Pride and Prejudice
discussion
Read the book first or watch the film first?
First read the book, i prefer the book over the film. The film is great for readers who haven't read the book or don't plan on reading the book but if you want to do both i would recommend to read the book first. As it is much better.
Chantal wrote: "First read the book, i prefer the book over the film. The film is great for readers who haven't read the book or don't plan on reading the book but if you want to do both i would recommend to read ..."Thanks Chantal. I also think so. I think the rule applies to other novels, right?
Yes it does, i have made the mistake in the past in watching a film and then reading a book when 9 out of ten times the book is so much better and it will keep you captivated for longer. Not knowing what will be on the next page is the best part in my opinion. By watching the film this is lost
I generally prefer to read the book first (and then be thoroughly disappointed with the movie), but not in this case. I was 15 the first time I read it (my choosing, not a school assignment) and I was having a tough time with it. Coincidentally, PBS began running an adaptation of the book when I was about 2 weeks into struggling through it. I watched the first 2 episodes, which got me over the rough patch I was stuck on, and finished the book within days after that. I probably would have given up on the book had I not been able to watch the miniseries concurrently.
BOOK FIRST. You will never form your own impression of the book if you watch the film first. You'll picture everything just as the movie director did, and not as you would on your own.
That said, some people need that framework of the movie or else they just won't get through the book. I think it really depends on the person, but as a general rule I'd say always read the book first, and if you find yourself getting "stuck" and just not getting it, maybe you should give a movie adaptation a try. Personally, I will ALWAYS read the book first. ;)
That said, some people need that framework of the movie or else they just won't get through the book. I think it really depends on the person, but as a general rule I'd say always read the book first, and if you find yourself getting "stuck" and just not getting it, maybe you should give a movie adaptation a try. Personally, I will ALWAYS read the book first. ;)
I saw the movie first. Not sure I would have enjoyed the book as much if I hadn't. Of course the book is better but sometimes one needs a running start so to speak. The BBC miniseries is better than the movie as well but now I like all three. The book has the fullest picture of all the characters and lets one interpret as one sees fit. But to fully understand it, one must bring more to the table as a reader which the movie and mini-series make plain.
The BBC series gives us more realistic characters than the shorter movie particularly Bingly's sisters. Also the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth seems more well motivated than in the shorter movie.
The 2005 movie makes Mr. Bennett a more charming character, Mrs. Bennett a more loveable flibbertygibbet than the somewhat trying woman from the BBC series, Catherine de Bourgh is also much more majestic. It also polishes most of the other minor characters a bit. characters a bit.
I think whenever possible you should try to read the book first. Sometimes, a book that is not really appropriate fo a certain age is actually okay in the movie format, so it just depends. And depends on reading ability of the person. Sometimes watching the movie first helps put the reading into context.
I've more or less followed the rule of reading the book first. I like doing that because one gets so much more out of the story, and you are able to imagine it in your own way instead of having the movie do that for you.
But, I have broken that rule, sometimes unwittingly. Like with The Princess Bride and Howl's Moving Castle, I didn't even know there were books until after I'd seen the movies. And I wouldn't have read or planned to read the books unless I had seen the films. Some of the best things about movies are that they may inspire you to read the books!
But, I have broken that rule, sometimes unwittingly. Like with The Princess Bride and Howl's Moving Castle, I didn't even know there were books until after I'd seen the movies. And I wouldn't have read or planned to read the books unless I had seen the films. Some of the best things about movies are that they may inspire you to read the books!
I have seen most book lovers trash movies based on books for such and such reasons. Personally I would read the book first. However, I do enjoy the movies too. They can be different experiences. I am intrigued to learn about this BBC series on Pride and Prejudice. Would definitely try to follow it online.
While I'd generally say that the original book is generally better than a movie adaptation, some movies are better than their books. There are Listopia lists for both categories that you should check out.
However in the case of Pride and Prejudice, you should check out the first part of the book (it's available on line) and decide which is better for you to do first based on your own experience. There is no great "reveal" that is ruined either way and the other will still be enjoyable.
In the case of this book, the 2005 movie adaptation and the BBC miniseries adaptation both interpreted parts of the story differently enough that one can sometimes tell from a poster's comments which they were exposed to first.
