I don't think I have ever seen a movie that stuck so closely to the book events. I was amazed that only details were changed-- the paints as a birthday instead of a Christmas present or Dad working at a hardware store not in DC. Of course there were others, but the story remained quite true to the book.
The thing I found most interesting about the movie was how I responded to Leslie's death. I usually boo-hoo to movies AND books. When reading the book, I didn't get upset about Leslie's death until Jess accepted that it had really happened. At the time, I thought that the TV in the background or other things had kept my emotions from becoming involved. However, I had the same reaction to the movie. In the woods when he talked to him father, I teared up and felt the pull at my heart strings--not before. I interpret my reactions to mean that the writer/director has incredible power over me by the way the characters respond to situations. I know that I often get pulled in when reading or watching movies, but it has never been so clear to me how much I identify with the main characters. It amazes me how powerful words can be!!
For mass marketing, I understand why the time period was updated and special effects were used to make Terabithia, but I have mixed feelings about those decisions. In terms of the time period, I think the story was less believable as present day. Children today seem over-exposed to adult situations. I had a hard time believing that these children were so innocent and child-like as fifth graders. I can't imagine a single 5th grader I know having an imaginary world. My husband even leaned over during the movie and asked, "How old are these kids supposed to be?" But, I believed it when the setting was 25 years ago. I didn't mind the fantasy world of Terabithia though. As an adult reading the book, I had difficulty becoming absorbed into their play in Terabithia. With the visuals provided by the movie, I was able to enjoy that part of the storyline more. I thought the fantasy world was used judiciously. The movie still seemed grounded in the reality of Jess' life.
Overall, I enjoyed the movie but liked the book better.
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4 comments:
I agree with you about the innocence of the kids in the movie being unrealistic. I did not think about it until you mentioned it, but that was an aspect of the movie that was bothering me subconsciously. I too felt that the movie enabled me to enjoy the Terebithian world more. I'm glad you put words to something I could not!
I agree with you about the time period change being less believable. When I saw the older sisters in the movie, I instantly thought...those girls do not look like they need a hand out. The book portrayed the family to be in a much worse financial state. Where were the paper dolls from Leslie? Where the pink teenis shoes in the book?
I thought that given the rural setting of the novel and movie that it was plausible for children in 5th grade to be more innocent. I wonder sometimes if my views of what is "normal" for children isn't tainted by only experiencing school age children in urban environments.
I liked the movie better than the book because I felt like it had a depth and realism that the book did not.
I felt like the story was finally complete.
Suzanne-- You make a good point that perhaps children in more rural settings are more innocent. I had not given that any thought. I am certainly the product of an urban area and have only taught in one too.
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