silverautumn
BrentonA Few Reasons Why Books are Better Than Movies
August 26th 2009 03:35
I’ve been reading a lot of blogs and opinions recently concerning the topic of books vs. movies. The general conclusion (at least in the articles I’ve been reading) is that films are better then books.
I disagree. With that said I feel the book and the movie are two very different avenues of storytelling. So different that I don’t believe you can really compare the two.
Still, it’s fun to do a little comparison from time to time. So I got together with my good friend (and aspiring author) Rachel Heston Davis to come up with a few good reasons why books are better then movies. She is more centered on literature and I look more toward films - I felt our differing viewpoints would make for an interesting discussion.
So here it goes:
1. Duration
A movie lasts 2 hours – a book can last as long as you want it to.
2. Portability
Books are portable and you don’t need to plug it up to your computer to charge it beforehand. Just grab and go.
3. Imagination
A book invites you to create along with the writer. A movie presents the directors imagination leaving little for the audience to create.
4. Character Depth
Because the narration of a book is usually filtered through the characters’ perceptions, books offer the reader an intimate connection with the characters—a level of intimacy not possible simply through watching a character’s action and dialogue onscreen.
5. Timeless
Books are still enjoyed by readers all over the world. Newsweek pointed out that in 2008 the percent of books being published rose to 38%.
6. Education
The ability to speak eloquently and write well are considered vital skills in the workplace. These skills are exercised by reading.
7. Diversity
A relatively small percent of the world’s population has the ability to produce movies, as compared to the amount of people able to publish a book. Movie writers and directors are part of an elite set, while the hundreds of thousands of authors around the globe represent a much broader selection of thoughts and worldviews.
Honestly, I believe that film and literature are two very different media that shouldn’t be compared flippantly. But that’s another blog post.
Lots of thanks to Rachel for helping me get all intellectual. She’s great! Go check out her blog at: Up and Writing
I disagree. With that said I feel the book and the movie are two very different avenues of storytelling. So different that I don’t believe you can really compare the two.
Still, it’s fun to do a little comparison from time to time. So I got together with my good friend (and aspiring author) Rachel Heston Davis to come up with a few good reasons why books are better then movies. She is more centered on literature and I look more toward films - I felt our differing viewpoints would make for an interesting discussion.
So here it goes:
1. Duration
A movie lasts 2 hours – a book can last as long as you want it to.
2. Portability
Books are portable and you don’t need to plug it up to your computer to charge it beforehand. Just grab and go.
3. Imagination
A book invites you to create along with the writer. A movie presents the directors imagination leaving little for the audience to create.
4. Character Depth
Because the narration of a book is usually filtered through the characters’ perceptions, books offer the reader an intimate connection with the characters—a level of intimacy not possible simply through watching a character’s action and dialogue onscreen.
5. Timeless
Books are still enjoyed by readers all over the world. Newsweek pointed out that in 2008 the percent of books being published rose to 38%.
6. Education
The ability to speak eloquently and write well are considered vital skills in the workplace. These skills are exercised by reading.
A relatively small percent of the world’s population has the ability to produce movies, as compared to the amount of people able to publish a book. Movie writers and directors are part of an elite set, while the hundreds of thousands of authors around the globe represent a much broader selection of thoughts and worldviews.
Honestly, I believe that film and literature are two very different media that shouldn’t be compared flippantly. But that’s another blog post.
Lots of thanks to Rachel for helping me get all intellectual. She’s great! Go check out her blog at: Up and Writing
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Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
And they're more rewarding if you happen to lose it.