July Book to Film Club Book Selection: The Help

July 2011 Book: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Set in Mississippi during the early 1960s the centred on unlikely friendships and courageous women. The film stars Emma Stone (Paper Man), Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, Directed by Tate Taylor (Pretty Ugly People).
Film Release Date: August 12, 2011 (see trailer here)

This one I found has been wildly popular and I put my library hold request in early (it had over 900 hold requests in Toronto!) and just recently got it. Even with moving around the corner I think I'll make it through as I'll have some in transit time which I find tends to be a great time to get some reading done. Besides, after getting through On the Road - I feel like I could get through just about anything! The Help is a bit of a different pick than what I normally read, but I have dipped in a bit and am enjoying it so far.

I hope you will join us in reading The Help this month!

You can join the Book to Film Club at any time. Sign up for updates here.

Book to Film Club June 2011 Book: On the Road by Jack Kerouac

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

The classic road trip novel of the Beat Generation which is also apparently largely autobiographical. I think this really will be the most guy-ish of the year and easily just 'one of those you have to read' types of book. It was my most hesitant choice for the club but curiosity as well as being such a well-known and well-loved title made it make the cut in the end. Personally, it's my least fave of the Book to Film Club, but I don't want to rain of the parade of those who enjoyed it so I'll keep my opinions separate (you can read my review of the book here).

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• What did you think about the writing style?
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Is there anything you would change about the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?

About the upcoming film adaptation:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film (Sam Riley as Sal, Garrett Hedlund as Dean)?
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same stories, places and moments, or did it shift?

If you choose to shelf this out one:

• Was there a barrier (genre, focus, reception) ?
• Have you already read it?
• Would you consider trying it later?
• Will you join us again in July for The Help?
  

Reviews by Book to Film Clubbers:
Shannon

Film Adaptation
Film version stars Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn) as Sal, Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy, Country Strong) as Dean, Kristen Stewart (Twilight, Adventureland) as Marylou and Kirsten Dunst (Bring it On, Interview with the Vampire) as Camille; directed by Walter Salles (The Motorcycle Diaries, Central Station). Specific release date is still to be confirmed, but it still is listed at 2011. I'll be keeping tabs on it for the Book to Film Club and certainly will share when a confirmed release date has been announced.

We are half way through the year in the Book to Film Club, but you can join our journey at any time. Sign up for updates here.

On the Road (Book Review)

Book: On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Reason to Read: June Book Selection for the Book to Film Club, and just 'one of those' that is on many to-read lists.

On the Road was a huge challenge to get through, and if it wasn't for the Book to Film Club I would have stopped reading it pretty soon after starting. I will admit that at about the half way point I sped-read the remaining half, which didn't feel all that different from the first half. I sense that it must be very much 'of it's time' and represent ideas and experience that people may want to have, but it just didn't do anything for me.

The book follows Sal and his friend Dean in the 1940's who have several cross country adventures (and misadventures) around the US. Sal is the protagonist, but it feels like he always puts himself in the shadow of Dean, and in a way I always felt the book put itself in the shadow of something else. The focus and energy is almost about what they could be doing or would be doing, and rarely enjoyed what they were actually doing. They seemed to want crazy experiences, but then when they had them never seemed to be happy - at least Sal, as the book is from his perspective. I also felt like they were presented as friends, but they weren't really even nice to each other. It was all about chasing the dream, and I prefer stories about living the dream.

Oddly, the book was pretty much as I expected. I had hoped to connect to it more but in all honestly it's not a book for me - I'm sure I'm not the target market and I doubt any woman is. It's easily the most male of the titles on the Book to Film Club and although I always try to see things from different perspectives and I find reading is a great way to understand different people and different points of view, but in this I couldn't find any way to relate and eventually became disinterested.

I will give it that the casting for the film is absolutely perfect with Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn) as Sal and Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy, Country Strong) as Dean. No real comment to the casting of the women in the film, although I like both Kristen Stewart and Kirsten Dunst but the women characters seemed so undimensional I could barely tell one from another. The film version is directed by Walter Salles (The Motorcycle Diaries, Central Station) and a specific release date is still to be confirmed, but it still is listed at 2011. I'll keep you up to date when we get confirmation of a release date and I'll certainly see it being the completist that I am and loving the cast, but that's the draw for me over the subject or story.

One Day (Book Review)

Book: One Day by David Nicholls

Reason to Read: May Book Selection for the Book to Film Club, and one of the most recently released books in the book club as it came out in June 2009.

One Day by David Nicholls, our May selection for the 2011 Book to Film Club and the only book that I hadn't even heard about back in January when this journey started. I hadn't quite decided for the last selection so asked on Twitter for recommendations and this one shot to the top of the list (Something Borrowed was a close second). I'm very, very thankful for the recommend as I absolutely loved the book and had never heard of it before that Twitter request. Don't you love social media?

