Sunday, January 13, 2008

Ok, Ok, Something new...


It's just that there isn't much to write about these days. After La Befana the days are pretty boring. This week we have the Focara at Novoli but I went last year and it wasn't that great. Check out January of last year for that review.

One thing about this weekend is I did finally see "Il Padrino" (The Godfather). Yes all this time I had never seen the movie. I figured I really should and then my sister gave me the book for Christmas last year(well technically 2007 is last year). I read through it quickly as I really got into the characters so the next step was to see the movie. Is it just me or does it seem like every time you read a book and then see the movie you're disappointed? The book gives you so much more. Did the movie even mention Rocco Lampone by name? I think the only time I've been satisfied with a movie after the book is the Lord of the Rings. I can see why the movie was such a hit but I still didn't get the same feeling of tension like I did in the book.

4 comments:

Roam2Rome said...

Reeaally, Jeff? You actually hadn't seen the movie? Guuuau. Well, since you read the book, then that's actually... better.

One of my good friends who actually read the book before seeing Lord of the Rings was disappointed with the movie. She said it didn't meet up to her imagination (ah, that's the thing about books!). Like the trees. She expected the walking trees to be bigger.

Jeff Gromen said...

Yes I hadn't seen it but I could only admit that after I had remedied the situation.

I'll admit that the Ents didn't live up to my expectations either and the movie cut out some of their story. I liked seeing the scenery of New Zealand. In some cases it was better than my imagination!!!

Jeff

Dana said...

Not to rush you, but if you get a chance, watch the 2nd Godfather movie - the best of the three in my opinion. The third is terrible.

To answer your question, no, I don't think that a movie could ever live up to the book it was based on. There are so many nuances and layers to a book that can't be captured on film.

I loved the Lord of the Rings books and thought the movies were fantastic, but also went in knowing there was no possible way it could be completely captured. Peter Jackson is signed on to executive produce The Hobbit, and it's going to be two films, so maybe someone can finally get close to doing it justice. :)

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

Jeff, I read the book The Godfather in the winter of 2003 and then saw all three movies sometime thereafter for the first time--and I'm completely with you. I really wanted that book to continue. I enjoyed the movies too (all of them, the third probably because of Andy Garcia :)) but I really have to force myself to look at books and movies from books as two separate entities.

My best example is Chocolat--the movie is probably actually decent for those who haven't read the book, but the book is *fabulous* and so rich and full and one of my favorites.

And ahem, I haven't seen *or* read Lord of the Rings. I know. Blasphemy ;)