Depends, I'd say. I read Sense and Sensibility first, and I wished I'd watched the movie first because it was so powerful emotionally, I think it would have been even more so if I didn't already know what was going to happen. Opposite with Emma. I saw the movie first and wished I hadn't. I don't think I would have guessed who the hero was so quickly. The movie kind of gives it away. Or perhaps it's a case of the grass is always greener.... :)
I saw a movie version of Little Women and then read the book. Both were good but movie was more for a modern audience and left out a lot or combined things that happened at different times in the book. I like the book version more because you can hear Jo s thoughts and not have to leave that to the intrepretation of the actor. Also the book is (obviously) a better source of the authors true vision for the characters.
Most often—although not always—the book is better. That's because novels explore the inner lives of characters, whereas a film script depends entirely on what you can convey through words, actions, and expressions. Talented actors can supply a lot of what goes missing, but not everything. And no actor can compensate for Austen's astonishing ability to nail a character in three sentences.Pride and Prejudice is Austen at her best. I would read the novel first, then watch the BBC version with Colin Firth.
Sense and Sensibility is a tougher call. Ang Lee's film (Alan Rickman!) strips a lot of inessentials from the story and leaves most of the Austen gems intact. I could imagine watching it first. But I would definitely read the book, too.
Gwyneth Paltrow's Emma (and Clueless, which is the same story modernized) is better than the book, in my view. But maybe that's just me. I never have managed to finish Emma, despite numerous attempts.
For Pride and Prejudice, I saw the mini-series first. I read Sense and Sensibility and Emma before seeing the movies.
read the book first ........ so you can imagine the characters in your own mind ...
I actually watched Bride and Prejudice (the bollywood version...) first, since that came out when I was 13. I started reading the book for the first time the following day. I think that it did help me when I was reading the book, since I knew vaguely what was supposed to happen so it was easier to follow. I think that the only reason I made it through Les Mis was that I knew what was supposed to happen from watching the stage show!Now that I'm older, I frequently don't go to the cinema to see films because I want to read the book first (Hunger Games, Life of Pi, The Help). What I don't like is when people say that they won't read the book because they've seen the film...
I think it depends on the age of the reader. I was introduced to Pride and Prejudice by the Masterpiece Theatre version in the 1980's. I was 12 at the time, and then began reading the book, following up with Sense and Sensibility and Emma, of which there were no movies yet. It was a stretch for my 12-year-old vocabulary, but very good for me. I must say, though, that it's much more of a girl's book than a boy's. My son would NEVER read it.
Watch the BBC miniseries right away. Mr. Collins is the more detestable and vile than Darth Vader and Hanibal Lector combined. Jane Austin's books are always more than just a story, so watching the miniseries won't spoil the experience.
Read the book first, then watch the BBC series. In my teenage years me and my best friend became almost obsessed with Colin Firth because of the series.I also saw the movie with Keira Knightley but didn't like it. I felt they made Elizabeth look like a bit of an airhead who does nothing but giggle all the time.
I totally agree with An. The Keira Knightly version was too silly. Definitely read the book and watch the BBC movie/series. Love the book, but I have to say, Austen leaves out some important dialog when Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally get together. The movie series completes it nicely.
more better when you read it before. because sometimes detail from a novel cant showing in a movie.
Chantal wrote: "First read the book, i prefer the book over the film. The film is great for readers who haven't read the book or don't plan on reading the book but if you want to do both i would recommend to read ..."I agree, Chantal. The book is usually always better than the movie. Rarely do I think the movie was better; usually I don't even like the movie. Definitely, the book first!
Definitely read the story first!!!
I think this is a tough one. I think people have a tendency to not read the book after they have seen the movie. But, I think I can enjoy the movie better if I read the book afterward. But, of course, the book is always better, so if you read the book first, there is bound to be something you don't like about the movie.
An wrote: "Read the book first, then watch the BBC series. In my teenage years me and my best friend became almost obsessed with Colin Firth because of the series.I also saw the movie with Keira Knightley b..."
How did you limit your Colin Firth obsession to your teen years? lol
Barbara wrote: "How did you limit your Colin Firth obsession to your teen years? lol "The official line is that I grew out of it. In reality I still start grinning every time I see him in a movie :)
This discussion makes me wonder: should I watch the series/read the book again or would that spoil the fond memories I have of it?
I always prefer to read the book first.