One Day follows Emma and Dexter, on the same day for many years. Honestly that hook hooked me deep and I didn't really need any more selling to want to read it. But to throw some cherries on tip, it will star Anne Hathaway (Devil Wears Prada, Rachel Getting Married) and Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, Heartless) as Emma & Dexter and will directed by Lone Scherfig (An Education). I feel like we are in very good hands for the adaptation.

I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. Even though I only finished the book a few short days ago I still fully fell immersed in the lives of Emma and Dexter, and I felt this way every time I put the book down until I picked it up again - even if a week passed by. What would happens next, where would the emotions turn, how would their lives change, or stay the same. I remember the smallest things from places they lived or worked to of course the bigger moments. I often read it while I was on public transit, and more than once had to stifle a laugh and almost always had a smile on my face. If I'm making it sound purely like sunshine and rainbows, it certainly isn't as there are many hardships and strong emotions but I always connected to the emotional realness of their relationship. I also adored how the book easily transitioned the point of view from character to character although it did take a bit of getting used to, including sometimes wanting to jump ahead to see who was thinking, writing or talking. As the book wore on it was easier to know who it was because of how well the characters are developed.

I'm really excited about the casting of the film, I think Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess are going to be absolutely perfect! The only thing I wonder is if Anne Hathaway will have do an accent, which I'm not a stickler for in general but I think it is important to her character and would be weird if they changed it. I'm curious to what kind of storytelling style they will use for the film, especially in terms of transitioning from year to year and I really hope they get the clothes and 'cool factor' right and I really hope they keep the life trajectories consistent with the book.

Overall, I found it riveting, engaging and emotional ride from start to finish. Even though I could have read it faster, and always wanted to know what happened next, it was one of those books where I could sit contently after a chapter and reveal in the deliciousness of the banter, the joys & the horrors and above all the realness of the characters and their emotions. I highly recommend checking it out.

Film Adaptation
Current release date for the film is August 19, 2011. It was previously scheduled for July 8, 2011, although readers will know the best day would have been July 15, 2011 but then again that would have it going against the juggernaut that is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and well, that's not a good idea for any film. We can always watch it year and year again on July 15th is we so wish. And if we like it! Here's hoping!

The 2011 Book to Film Club is open year round, you can hop on the fun train at any time! Sign up for updates here.

Book to Film Club May 2011: One Day by David Nicholls

It's almost the end of the month, how has your reading been going? Our May Reading Selection is One Day by David Nicholls and I hope you have been enjoying it. I just finished it on Friday and found it engaging and emotional from start to finish.

One Day by David Nicholls
The book follows 2 people on the same day every year.

Here are some questions to consider about the reading experience. Feel free to write a review, journal about them or voice them in any way that feels right.

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• Did you enjoy the format?
• What did you think about the writing style?
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Is there anything you would change about the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?

About the upcoming film adaptation:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film (Anne Hathaway as Emma and Jim Sturgess as Dexter)?
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

If you choose to shelf this out one:

• Was there a barrier (genre, focus, reception) ?
• Would you consider trying it later?
• Have you already read it?
• Will you join us again in June for On the Road? (I hope you will!)

Book reviews from Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Norlinda

Film Adaptation
The film version of One Day will star Anne Hathaway (Devil Wears Prada, Rachel Getting Married) and Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, Heartless), directed by Lone Scherfig (An Education) and although the original release date as will be released on July 8 (and it really, really should have been July 15 and is only understandable in the context that it's the release date of the final Harry Potter aka 7.2 film), it looks like it will be out on August 19, 2011. Sigh. I don't want to have to wait that long! You can check out the trailer for the film if you need a morsel of what we have to look forward to.
Film Release date: August 19, 2011

If you haven't yet joined the Book to Film Club, you can hop on the fun train at any time! Sign up for updates here.

2011 Book to Film Club: Summer Reading Selections

Even though I'm not finished One Day yet (and I'm loving every moment of reading it), I couldn't hold back any longer what our next set of books will be for the Book to Film Club. Summer is definitely a season where it's nice to chill out with a good book, and I hope these provide you with some awesome reading memories this year. If you haven't joined yet, you still can! Sign up for email updates for the club here.

Without further adieu... Summer 2011 Book to Film Books:

June 2011 Book: On the Road by Jack Kerouac
The classic road trip novel of the Beat Generation and apparently largely autobiographical. I have a feeling this one will be the most guy-ish of the year and easily just 'one of those you have to read' types of book. I think I'm the most hesitant on this one of all the choices, but curiosity on such well-known and well-loved titles often gets me in the end. Film version stars Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn), Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy, Country Strong) and Kristen Stewart (Twilight, Adventureland); directed by Walter Salles (The Motorcycle Diaries, Central Station).

