Book first or movie first?

Kelly Tunstall · Post by **Kelly Tunstall** » 04 Apr 2023, 09:03

I would read the book first as this is where the story originates from and the author deserves to be heard. Movie adaptations can be of a high standard, but the book almost always holds a far bigger viewpoint than a movie. Stories are edited and characters left out which can change the meaning of the book to such as extent, it could put you off even trying to read what the author was saying.

Outsiders4evs · Post by **Outsiders4evs** » 11 Apr 2023, 14:09

Muffinhead wrote: ↑23 Dec 2011, 20:43 I am curious, when there is a movie that is based on a book, do most of you read the book first then see the movie or do you see the movie and then read the book?

I would definitely read the book first. I have tried watching the movie before reading the book, and it didn't work out. I ended up having no interest in the novel after I had already watched the movie. On the flip side, I find that reading the book first is a much better option. The reader has the opportunity to visualize the characters and scenes before seeing someone else's adaptation.

Wanjla Carl · Post by **Wanjla Carl** » 12 May 2023, 10:26

For me I would prefer reading a book first before watching the movie. This is because it allows me to create my own mental image of the characters and the settings. After this when I go see the movie, it would be more enjoyable.

Jacob Mamman · Post by **Jacob Mamman** » 26 Dec 2023, 00:10

"Matilda" by Roald Dahl was my introduction to the enchanting world of books. Matilda's resilience and love for reading resonated, leaving an enduring appreciation for literature.

Amanda Meira · Post by **Amanda Meira** » 30 Dec 2023, 12:08

It depends, I personally prefer to read the book first, because it will always be more in-depth, however, if the film already exists, I look at the cast, as I'm terrible at creating faces for each character.

João Ramos · Post by **João Ramos** » 31 Dec 2023, 02:19

There is no way to fully appreciate the book if you have already seen the movie. The opposite, if the movie is well made, often happens. I remember seeing the first LOTR trilogy in theaters for the first time: it was amazing. And I don’t need to say how much I liked the books.

wedwilson · Post by **wedwilson** » 05 Mar 2024, 11:36

Book and Movie Both

Tobi Adefila · Post by **Tobi Adefila** » 05 Mar 2024, 13:35

I prefer to read the book first at least to have little knowledge of what will be displayed on the screen. If I decide to watch the movie first I will no longer be interested in reading the book.

BHUMI D · Post by **BHUMI D** » 06 Mar 2024, 14:17

Jacob wrote: ↑24 Dec 2011, 04:53 I would read the book, especially if it's first. I like to compare between the movies and the books and see what's different. 99% of the time the book is better, because it can do better things then a movie can do.

Agree. Would always prefer reading the books before watching the movie. Even if I watch a movie first and read that book later - I end up liking the book better than the movies.
There are only two exceptions -
The only series in which I liked the movies better than the books is Twilight.
And so far it is only Lord of the Rings, where I liked both - the books and the movies.

Aroona Kashif · Post by **Aroona Kashif** » 07 Mar 2024, 05:27

Book first, and if I watch a movie first then find out it has a book, I definitely add it to my reading list.

Ambar Gill · Post by **Ambar Gill** » 09 Sep 2024, 12:23

Book first, so I can imagine the characters and world on my own instead of having a show or movie fill it in for me. I also want to know how the author originally intended the story to be presented.

Naghma Qureshi · Post by **Naghma Qureshi** » 10 Sep 2024, 09:23

I mostly get impatient. So, if I know that there is a great book on which a great movie is made, I would love to go for the movie first. But I do need to be convinced that the movie had done some justice to the book. If the movie reviews aren't great then I won't go for it. I'd stick with the book only.

Post by **NoviceReader** » 15 Sep 2024, 03:16

As per my knowledge, before making a movie, script of the movie is written, which may be considered as a book.

Andrew RT · Post by **Andrew RT** » 18 Sep 2024, 10:17

Tough question. I definitely prefer to read the book first. Gone With the Wind and The Thorn Birds were books I read first before watching the film adaptations. However, growing up I watched the tv show Wishbone, which introduced me to classic literature in each episode and my parents showed me older movies such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Disney, 1954), The Count of Monte Cristo (70's version), Dr. Dolittle (60's version), etc. After watching those, I would get more excited to read the books. Then of course there are some movies that you would never think were based on books, such as Planet of the Apes. So of course, once I see "Based on the novel by....", then you bet I'm reading the book! Whether to first to read the book or see the movie really depends on which piece of media you were introduced to initially.

rayreads9 · Post by **rayreads9** » 24 Sep 2024, 04:04

Of course, book first! Books are my go-to medium of entertainment. Even if that movie becomes very popular and is very great, seeing it without reading a book would feel like a great loss.