Don’t Judge A Book by its Movie

November 10, 2011

Argumentative Essay


Topic: Based-on-book Movies

Thesis Statement: Most people, especially book lovers, consider many based-on-books movies are disappointing and are not well representing the original story or idea conveyed by the books or the authors.

Outline
I.    Most people, especially book lovers, consider many based-on-books movies are disappointing and are not well representing the original story or idea conveyed by the books or the authors.
II.    Not all of people find that the famous, or infamous, based-on-book movies are as they expected from the book.
III.    There is a frequent tendency that based-on-book movies are extremely different from the book related to the idea.
IV.    Counterargument: Movie is interesting, which causes people refer to the book.
V.    Conclusion (refute the counterargument)

Don’t Judge A Book by its Movie

Do you find one thing in common when you are given with these kinds of titles: Harry Potter? Lord of the Rings? The Godfather? Da Vinci Code? Pride and Prejudice? And many more. Yes, they are the titles of movies! Some are box-office ones; some others are not gaining the same success. However, do you know that they have been adapted from books or novels? It means that there are people who have already known or even read them, those who already have had their own interpretation or imagination about the story. Most people, especially book lovers, consider many based-on-books movies are disappointing and are not well representing the original story or idea conveyed by the books or the authors.

Not all of people find that the famous, or infamous, based-on-book movies are as they expected from the book. There have been some great movies made from books that typically aggrieve the readers because they are not “just like the book.” Movies only give little to viewer’s imaginations. Conversely, when you read, you are crating your own creative sense or imagination on the story, the characters, the settings, or even some memorable moments or words. Sometimes the movie versions do not always get in the way you would want it. For example, most people consider Tom Hanks was not the proper portrayal of Robert Langdon in “Da Vinci Code” movie version.

There is also a frequent tendency that based-on-book movies are extremely different from the book related to the original idea. Sometimes the movie versions just do not adopt the author’s main point, just take it lightly, or even worse, ignore it due to the director’s own interpretation. In addition, we often see numbers of deletion if the material (s) in a book (that considered important by the readers) and adding new material (s) that not created by the author. To name some examples are the movie versions of “The Scarlet Letter” and “Lord of the Rings.” In the latter movie, the example is the important battle in the Shire at the end of the book was deleted in the movie, while new material was added like Saruman’s death by falling from the tower of Isengard.

Certain objections are, of course, considered that sometimes movie versions “are still better than the books.” The reason is because movie is easier due to its visual aids, especially for those who have not read or even not really prefer of reading. In fact, movie versions cause people referring to the books. There are people who do not feel like reading books and think movies can explain more and the viewer can get a better view (once again, due to the visual aid). Moreover, there is also a tendency that a book is becoming popular after its movie version released and gained success. Also, there are some exceptional directors who are able to make a book even a greater movie, and sometimes we can or have to let ourselves to watch the creation of someone else’s imagination.   

After all, to some, a movie is still better than a book, although it just that it is not the faithful interpretation of the book. Highly elaborate and sophisticated sets or visual effects may be wonderful, but they do not give loyal portrayal of your own interpretation. You may find yourself disappointed by the movie versions that do not live up your imagination. To sum up, there is no way a based-on-book movie can ever be good as your own imagination.





And here's what I got.