July 2011 Book: The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Set in Mississippi during the early 1960s the centred on unlikely friendships and courageous women. This one I found has been wildly popular and if you get your books from the library I'd recommend requested it soon (I'm talking holds in the 900 range here in the T-dot). The film Stars Emma Stone (Paper Man), Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, Directed by Tate Taylor (Pretty Ugly People).
Film Release Date: August 12, 2011 (see trailer here)

August 2011 Book: The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
All for one, one for all! Classic adventure tale that has seen many, many adaptations - but I'm sure this one will be the first one in 3D! The book is easily the largest and most dense of the year, so if you think you might need a bit of a head start - go right ahead! The film will star Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief), Matthew Macfadyen, Mads Mikkelsen (After the Wedding / Efter brylluppet, Valhalla Rising), Ray Stevenson (King Arthur, Kill the Irishman), Milla Jovovich (Fifth Element, Resident Evil), Christoph Watlz (Water for Elephants) and Orlando Bloom, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Death Race (2008), AVP: Alien vs Predator).
Film Release Date October 14, 2011 (see trailer here)

I think I'm most looking forward to The Three Musketeers, although every time I mention it to someone they ask if I've read any Dumas before and when I say no, there is a bit of a weighted pause. I guess he's pretty heavy with the text? Ah, only time will tell and I have a bit before I get to that one! What are you most looking forward to of the summer set?

Happy Reading!

Shannon

Bel Ami (Book Review)

Book: French novel Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant

Reason to Read: April Book Selection for the Book to Film Club, and the first translated book of the book club.

I was a little skeptical diving into Bel Ami, another period selection for the Book to Film Club set in 1885 and following a character pretty much described as a scoundrel. Who knew I would end up loving it. I loved that even though I had no sense of the time or place going into the book, I really felt like I could imagine being there, in Paris in 1880 and what it would have been like there in the excitement of the time as well as the challenges. I think that's really want got me into the book is that we start off with George Duroy at a time of great challenge and not much opportunity, and his knowing specificity of exactly how much will get him how far and for how long.

It's and odd thing that it's the specificity and exactness was what sucked me into the book, especially considering it's often described about the tale of a scoundrel and about a man who was with a lot of women, and although I can see that's what people could take from it, it's not really what I took. I took in the essence of the time, the resourcefulness of the character, and the fascinating and varying night life and social events. Where everything was about something of importance, but also felt like it meant nothing at all. It's the story of George Duroy and like Jane Eyre from earlier in this years book club feels like a fictional biography, as it follows a persons life in such detail that it does feel like you are almost reading their diary of thoughts. We are privy to Georges actions and choices, whether we agree with them or not, and because we've been with him the whole time we know and understand the history behind them. It's quite wild from that perspective and although he's not the most likeable character, I didn't actually find him unlikable. He had limited choices and made the best with the offers that came up, so much so that that seem to become habit and would continue to do so even if he didn't need to. He also had quite the way with the ladies, and this habit was very often put to into action here.

I found the book to be way more accessible than I expected from a translated-to-English and older book (1885), and I only occasionally needed to check the explanatory knows (woohoo putting that 12 years of French classes to work!). I also ended up liking the book and the character of George more than I expected, especially because of the charm and spirit of the time it was set in.

I'm very curious about the adaptation, especially as we still don't know when it will be released. I'm very curious about Robert Pattinson as George and a little worried as the role needs not only charisma (check!), starting off on not solid footing (check!) but also lots or romancing (likely fine), but also quite the journey and development of character over time (eep..that's where I'm worried). Although I didn't love him in Water for Elephants, I still still hold true that his performances in both Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Little Ashes were great, so I'm hoping we get a little more edge in the mix. As for the remaining character I'm over the moon thrilled to see Philip Glenister as Forestier because I adored him as Gene Hunt in "Life on Mars". As for the ladies - I hate to say it but I could barely keep all of them straight in the book so I'll be happy to see them in the film so I can figure out who the heck was who! Great line up of talent including Christina Ricci, Kristin Scott Thomas, Uma Thurman, Holliday Grainger and Natalia Tena.

Sadly, still no official film site, no trailer and no official stills (although this image just popped up), but I'm still hopeful that it will come out in 2011.

Water for Elephants

Dir: Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend)
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, Hal Holbrook, Paul Schneider
USA, 2011

Seen: April 29, 2011 at the Varsity VIP with my sister Jamie

Reason to see: It's the April Film Selection for the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club and my list of Most Anticipated Films of 2011 (#7).

