I wanted to read The Watchmen before the movie comes out in March 2009. When I was reading an early review of the movie, however, the reviewer wishes he could have seen the movie with a fresh pair of eyes in order to judge it on its own merits. I think this raises a good question: do you prefer to watch the movie first, or read the book? It is my belief that no movie can ever compete with the depth and grandeur of a good book, so I like to read the book first. I don’t like to have the actors’ faces or gestures in my head to spoil it for my imagination. But then the movie really never is better, just a weak copy. If you watch the movie then read the book, maybe both can be equally enjoyable in their own way. Maybe the best situation is when you go see a movie and don’t realize it’s a book, then find out about the book later. What do you think?
Good question. I like books first better because I agree that I don't like picturing the actors faces when I read the book.
ReplyDeleteI like books first. I love words and their power is diminished for me if the picture is already painted. Altho--a possible exception would be No Country For Old Men. The book was even better the second time after watching the stunning performances in the movie.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments! I guess a lot of people prefer to read the book first. So if the movies are never better than the books, why are so many books made into movies?
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