Writing converted to video media. It’s an odd transition that always seems to lose something in the process. How is that what we see on the page sometimes has so much more power than what we see with our own eyes? Don’t we give something more validity if we actually witness the events? Why then do the second-hand accounts of fictional events from authors of dubious honesty (we lie for a living, folks) sometimes stick with people longer and with stronger impressions than those portrayed by flesh and blood actors? Obviously there are exceptions, but this seems to be the general case. Here for your digestion are my opinions on video and prose.
Advantages of video:
- You don’t have to describe the scene or character’s appearance. Those watching can see it right away.
- You aren’t limited to one character’s point of view.
- The director’s vision takes precedence.
Advantages of prose (again, remember, this is my opinion…if you want to debate looky for comment clicky button thingy):
- Prose can make the mind experience every detail, and in fuller sensory immersion.
- One can be privy to thoughts and emotions that are “behind the scenes.” (this is sometimes provided in video by a narrator, though, I realize)
- The reader’s imagination takes precedence.
Since there are so many examples of great stories being made into awful videos, I figured we should fight the trend. “They’re made out of Meat,” by Terry Bisson is not only a short story, but also a short video clip–They’re made out of Meat. (like the music on that clip? Comes from this guy- Bob Reynolds)
Here’s another example…
The Prestige (the book) versus The Prestige (the movie)
Surprising, first off, how many people didn’t even know The Prestige started as a book. It won the 1996 World Fantasy Award, but even I didn’t know about it until I picked it up from a used book store, and then saw the newly released version shortly before the film came out. Am I the only one who overlooked this book’s original release? I’m at least glad the movie has done it justice, and so, hopefully, has brought it much-due attention.
Maybe it just comes down to the particular viewer/reader’s preference, hmm? We know that some people can be more visual/auditory/experiential learners than others. What about you? Do you like to read a book before the movie comes out? See the movie and decide then whether you want to skim the ink?
I see that smile.