Well, where to start. I was oddly looking forward to seeing Water for Elephants even more after reading and not super loving the book. I still thought the trailer looked amazing, I thought the casting would be good and that the film had great promise of wonder, beauty and lots of awesome animals. There were hints at all of these things, but not as many as I had hoped.

Water for Elephants is set during The Depression and follows the inadvertent adventures of Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student who runs away with the circus. Hard life and hard times are all around, as are sparkles, acrobats and of course animals. One of my biggest challenges with the book was not connecting to Jacob because he was so male and with him being so young it has a coming of age energy to it. In the film version Jacob is played by Robert Pattinson (Twilight), and the character is a lot more wide eyed and wondrous, perhaps as we see him in action as oppose to hear his thoughts but there is a certain desperate thirst for life that I felt was missing. And I totally didn't expect to miss that, because it's something that almost annoyed me in the book.

The more I thought about it, there were lots of things that I missed from the book that aren't in the film, mostly surrounding every day circus life and the class system that forms the structure of who can talk to who, and who does what. This is almost completely glazed over and the film focuses very strongly on the friendship that Jacob makes with ringmaster August (Christoph Waltz) and his wife Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), who are the top of the food chain in this particular circus. I could feel that the emotional core of the film was to be centred here, but I just wasn't feeling it. Christoph Waltz has a few really great moments, but the character of August is changed a fair bit from the book and I found him very hard to connect with. Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon were good in their roles, but I had really expected a lot more. Who did blow me away was Hal Holbrook, whom I instantly had a connection to the few times he's on screen. Instantly and powerfully. We are talking tears-powerful. But the other parts of the film just left me cold, I felt like we didn't have enough contrast to work off of. It's set during The Depression but we see people being pretty & glamourous way more than dirty and hungry. Not that I like that, but you need it to feel drive to succeed and/or survive, and I just wasn't feeling it.

I did enjoy the representation of the period, in particular the costumes were really great and felt very authentic. I also really liked the animals in the film, although I really wished we had seen them more and had seen all of the ones that were important in the film. I wonder if there were limitations with comfort levels with the actors, because if really felt like it was them with the real animals, which I really appreciate seeing but I still wanted more. More in quantity and in depth, and that is likely because the animals were my favourite part of the book as I connected to them way more than the human characters.

In terms of an adaptation, it's the actually the least of the Book to Film Club films where I think you need to read the book. The narrative is very clear, and a lot of the little moments that would make faithful readers go 'aw!' weren't carried over into the film. There were certainly some changes made to character histories and even some actions that I didn't like, and am still pondering. This is an adaptation that if someone asked me know, I'd recommend watching the film first and if they liked it *then* go and read the book as it adds more and you won't feel like you are missing out while watching the film.

Warnings: Animal distress

Shannon's Overall View:
I didn't love it
I'll watch it again - and likely buy it
I'd recommend it to fans of the book and/or American period pieces

Also see: Most Anticipated Films of 2011, 2011 Book to Film Club and All Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

Book to Film Club April 2011: Bel Ami (Book)

The Book to Film Club book selection for April was the French novel Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant. The book is set in 1885 France and follows the character George Duroy, and is the first book in the book club that is a translation. I found that I enjoyed it much more than I expected! I enjoyed the time period but still found the language very accessible. Have you finished it yet? Did you review it? Here are some questions to ponder when thinking about the book and the upcoming film adaptation. As always, feel free to review it and if you comment or send me the link I'll add it to the list, or you can always journal your thought as well.

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• Did you enjoy the setting?
• How was it reading a translation? Or did you brave reading it in the original French?
• Why do you think this book has stayed with us for over 100 years?
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?

About the upcoming film adaptations:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film (see Wikipedia for descriptive cast & character list)?
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

Book reviews from Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Norlinda
  

Film Adaptation
Bel Ami will star Robert Pattinson in the lead role of George Duroy, and has a long list of ladies among the cast including: Christina Ricci, Kristin Scott Thomas, Uma Thurman, Holliday Grainger and Natalia Tena. More casting includes Colm Meaney, James Lance and Philip Glenister and the film is directed by Declan Donnellan & Nick Ormerod and is their feature film directorial debut. The film is currently in post production but unfortunately we don't have a release date for the adaptation (although it still is noted as May 12, 2011 on Wikipedia), there is no official film site, no trailer and no official stills. I'm still hopeful that it will come out in 2011, let's all keep our fingers crossed!

Book to Film Club April 2011 Film: Water for Elephants

Water For Elephants, our March book and April film selection for the Book to Film Club came this weekend. Have you had a chance to check it out yet? I'm really looking forward to seeing it and planning to very soon, I'm so curious about how the casting plays out and I'm actually quite looking forward to seeing the animals. I'm also very curious to see how faithful an adaptation it is. We will know soon! The film adaptation stars Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, James Frain, Hal Holbrook and Paul Schneider, directed by Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend). I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts!

