With my 8th film (I'm still behind pace), I decided to go the foreign film route, watching 2009's adaptation of the incredible Stieg Larsson book. I rarely read the book before I watch the movie because I don't like spoiling the movie for myself. However, I've read all three books in Larsson's "Millennium" trilogy, and I loved them. That always makes it hard to watch the movie.
I will say that this Swedish film is a very faithful adaptation of the book. It's always hard to include everything in the movie that was in the book, and even at almost 2.5 hours, this film still cuts many aspects out of the original story. I was most upset that Erika Berger and the Millennium team are what ended up on the chopping block, but I can understand why that was done. For the most part, the book's all here, and that is a very good thing. My biggest problem with the film is actor Michael Nyqvist, who plays Mikael Blomkvist. For those of you who have read the book, you'll know Blomkvist is one of the most exciting, intelligent, charismatic characters- and he doesn't come across that way here. Nyqvist gives a bland, forgettable performance as Blomkvist, which really hurt the movie in my eyes. On the other hand, Noomi Rapace is excellent as Lisbeth Salander. Rapace really embodies this character, and I admit I loved seeing this character come to life on the big screen. She's easily the best part of the entire film.
Watching this movie made me even more excited for David Fincher's American version next year. With Daniel Craig as Blomkvist, it's easily one of my most anticipated films of 2011. While this version didn't hit a home run, it is still a very solid, enjoyable movie. The characters do occasionally speak quickly, so reading subtitles is a bit of a challenge, but it was worth it. I enjoyed this film, and I consider it a good movie and a good adaptation of the book. I would give this film a 7/10.
This got me thinking- what are the greatest movie adaptations of popular books? I believe you'd have to consider The Lord of the Rings at the top of that list. Going back in time, The Grapes of Wrath was a good adaptation. So was 2002's The Count of Monte Cristo (a very underrated film). I enjoyed 2009's The Road, but as Cormac McCarthy's book is one of my top 10 favorite books of all time, I was dismayed by one small change in that film that nearly ruined the whole thing for me.
What am I missing? I know there are dozens of great film adaptations out there. Until next time...
Forest Gump was originally a Book! Thats a good one. Not on the same level as ones pre mentioned but I love Devil Wears Prada which was a great book and movie. I hope they make more of the author's (Lauren Weisberger)books into movies!
ReplyDeleteI hate to be so populist, but one of the first which comes to mind is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I found the movie so compelling because it was a faithful adaption of a short story. It had - comparable to other movie adaptations - little to work with, but yielded excellent results.
ReplyDeleteGreat calls here. Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies of all time, and I'm not ashamed to admit the Devil Wears Prada was a great movie. Those are both excellent adaptations. I also agree that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was compelling. I actually thought it deserved to win Best Picture over Slumdog Millionaire. Great picks!
ReplyDeleteMy call: Shawshank Redemption, my number one perfect 10 movie. Also, I thought The Prestige was fantastic (movie should be watched prior to reading the novel).
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