psu.edu.

Dylan Price is a second-year majoring in Broadcast Journalism, to contact him email dvp5625@psu.edu.

Adrianna Gallucci is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email amg7989@psu.edu.