This Is Nothing Like the Book…

“The movies didn’t change them a bit, son. They’re all right up there. Every word is the same as when I wrote them.” ~James M. Cain

There’s something precious about the book version of a story. Sure, authors release abridged, unabridged, audio and new editions, but for the most part they stay the same. That’s one of the reasons I have been so attracted to novel-writing. As much as I love screenwriting, I’m too much of a control freak and am still learning to LET GO of my words.

I have anticipated and avoided the release of World War Z, simply because the book is SO GOOD. I knew it couldn’t follow the same format or storyline, so I tried to prepare myself over the past couple weeks. I’m usually not one of those people, but this book provided such a fresh twist to the zombie category. I’m tired of seeing the same old story-lines and new iterations of 28 Days Later (not to confuse with 28 Days which I have flipped to only end up disappointed).

I decided to finally see the movie after reading Stephen King’s open letter to fans about the CBS television version of Under the Dome. I haven’t completed the novel yet, but caught the first episode and thought it was pretty intriguing.

Apparently his readers are/were upset which prompted him to pen a few words to them:

It’s best to think of that novel and what you’re seeing week-to-week on CBS as a case of fraternal twins. Both started in the same creative womb, but you will be able to tell them apart. Or, if you’re of a sci-fi bent, think of them as alternate versions of the same reality,” says King.

What an interesting way of putting it all into perspective.

With that, I sat back, knowing that World War Z would not be the story I was familiar with.

No, I didn’t get to see the lobo, the intriguing stories of survival from China to the Great American Plains or a deep dive into the social and economic impact of the zombie apocalypse, but overall the film kept me entertained and on edge.

Stephen’s right. If I REALLY want the World War Z I loved or to finally see the Under the Dome he created, I can always pull it off the virtual shelf of my Kindle and re-read.

What do you think? What adaptations made you go running back to the novel version? 

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