| I think it depends. In general, I'd give the palm to the novel, simply because most producers go for books that are blockbusters, and do shoddy jobs to cash in on the originals. But just occasionally, somebody finds a novel that can be anything from barely competent to excellent, and does a film that is every bit as good, or better.
But in general, a very fine novel not only has its own wealth of detail, color and rhythm to offer, but those qualities as developed by the imagination of the reader. The latter is missing when the book is converted to film, and you only have the image that's on screen. Not to mention the absence of all the other senses, so admirably conveyed in good writing.
__________________
To the Righteous belong the fruits of violent victory. The rest of us will have to settle for warm friends, warm lovers, and a wink from a quietly supportive universe. |