Books vs Films; A Matter of Priority (Or, Which Should I Do First?)

[slumber]

Right, so. The trailer for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is up. I'm not sure when it was shown where you guys are, but anyway, I've NOT read the book yet and now I want to. After Series of Unfortunate Events and Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl, I remembered wanting to read more of Roald Dahl. I often also read books before I see their film adaptations, but.

I'm not sure whether doing one thing or the other first takes away any sort of value from the other. I mean, film adaptations are usually crap, but aren't those only because the book captures a certain wholistic atmosphere that you can't always fit or display in any film's usual two-hour limit? Of course, if we read the books first, at least we're spared from spoilers that'll occur in the film, and they're usually more enjoyable to discover on paper, I've realised. But I don't know. Should I watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory first or should I read the book before anything else?


[Poll #520717]

NEIL GAIMAN is coming here on July 8-11, I'ma go see him on the tenth. 3pm. He's going to do a READING, and they're showing a fifteen-minute clip for Mirrormask, whose illustrated screenplay I have. *beams* I am fretting about which books to make him sign, and what books to purchase.

My reservation slip for Halfblood Prince is missing.

Speaking of which, Line is leaving for a few days. *willmissterribly*

Comments

[jimwise.livejournal.com]

Meh. I never read the book, so I'm not answering the poll.. but I do remember watching the older movie when I was younger. I loved it so much and I highly doubt I'll be watching this version.

Not to discourage you from watching this new movie. But I would say maybe read the book and/or watch the older movie. It's sooo good, and a classic. This version, while probably entertaining to most and especially to a younger crowd who has never seen the original movie, seems to be a lot.. weirder, at least from the trailor. Johnny Depp, while brilliant, seems to have taken a personal twist on Charlie. Not sure I like it.

[slumber.livejournal.com]

Ooohh, okay. I never saw the first film, though, so maybe it'll be different for me. :P

[sparklychibi.livejournal.com]

Er, sorry to jump in, but - Johnny Depp plays Wonka, and he's sort of like... well, it's like the book is the missing link between GeneWilder!Wonka and JohnnyDepp!Wonka. It's kind of like Wilder!Wonka was the mellow side of book!Wonka and Depp!Wonka is the ridiculous side. Er, sorry, this makes no sense. :P But it's true!