Jumping right into your fantasy world...
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
United States
October 10, 2008 10:10pm CST
When I read a book, I have a very visual mental interpretation. I can see, feel and hear the people that I create from the books characters, if the book is written well. Now when I watch a movie based on a book I have read I usually go away disappointed because I have created my own world from this book. Do you have this same problem? Are you a visual reader? Do you connect with your characters and give them faces and voices? I am interested to see how other people read their books and interpret them.
6 people like this
18 responses
@arthi_88 (1516)
• India
11 Oct 08
I often do what you said and guess most of us do..When I read a book i create a world of my own where all the scenes and the characters are imagined instantly as I proceed reading a book..but when i watch a movie based on a book somehow the description doesn't match my imagination and i feel disheartened. Guess it happens to every vigorous reader.
Have a nice day!
2 people like this
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
That is exactly how I feel. I have never watched a movie that matched what I was *seeing*. I am a very avid and vigorous reader. To me that is a total escape. I think in defense of most screenplays-they would have to create a movie so long and detailed that no one would sit through it in order to capture everything. Thank you so much for posting. Happy reading!
2 people like this
@corrinemine (41)
• China
11 Oct 08
So i'm seldom watch a movie based on a book i have read.I don't let myself down.By the way , i prefer books than movies.Imaginal worlds by ourselves are more colorful,and i love every characters i create.
happy posting
@patchmypal (344)
• Philippines
11 Oct 08
hello! Once I start reading a novel, I step inside a different world and get to meet the characters, and go places inside it in the way I see them in my mind as I go deeper into the novel. Yes, I do give voices too to the characters, and its like I am very much a part of the story too. Its amazing that a lot of us book lovers are like that. But no, I don't think of it as a problem. It's just me, and I like it that way. Hava a nice time...
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
I like it too. To me there is no other real escape. I can shut the bathroom door and get in my bath tub and drift into a while new "dimension." I am learning that there all sorts of readers out there. I just assumed for a long time that everybody, that read for pleasure, did the same thing. I know that is niave. but, I feel bad for the people that can't visualize it. Thank you for posting.
Happy reading.
@CinderInMySoul (4717)
• United States
11 Oct 08
oh yes. i almost always have a pretty clear picture in my head of what the characters look like and their surroundings. more so if it is a descriptive writer. some are better than others at really painting a visual image for you.
even though i WANT to see the movies made from the books, like you, i am usually disappointed. but then that cant really be helped, especially if you loved the book. they can only pack so much of the book into a 2 hour movie lol!
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
Yeah, I know. Can you imagine how long the movie would actually be if they put in all the details. I think what we forget is that most authors sell the rights to their books, and then have no say in the production. Thank you so much!
1 person likes this
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
Hey Cinder...I live in Yuma too! That is way to funny!!
1 person likes this
@sharra1 (6340)
• Australia
12 Oct 08
I know what you mean. I do get involved in books and create my own view of it which makes it hard to see a movie made from a loved book. The Lord of the Rings was like that. I was really worried when I went to see it that it would not fit my fantasy world and I was stunned that is was so close as that is so rare. It showed that the man who made the movie understood the book extremely well.
I think a lot of movie makers try to change a story or a character when they do their movies as they think that just translating the book to film will not work and they have to alter it in some way to make it theirs and that is why we get so disappointed as we have a wonderful world in our minds and they change it.
But this can also be a curse sometimes as when I read a book where awful things happen to people and I find it really hard to take. I want to try and make it better and I cannot understand how anyone can invent such a horror.
@sharra1 (6340)
• Australia
12 Oct 08
Yes I liked Terry Brooks books they were nice. I know that bad things have to happen to people in books to make interesting reading of how they get out of trouble but the images do not have to be very graphic.
I have just finished reading a book in the Sword of Truth series and the images that the book stirred when describing what the bad guys did made it very hard for me to read. I felt quite sick because I could visualize them so easily and it was my worst nightmare as a woman. I had to start skimming those passages because I could not read them and I do not like giving up on books especially when they are part of a series I have been reading.
I also liked the rift war saga by Raymond E Feist, he has written many books about this world and the series is very interesting.
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
12 Oct 08
Those are really great books, the Rift Wars. I really enjoy reading, and it is hard with a graphic novel. It just creates images I would rather not have sometimes. Especially before I go to bed.
Thank you so much!
Happy Reading!
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
11 Oct 08
hi deesfamily values I also do this I see as I read what the characters are doing and what the land is like, then I go to a movie made of the book, and its all different and I am really disappointed in it. They didnt see the same background as I did at all nor the characters either. just wasnt the same for me and I didnt really like the movie at all. .
1 person likes this
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
I know. It is hard to see where the directors get their ideas for some of the things they change from books to movie. I know they feel it is in the best interest of watcher. I think though it is about the money. I get so disappointed when I see the "artistic liberties" taken with books. Isn't it fun to read! It is so great to be able to use your imagination. I just love and can't wait to see all my kids enjoy it too. Thank you so much for sharing.
