Got the sniffles

Book Vs. Movie, Women

I have always found the book to be more satisfying than the movie.  The book just allows, even encourages, one to picture the characters as he or she likes, thus leading to identification with the story.  My favorite book versus movie to debate is probably my very first experience with the disappointment involved when the movie does not live up to expectations: The Secret Garden.  Having received the book as a parting gift from my third grade teacher, it always held a special place in my heart; the copy I have, the one from 3rd grade, is battered and worn out, having been read many times.  Although the movie was/is good (let’s face it: I bought it on sale at Wal-Mart last year, and I was 23 years old), it cannot come anywhere near the vicinity of the joy and excitement I shared with Mary Lennox each and every time I read it.  I don’t quite understand why, as my character in childhood much resembled the outspoken “ballsiness” I exhibit today, but I always identified with Mary.  The movie made her get on my nerves, and she was my favorite literary heroine for years.  A film cannot properly contain all of the emotion one feels on the first, second, third, or even tenth reading of a favorite novel.  A camera is just not that capable.

 bookmovie

On the role of women and movies, I feel very strongly that motion pictures help perpetuate the classical role of women, as helpless beings that things “happen to.”  I feel like it is the fault of our, regrettably, still patriarchal, sexist society and film industry that women are still viewed as “too forward” if they take a proactive role in dating.  I hate that if I walk up to a guy and ask him to dance in a bar/club, he, and whoever I am with, regard me as too eager, as if I’m looking to get some.  On occasion I am, but usually, I just see someone who looks bored and I’d like that person to have as much fun as I am having.  That really bothers me, and film propagates that madness.