Here are some things to ponder when thinking, writing and/or journaling about the film:

• Did you enjoy the film?
• Was the film what you expected from reading the book?
• How did you feel about the tone of the film?
• Did you feel that the captured the time period well?
• How did you feel about the casting? Were the characters what you expected?
• Were there characters, moments or ideas you liked better in the book? If so, what were they?
• What was your favourite thing about the book?
• Were there characters, moments or ideas you liked better in the film? If so, what were they?
• What was your favourite thing about the film?
• Was there anything you understood more after seeing the film?
• Was there anything you felt was missing from the film?
• Did the film capture the spirit of the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Who would you recommend the film too?
• Are you happy you read the book before seeing the film?
• Would you recommend people read the book before seeing the film?
• What was the impact of reading the book before seeing the film?

If you don't have a site of your own, you can always start a blog or posterous site or share your thoughts and connect though Good Reads (feel free to friend me on Good Reads here).

Water for Elephants Film Reviews by Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Norlinda
  

2011 Book to Film Club Final Selection: One Day

Our final book has been chosen for the 2011 Book to Film Club: One Day by David Nicholls

This one really looks amazing, and I've heard great things from people who are reading it. It follows 2 people who reconnect on same day for 20 year. Film version stars Anne Hathaway (Devil Wears Prada, Rachel Getting Married) and Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, Heartless), directed by Lone Scherfig (An Education). Sounds like a recipe for a beautiful book to film experience.

We'll be reading One Day in May 2011, and the film will be released July 8, 2011 making it perfect as the July 2011 film selection.

If you haven't yet joined the Book to Film Club, you can hop on the fun train at any time! Sign up for updates here.

Water for Elephants (Book Review)

Book: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Reason to Read: March Book Selection for the Book to Film Club, and I've only heard good things about it.

Wow. Where to start. I guess firstly I found Water For Elephants more than a little surprizing in terms of my reaction to the book. After all the love I've heard for it and reading several rave reviews, I was off to a very rocky start as I initially did not connect to the characters, story or setting. In fact, if it wasn't for the book club I would have actually put the book down after only reading a few chapters and gone onto the next book on my list. But, that wouldn't be setting the best example, so I kept on trudging though and eventually did start to make a connection, albeit never super strong.

I'll give it that it was a swift read and I enjoyed the circus setting, and did eventually start to warm over to the characters but had trouble connecting with the protagonist Jacob as he's well... so male. I guess I've really been reading books with female protagonists because I found this quite the change of pace and I was pretty impatient with Jacob, which feels pretty mean considering he starts off the journey with pretty devastating circumstances. And that was hard too, the setting and time period are during challenging times where everyone is really struggling and have very limited choices, which can lead to desperate acts, actions and reactions. I'm not a fan of that.

So, it certainly wasn't what I was expected. It reminded me of when people call something 'inspiring' but when I see it, it feels like the majority of it is bleak and then the inspiring part is because of the high contrast. I did absolutely adore a lot of the animal focus though, without that I'd have had a lot of trouble making in through.

I think the casting in the film is absolutely perfect though. Robert Pattinson (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse) as Jacob is a great fit, as are Reese Witherspoon as Marlena and Christoph Waltz as August. From the trailer I can say I'm totally loving the whimsical and slightly magical tone to the film, and the period feels like it's been captured with both quaintness and weariness that feel authentic and glamorous. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence, and I absolute loved the art direction an styling of Constantine, so with that in mind and the beauty of the trailer I have a feeling that I'll be captivated by the film, likely more so than the book.

Water for Elephants is our April Film selection for the Book to Film Club. The film will be released Friday April 22, 2011. See film review of Water for Elephants here.

Book to Film Club March 2011: Water for Elephants (Book)

The Book to Film Club book selection for March was the novel Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, which follows a veterinary student who runs away with the travelling circus as their vet. I had heard a lot of love for this book before diving been, so it surprized me that I didn't latch on to it right away. How about you? Did you connect to it right away or did it take a bit? Or, have you even finished it yet? If so, have you reviewed it? Here are some questions to ponder when thinking about the book and the upcoming film adaptation. Feel free to review it and if you comment or send me the link I'll add it to the list, or you can always journal your thought as well.

Things to ponder on the book:
Did you enjoy reading it?
Was it what you were expecting?
What did you know about the book before reading it?
What did you take away from reading the book?
Who would you recommend the book to?

If this was a re-read:
How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
Did you notice anything different this time round?
Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

About the upcoming film adaptations:
How do you feel about the casting of the film?
What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

Water for Elephants Book Reviews by Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Norlinda
  

Water for Elephants will be out April Film Selection for the Book to Film Club. Follows a veterinary student who runs away with the traveling circus as their vet. The Film adaptation stars Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, James Frain, Hal Holbrook and Paul Schneider, directed by Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend). The film comes out April 22, 2011 and you can see the trailer below. I love the tone captured in the trailer, even thought it's completely a different vibe I got from the book. Really looking forward to seeing the film.

