As we gathered around the television - my wife and I relishing sharing this experience with our boys - my wife and I were confused because we didn't remember the people in the movie nor the images being displayed. It was still an enjoyable movie however, so we chalked it up to fading memories from times long past.
After the movie was over (my wife wiping away a tear or two, no not me, I didn't cry. I swear), I looked up the movie on IMDB and was surprised to find out the version we had just watched was a remake done in 2003 (as you can see in the two images here):
Now if it can be truly said that movies made from books are usually terrible, remakes of these types of movies are even worse. I was pleasantly surprised however, to find that this remake was decently done, and neither of us had even noticed the difference until it was all over.
If you have never had the pleasure of reading this book (I will be heading to Amazon to find another copy right after this), you really need to pick it up. And if you've not seen the film, I can honestly say either version does a decent job of portraying an excellent story. The earlier one is probably the better of course, but the one created in 2003 wasn't bad at all.
What I enjoy most about movies like this is how well the author's voice resonates in this alternate medium. Sure, there's an actor (Kris Kristofferson in the new version) speaking the lines, but the honesty and heart of the words speak louder than the person mouthing them. I'll take a good book over a movie any day, but I can't ignore how movies like this seep into my bones and grab the writer within me. It's similar to how the movie Stranger Than Fiction inspired me to pick up the virtual pen and become a writer again after years of absence. Much like a good book will cause my soul to soar, movies like these have a similar effect.
Do you ever feel this way about certain movies or songs? Do you seek them out from time to time as I seem to do?
8 comments:
I love the book. I'm teaching a film class for 8th graders this year, and I think this one is perfect.
Oh yes movies and songs inspire a lot of my writing, often sending my muse to a new path of thought.
But then I am the consumate movie manic. I go to the cinema almost every week which means that I have seen more than thirty movies this year alone (I also watch DVDs).
I loved Stranger than Fiction. For a comedy it's actually really deep.
Song-wise I love Kings and Queens by 30 Seconds to Mars. It ALWAYS puts me into an epic-writing mood.
Wow, a blast from the past. I remember reading this book in elementary school (maybe sixth grade) and actually crying through the sad parts. I know, guys aren't suppose to cry but hey, I was twelve!
Still a great story. I'd recommend it to anyone.
I remember the original but didn't realize they'd remade it as well.
Aww, this book and movie makes me cry!
Tim - That sounds awesome.
Misha - Wow, that's alot of movies. I'll have to checkout the song you mention though. I haven't heard of it.
J.L. - Eh, the movie (and most likely the book) still makes me cry. It's a tear jerker. Oh wait, no I didn't cry. Really.
Alex - Yep, and like I said, I was pleasantly surprised at how well done it was. I'd even go so far as to advise you check it out.
Windy - Heh heh, good to see you're a fellow fan of it too :)
I LOVE movies. And books. And music. All three venues serve to tell a story, so I guess I just love stories. And there are a few really good stories that I return to again and again to remind me how much I love stories and to get my brain (and heart) rolling on all the stories I want to tell. Oh, and I loved Where the Red Fern Grows... I cried like a little girl (wait, I AM a little girl...)
Asabourova - Heh heh, a very emphatic and excited comment. I completely agree with you though, about how there are a few really good stories out there that demand repeat reads.
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