1 person likes this
@hotshoes5000 (153)
• Philippines
11 Oct 08
i know what your talking about, you create your own character depending on how they are described in the book in doing so you are able to relate on the character, you become more attached to them. hopefully nobody will write a movie version of the alchemist cause the characters might not look the same as I'd imagined them hehe
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
Now the Alchemist, was that a childrens book/young adults book? I think I have that for my son. It looked really great. i will have to go pull htat out. The books that we great for me inthe fantasy realm where the Terry Brooks-Magic Kingdom of Landover books. They were very visual escapes for me. You might enjoy them. Thank you for responding.
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
12 Oct 08
Wow, that is a major undertaking. I have heard that is a great book. I have that on audiobook.And you are welcome.
@hotshoes5000 (153)
• Philippines
12 Oct 08
tnx for the advice on good books, ill try to find them. as for now im only reading the war of the world hehe
@JUNGLE (1157)
• South Africa
11 Oct 08
It is the very same for me as you describe your experience when reading.I have always thought that everyone has this too.I grew up listening to radio serials and dramas.As you may know radio stories depend very greatly on sound effects and these have to be very realistic to make the dramatization believeable.The result ofcourse is very similar to reading,where ones visual powers are greatly utilized.Personally I think that my constant reading and past daily radio listenings have built for me a very powerful and vivid visualization, whereby I am now able to run realistic colorful movies in my mind whenever I want to.Please do not stop reading.Lol!!!!!
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
I am with you JUNGLE. Reading is at the very core of who I am.I really believe that. Reading helped me be who i am today, whether that is mom, wife, or writer. Without sounding like a telaevangelist-I totally believe that reading is one the single most important things you will do in your life. It benefits your career as well as brings pleasure. My vote is with you!! Always keep reading!! Thank you, I really enjoyed your post!
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
11 Oct 08
Not at all, deeesfamilyvalues!
Like you, I usually, if not always, love the book more than the movie. Somehow the movie typically pales in comparison to the book.
That is however understandable as the book is so so much much longer than the movie. How long is the movie? 2 hours? 3? And the book? Well, you can't seriously finish a book in 2 hours without using some form of speed reading and thus ruining the joy in the process.
But when I see a movie comes out that is based on a book I've read, I will go and watch it anyway. Usually the movie turns out worse than the book but I will still like the movie anyway lol. I don't mind any alternative interpretation by the scriptwriter, director, etc as long as it doesn't run totally contrary to mine so much so that it repulses me.
I won't be disappointed that much because while the movie may not be better or as good as the book, it still gives me an opportunity to relive the sweet joys of the book.
Cheers!
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
I am glad to see that you can do that. I think I create such a vivd world that it is hard for me to put my bias aside and enjoy sometimes. You are right it is a sweet joy to experience that book in paper and on screen. I just often go away feeling empty. I know I sound crazy. My daughter thinks I am NUTS. I spent so much time as a little girl reading that I have this gift to create such a vivid, visual experience. I think that it is what helps me write also. My son is also like you. He loves both forms. Thank you so much for responding.
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
12 Oct 08
Yes, I'm the same way.
Sometimes, I try to remember the voices
of people from my favorite soaps and put
those voices to the characters.
It helps if it's a romantic book!
Makes the story more interesting.
The movies never live up to the
experience gained from reading.
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
12 Oct 08
Beautyqueen aren't you glad you are this way. I am. Like one of the otherposters mentioned it is like a little movie in my brain. What is funny is that I get totally engrossed and I will obssess about it. I will create other endings before I am done because I thinking ahead. I like some romances. I recently read some Karen Marie Moning. My sister got me stuck on those. I like all kinds of genres. It just depends what mood i am in.Long Live The Imagination!!! Thank you for sharing with us.
@dieorfly (763)
• Slovak Republic
11 Oct 08
I can not imagine all that things you mentioned. But also like you I am very often disappointed with movies based on books I have read. The movies are often very flat and talking just about the main line of the book original, or just come up with things which were not in the book at all just because to make it more attractive for viewers. In book you have many side stories which give to characters of the book the own personality and this aspect is missing in movies.
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
11 Oct 08
One good thing about movies though is the visual effects which can be so awesome... maybe I am not imaginative enough but what I imagine is not sometimes as good as those effects~~
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
Do you like reading? I think I have the ability to recrete these details of the people places and things around me. I am also a visual learner as I think. Alot of people skim through books just to get the main point, but my reading style is very indepth. You are right about movies having subplots and other character timelines. It gets pretty involved. Thank you for posting.
@jedd_opalla (59)
• Philippines
11 Oct 08
I can relate with you! I also have that quality. When i read something that is good, I tend to imagine the scenes happening around me vividly that I sometimes catch myself smiling to no one but myself. It's kind of funny when I think about that, but I like it.
That doesn't let me be disappointed about movies, though. I usually abandon my imagined thoughts to give way to the real interpretation of the scenes because I know that no matter the interpretation, it all boils down to one thing--the imagined going into the real world..