Jane Eyre (2011)

Dir: Cary Fukunaga (Sin nombre)
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins, Valentina Cervi
UK, 2011

Seen: March 18, 2011 at the Varsity

Reason to see: It's the March Film Selection for the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club

It feels odd to say this, but Jane Eyre one probably the book to film adaptation that I was most hesitant about for the Book to Film Club, because I hadn't read the novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë before this year and the number of historically set films based on books that I've enjoyed is, well, limited at best. But things were looking up as I absolutely adored the book, and hopefully but cautious about the film. I didn't watch any of the trailers and had seen just a few posters and images which seemed to aptly capture the tone and period as well as showing the cast looking striking.

I also had several hesitations going into the film, because it's such a great story and the character of Jane Eyre is truly wonderful in so many ways that you really want the film to capture her and her story just right. And it really is her story, I would have been miffed if they shifted that focus at all but thankfully it's true to the book in that sense and keeps it very much her story. Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland (2010), The Kids Are All Right) does a great job of bringing Jane to life, from her frankness to her realism and also her strong sense of right & wrong at all times. I found that her strength of character was aptly depicted, especially how she is an active decision maker regardless of the trying circumstances she may be in, but I do wish they had also showcased her intelligence as much as her emotional strength, because it's such an essential part of the character. It's still there, but not as present as I had wished and that could be from particular scenes and moment from the book that resonated particularly strongly with me.

It's a huge undertaking to adapt a book like this, and there are several moments especially in her earlier life I wish we had seen, but I'm not overly surprized that they choose to focus on her days at Thornfield and the relationships with Rochester as well as St. John. I have to say that the casting in the film is fantastic, when I heard that Michael Fassbender (Fish Tank) would be playing Rochester I knew we were in for a treat and he's absolutely perfect. Jamie Bell (Billy Elliott, The Eagle) is also great as St. John, although they downplayed the religious nature of his character which was quite a surprize. There were several changes and choices that I was surprized at, and actually didn't love, although they often felt like choices that would make the story feel more accessible for current day audiences but I would have preferred them to be true to the book. There were lots of things that I resonated more with the story while watching it as a film over reading though, namely the character of Mrs. Fairfax, played by Judi Dench and the vastness of Thornfield and surrounding countryside which made it feel like nothing at all could be nearby and thereby making the world feel spectacularly enormous. They also highlighted a repeated sense of the slightly supernatural, hints of which I must have totally missed while reading!

I feel like I'm harping on the little things here and there, but that's because each and every other moment was amazing. The tone and pace was just right. The characters & relationships were complicated and true. And Jane Eyre was Jane Eyre, a hold strong, fantastic woman who is aspiring, inspiring and true. I'm so glad I read the book first, and would highly recommend people do the same but even so Jane Eyre (2011) is a very powerful, magnificent film.

Shannon's Overall View:
I really enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I strongly recommend it, especially for those who enjoy period pieces and/or films with female protagonists

Also see: 2011 Book to Film Club, 2011 Book to Film Adaptations and All Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

Jane Eyre (Book Review)

Book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Reason to Read: February book selection for the Book to Film Club and it's 'one of those books you just have to read'.

I normally start a review with a contextual piece, but with Jane Eyre I'm at a bit of a loss. Part of this is because I had almost no points of reference for the book before reading it beyond specific women in my life who had read, and loved, the book. If this book was a film (and yes, it is being adapted which is the reason I read it), I would align it to a genre, but books run a bit different in that contest. Drama would be where I'd place it, or with the feel of a fictional biography that now feels historically set, but was current of the time. Oh - and it was according to Wikipedia, originally noted as a biography under a pen name.

What really struck me about the book was that I never knew where it was going, which is bizarre for such a fame and acclaimed book. But I loved that. I loved it! Afterwards I turned over the book and was really happy that I hadn't read the back, because it would have skewed the focus for me while reading. Not knowing where it was going, meant that as a reader I could decide for myself which of the themes, actions and characters I thought were the most important to the moment, or to the whole. I wasn't always 'right' per se, but it made for a much more engaged reading experience.

It would be simplest to say that it's about the character Jane Eyre, who is intelligent and strong-willed but not a person who has a lot of support. One of the most fascinating things about here character to me was how frank, practical and truthful but not unemotional. That's something I haven't often seen or read. But what I adored about the book was that it really was about her in every facet of her life. Again, that felt very unusual to me, I'm used to things being more hyper focused, but it was a welcome and refreshing change because it really felt like knowing her on such an intricate level.