Normally I would advise to read the book first, but with P&P, it was the other way round for me. I had absolutely no interest in reading the book until after I watched the movie version with Sir Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson. I couldn't believe this funnny movie was adapted from that stodgy old book you had to read in year 12 ... And it inspired me to not only read P&P but all the other Auten novels as well.
The book always first, or you can be influenced by the movie and you can't appreciate the book in his essence.
Our answers seem to be almost unanimous! That is why we are all book addicts...and not movie addicts....haha
I agree with Kathy.No movie can touch the book.
Shelley, Rain: A Dust Bowl Story
http://dustbowlpoetry.wordpress.com
The book first of course. But when my daughter wanted to try Jane Austen for the first time (she choose Emma) I ordered the version from the BBC which follows the novel exactly. Then she would read some and then watch to make sure she was understanding along the way. It helped her bridge over to some classic literature.
Shelley wrote: "I agree with Kathy.No movie can touch the book.
Shelley, Rain: A Dust Bowl Story
http://dustbowlpoetry.wordpress.com"
Shelley I checked out your website, you have a beautiful way with words...very romantic!
I would most definately read the book first! Hands down! But then again I always recommend reading the book FIRST!
I once liked the 2005 movie very much but, realized it’s indeed not so faithful to the book as I keep reading.While Jennifer Ehle is NOT tolerable, not handsome enough to tempt me.
Really disappointed...
Do you like Jennifer Ehle version's Elizabeth???
I have to say I read the book at the age of 14 (I think) and then later watched most of the movie/TV adaptations. Even though the 1940's one is my favourite, none of them actually is better than the one that was playing on my 14 year old head as I read it for the first time
I read the book first and I loved reading it. Then I seen the movie the recent one, and prefer the book. Sometimes its great to make books into movies and I loved that they re did this one, I enjoyed the movie, but the book will always surpass the movie in my opinion.
Definitely have to read the book before seeing the movie. For some reason, it just doesn't work the other way around. Plus, the movie is never as good as the book!
The book firstI didn't care for the movie, I loved the miniseries
Read the book, watch the bbc series and burn the 2005 movie.
Agree, we'd better read the book first!And can anybody comment if you like Jennifer Ehle's version Elizabeth? Why?
God, I really don't like this Elizabeth!
Pepita, I couldn't have said it better myself. The book is a classic for a reason and the BBC miniseries followed the book to the letter. Read the book, watch the BBC miniseries and don't watch either movie.
Read the book first, always.
I read the book first. Then I watched the adaptations, from the 1940 film with Greer Garson and using costumes of the US Civil War and 1940s makeup and hairstyles (too much a departure from the book and I didn't like the switch away from Regency era), the 1980 PBS series (I felt the actors overacted but it was okay), the BBC series (love it) and the 2005 movie (nope).
From the clips I've seen, it looks like the 1940 version is trying to be Gone with the Wind.
I always prefer to see the movie first. Because if I love the book, then see the movie, I'll probably not like the movie. But if I see the movie and like it, then I will probably love the book even more, since the book is usually better.I'm not sure I would have gotten into reading Jane Austin if not for the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice with Collin Firth(he IS Mr. Darcy). Now when I read the book, these are the people I see in my head!
I dislike the 1940's version, hate maybe a better word. The clothing is all wrong, and too much of the plot was changed, can't take it.
Books are almost always better than their movie adaptations. I have, however become interested in a book AFTER seeing a movie and still enjoyed both. I loved Pride and Prejudice long before I saw the movies and though the BBC version and the Keira Knightly version were both good, Colin Firth will forever be my image of Darcy.
C.P. wrote: "Most often—although not always—the book is better. That's because novels explore the inner lives of characters, whereas a film script depends entirely on what you can convey through words, actions,..."I agree, that most often the book is better because it delves into the characters' lives so much more than the time allowed in a film. That said, films can be wonderful interpretations. I think Emma Thompson and Ang Lee did a fabulous job with Sense and Sensibility, which I believe is Austin's weakest book.
I read all Austin's novels in one stretch before the television series, before the movies (except the 1940 film which I don't recommend). I'm glad I did. The books are classics. The best lines from the films and series are straight from the novels.
So I'd recommend reading the book first, and then watching the excellent BBC miniseries, and then watching the 2005 movie with the understanding that, as usual in film adaptions, there will be changes. However, I found the film as faithful as a film could be and enjoyed it very much.
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My son couldn't wait but watched the film after he just read several chapters of P&P...