@jedd_opalla (59)
• Philippines
13 Oct 08
It's not something I'm born with...It's something learned. There are times when I forget to separate the things in real life with the ones that are in my own private world.
It's just a matter of getting used to.
Thanks for posting, too.
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
I am glad you have that ability, I sure don't. My kids can do that same thing. I do that too. It is almost a mini movie just playing out in my brain.
Thank you for posing.
@arunmails (3011)
• India
11 Oct 08
Yes.. even when I tend to read a book... I just go to a place where I don't get any disturbances..... then I get into the stories.... and I get involved into the stories.... I relate myself with the characters... so that, I very well understand the story...
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
That is great. Doesn't it feel great to have a wonderful imagination! I always encourage my kids to just let their books take them away. Also when I was little i used tolisten to books on tape. I had a lot of fun with that. My mom always thought it helped me to fall asleep, but not really. I found myself getting ready for bed early and then laying htere forever just visualizing all of these great things there were talking about. Thank you so much for posting.
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
11 Oct 08
I do exactly the same thing. When I find a book that I connect with like that, I look to see if the author has other books in the series, then I read them all in the order that they are written. It gives a broader interpretation and makes them seem so much more real. I sometimes have difficutly connecting with movies or televison, because instead of incorporating my interpretation, it feeds me some one elses. I feel like a spectator, not a participate. When I'm at home, sometimes I listen to the television instead of watching it. Then I can add my own visuals.
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
wow, I do that same thing. I have the tv on half the time just for background noise. I will turn around and have this expectation of what I think someone looks like or sounds like, and it just isn't the same. Isn't that funny. I do that when I have big projects- either with work or crocheting. It is always fun to meet other people just like you. Thank you for sharing that.
@RaiscaraAvalon (250)
• United States
11 Oct 08
I am always disappointed in the movies as well. My brain comes up with a much more detailed movie. Especially if the book is still fresh in my mind. But one fun thing I've done often is reread the book after watching the movie. You sometimes get things that weren't as clear, or get a completely different take on things.
It does annoy me when they ignore the character descriptions and the overall feel for the character when making the movie. Its far more then just a series of lines. Or when they switch actors or producers in the middle of making a book series into film, like the Harry Potter movies. Sometimes its necessary, but it just ruins everything for me.
@scorpio19 (1363)
•
11 Oct 08
Hello deesfamilyvalues,
I'm exactly the same if I'm reading a good book especially a well written one I am there with them and I create the world for myself, I love reading I always think if your a mother it's a real good way of shutting off from the kids if you can get into a good book. I read the Da Vinic Code and I wouldn't see it as a film for exactly your reasons I thought the book was too good and I didn't want the film to spoil it for me.
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
I read the book and then sw the movie. I was SOOOO disappointed. I like Ton Hanks, but he just didn't fill the shoes of the main character or me. It lacked a lot. Now, I can see if you had not watched the book that you would love the movie. But yep, it ruined it for me. Also, I am able to wind down at night while my yunguns are sleeping. It is the perfect ending to a stressful day. Thank you so much for responding. What great book are you reading now?
@mercuryman3a (2477)
• India
11 Oct 08
It often happens that if you have read teh book and thengo and see a movie based on that book, you return disappointed. It is always bette to see a movie and then read the book. Taht way you enjoy thebook much more. the characters becoem more real thanif yujsut read the book.
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
I just find that the book for me is such an adventure-and new world. That, it is hard to get out the visual images of the screenplay when you have seen it. I have a harder time jumping into a book and creating a world that has already been spoon fed to me. I am glad that works for you. My daughter is that same way. It is fun to watch her complain as she is reading the book. Thank you very much for your opinion. Keep Reading!!
@mienkoos (95)
• Netherlands
11 Oct 08
I have the same. And to me it's also always a disappointment when I see the characters from the book in a movie. I've noticed that sometimes it's better not to see the movie and just stick to the character I've made while reading. But with some movies it's so hard to do that, just because you see the billboards with the character on there! But I like it more to read than to watch movies, so for me it's better not to see the movie if I've read the book.
But I think it is good to be a visual reader. I like reading because like you I really 'feel' whats happening in the book and that makes reading special. Do you also sometimes have the problem that you just can't stop reading? I sometimes read until very late when I'm reading a book.
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
Me too. If I am reading a great book I can't fall asleep. I really pay for it the next day.
You are right on the billboards. They make them so enticing that it is hard to pass some movies up.
1 person likes this
@missyskids423 (3)
• United States
11 Oct 08
I usually have a problem with movies that are based on books, they never seem to bring that same feeling that I had when I read the book or they change in a way that, I feel, makes it completely different from what I had enjoyed in the book. I get lost in books when I am reading and yes I am a very visual person. I put myself in the story. It's how I know a book is good.
@deeesfamilyvalues (318)
• United States
11 Oct 08
yes, we book lovers are a very different breed. I am getting ready to jump into a new book tonight. So, I guess I can say, I am off to a new adventure. Thank youso much for sharing with us.