I'm so happy that this book is one of the Book to Film Club selections, because I don't think I'd have read it otherwise. I got kind of scared off classics books after struggling through Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte last year, but I found Jane Eyre to be a delightful read which I savoured and was happy to read it throughout the entire month. I'd highly & widely recommend the book, and although I think that there will be a particular resonance with girls & women I think it's accessible and interesting for everyone.

I'm really looking forward to the film adaptation, although I will admit to being hesitantly optimistic for several reasons. First, it's a HUGE book to adapt, so I'm a little worried that many of my favourite moments and themes that are more personal-development focused might be pushed to the wayside. In terms of casting, I'm on board with the boys picked as both Michael Fassbender (Fish Tank) and Jamie Bell (The Eagle, Billy Elliot) are perfect for their respective parts, but it's really all about Jane. In the film Jane will be played by Mia Wasikowska, whom was in Alice in Wonderland, The Kids Are All Right and I was most impressed with as Sophie in Season 1 of "In Treatment", and I'm really hoping she will be great here. I've decided not to watch the trailer for the film but rather wait and be surprized, but from pictures and the poster it looks like the historical period and styling is down pat so I'll be curious to see what they decided to go with in terms of tone and focus.

Jane Eyre is our March Film selection for the Book to Film Club. The film will be released Friday March 18, 2011.

Book to Film Club February 2011: Jane Eyre (Book)

The Book to Film Club book selection for February was the classic novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. I found it thrilling to read as it does live up to all the acclaim and I didn't know literally anything about it other than the acclaim going in, which made all the more for a wonderful reading experience. Have you finished it yet? Did you review it? Here are some questions to ponder when thinking about the book and the upcoming film adaptation. Feel free to review it and if you comment or send me the link I'll add it to the list, or you can always journal your thought as well.

Things to ponder on the book:
Did you enjoy reading it?
Was it what you were expecting?
What did you know about the book before reading it?
What did you take away from reading the book?
Why do you think this book has stayed with us for over 150 years?
Who would you recommend the book to?

If this was a re-read:
How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
Did you notice anything different this time round?
Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

About the upcoming film adaptations:
How do you feel about the casting of the film?
What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

Jane Eyre Book Reviews by Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Norlinda

Jane Eyre will be our March Film selection. The film stars Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell & Judi Dench and is directed by Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nombre). The film comes out March 18, 2011 and you can see the trailer below I'm going to hold off on watching it myself, even though I've read the book I don't want any spoilers in terms of the focus and feel. I'm looking forward to being surprized when seeing it in the theatre.

I Am Number Four

Dir: D. J. Caruso (Eagle Eye, The Salton Sea)
Cast: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Dianna Agron, Callan McAuliffe, Teresa Palmer, Kevin Durand, Jake Abel
USA, 2011

Seen: February 19, 2011 at Scotiabank in AVX with my sister Jamie & her husband who are fellow Book-to-Film Clubbers!

Reason to see: It's the February Film Selection for the Book to Film Club Selection on #12 on my Most Anticipated Films of 2011

I think I Am Number Four was the first film of the year that I was really, really excited for. It's my #12 on my Most Anticipated Films of 2011 but more importantly it's the first film in the Movie Moxie 2011 Book to Film Club! It's based on the young adult science fiction novel I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore, which I read and really enjoyed last month. It was a fun, quick read with a interesting characters, story and quite visual storytelling that you really could see while reading so it's no question it's a good choice for a film adaptation.

I Am Number Four stars Alex Pettyfer (Wild Child, Beastly) as John, a teen whose moved around a lot and continual asked to say under the radar by Henri (Timothy Olyphant of High Life). Although there certainly is the strong sense of the importance to blend it, being the new kind in a small town never lets folks off that easy and that in combination with teenage rebellion, it doesn't seem likely John will pull that off. That being said, John really a nice guy who is just trying to live his life the best way he's knows how and the film really does a great job of putting together the teen angst energy with the science fiction elements of the story, while also bringing in the regular trials and tribulations of different social circles and events.

It was interesting to see a teen focused film that has a sense of appreciation of everyday family life. I think most of my favourite moments were centred in this and the character chemistry either between John and Henri, or Sarah's family. The film really got a clear great slice of life take on both really normal and more unusual daily lives and routines. I also enjoyed the overall design of the film, the special effects were great and many of the scenes felt exactly how I pictured them in my head when I was reading the book. I also loved the character design of the Mogadorians, although some of the moments with them was way harsher than I expected and had a few very disturbing ideas and moments.

In terms of a book to film adaptation, I though they did a really good job of capturing the visuals and science fiction elements as described in the books, as well as the spirit of the character relationships. There were changes and alterations, several of which I felt played out to be a smart balancing act for character development, plot and focus but some of the other changes I was surprized at and didn't love, although I could see how they were perhaps more dynamic and "action-y". I would recommend reading the book first, mostly because it's a lot of fun. I'm trying to imagine what it would be like seeing the film without having read the book and it's really hard to put myself in those shoes. I do think that the film holds up on it's own though, but there were just moments that I liked in the book and would have enjoyed seeing in the film.

Overall I though the book was a lot of fun and the film was a lot of fun too. It was great to see such a strong performance from Alex Pettyfer (especially as we'll be seeing him soon in Beastly), as well as great chemistry and performances with Timothy Olyphant, Dianna Agron and Teresa Palmer. The book series does already have #2 looking like it will be released in the fall, and I'll happily continue on the adventures of these stories in print and on screen.

I'm very curious to hear fellow Book to Film Clubbers reaction to the film, and also to see reactions of folks who haven't read the book as well.

Shannon's Overall View:
I really enjoyed it
I'll buy it
I'd recommend it fans of fun science fiction films

Also see: 2011 Book to Film Club, 2011 Book to Film Adaptations, Most Anticipated Films of 2011 and All Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

Book to Film Club February 2011: I Am Number Four (Film)

We've read the book, now it's time to watch the film! I Am Number Four was released on Friday February 18, 2011, have you had a chance to see it yet? I hope so - and more so I hope you enjoyed it! It's an adaptation of the young adult science fiction novel I Am Number Four by Pitticus Lore, and is the first of a proposed 6-part series (and the only series included in the book club). The film stars Alex Pettyfer (Wild Child, Beastly), Timothy Olyphant (High Life, "Deadwood"), Dianna Agron (Quinn on "Glee"), Kevin Durand (Legion), Jake Abel (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief) and Teresa Palmer (The Sorcerer's Apprentice), and is directed by D.J. Caruso (Eagle Eye, The Salton Sea).

Here are some things to ponder when thinking, writing and/or journaling about the film:

• Did you like the film?
• Was the film what you expected from reading the book?
• How did the book and the film compare?
• How did you feel about the casting? Were the characters what you expected?
• Were there characters, moments or ideas you liked better in the book? If so, what were they?
• What was your favourite thing about the book?
• Were there characters, moments or ideas you liked better in the film? If so, what were they?
• What was your favourite thing about the film?
• Was there anything you understood more after seeing the film?
• Was there anything you felt was missing from the film?
• Did the film capture the spirit of the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Who would you recommend the film too?
• Are you happy you read the book before seeing the film?
• Would you recommend people read the book before seeing the film?
• What was the impact of reading the book before seeing the film?

If you don't have a site of your own, you can always start a blog or posterous site or share your thoughts and connect though Good Reads (feel free to friend me on Good Reads here).

I Am Number Four Film Reviews by Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Norlinda

I Am Number Four and Water for Elephants Posters

These are my faves, although they are fuzzy. See more images below

I was so excited last weekend when I went to the theatres and saw 2 of the Book to Film Club posters sitting side by side! On the left we have the I Am Number Four poster, and we read the book in January and the film will be released on Feb 18, 2011 and this is actually a new poster to ones I had previously seen.

And on the right we have the Water for Elephants poster, this is a first-time see for me and it looks gorgeous. There is such a beautiful warmth and longing in the poster and I'm very much looking forward to the book which we'll be reading in March. The film will be releases April 22, 2011.

If you want to jump on the Book to Film Club train you still can! Join at any time and read & watch as many of the books & films as you like.

Book to Film Club January 2011: I Am Number Four (Book)

The Book to Film Club book selection for January is I Am Number Four by Pitticus Lore.

I Am Number Four is a young adult science fiction novel that is the first of a proposed 6-part series (and the only series included in the book club). I keep trying to write a brief description but it keeps feeling spoilery. Sigh. You can get I Am Number Four here at Amazon.ca (Canada) and Amazon.com (US).

I Am Number Four Book Reviews by Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Girls in the Stacks: Book Review, Podcast
• Norlinda
• Paolo
  

I Am Number Four will be our February Film selection. The film stars Alex Pettyfer (Wild Child, Beastly), Timothy Olyphant (High Life, "Deadwood"), Dianna Agron (Quinn on "Glee"), Kevin Durand (Legion), Jake Abel (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief) and Teresa Palmer (The Sorcerer's Apprentice), and is directed by D.J. Caruso (Eagle Eye, The Salton Sea).

The film comes out February 18, 2011 and you can see the trailer below, although I'd only recommend watching trailer after you've read the book if you are planning to read as it's certainly got spoilers:



What did you think of the book? Are you looking forward to the film? How do you feel about the casting? Looking forward to hearing everyone's reactions!