There is a debate out there on whether books versus movies and which is better, which I think comes from our own need to compare everything and decide which is better, or debate which we prefer. I found myself in exactly this position when the movie of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry came to our local cinema and as I had read the book in January I was interested myself to see which one I would think would win over book versus moview so a group of us from our book club went along to investigate.
My feelings on comparing these two mediums in such a way though conjures up a whole host of questions some of which are ….
1. Your view will most certainly be different from mine about both mediums
2. The director may just be bad and have not followed the premise of the book
3. The director may be good and still not want to follow the premise of the book
One difference between such books and their subsequent movies is the way it is personalised. To explain this better consider the way JR Tolkien describes things in the Hobbit, while reading you will have an image in your mind, but that image may be different to what I am imagining and that I feel is the major difference between movies and books. What you imagine while reading a book is your own story with your own characters. But while watching a movie, you don’t imagine the characters, you are looking at the director’s imagery and seeing the director’s perspective on how they viewed the book and how best they can portray it.
I sometimes think that those who dislike the movie are disappointed because the Director has not portrayed what they had in mind, however sometimes there are huge chunks that the reader feels is imperative to the story that are missed and sometimes the endings are just completely different to the books and sometimes the movies are set in another town or country and that can disappoint. However, they are just both mediums to portray a story and both readers of the story and watchers of the movie are just there to do the same, consume a story. The difference I feel is the scale to which we are consuming, and the debate, book versus movie, should not be a generic debate about whether books are better than movies, but we should be more specific about whether The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry Book was better than the movie or whether the Harry Potter books were better than the movies. It also then becomes a more personal thing in whether you want the movie to portray the book exactly or whether you are happy to have a completely different twist at the end. At the end of the day a lot of work has gone into both writing the book and developing the movie and we must all appreciate the work that goes into both and although some may not be to my taste they do fit the taste of many others.
So, with that in mind, what did I think about The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the Book by Rachel Joyce...... The book is a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that takes you on a transformative journey through the life of an ordinary man who embarks on an extraordinary pilgrimage. With its beautiful prose, great characters, and heartfelt themes, the book in my view is a compelling exploration of love, regret, redemption, and the power of human connection. At the heart of the story is Harold Fry, a retiree living a mundane existence until he receives a letter from an old friend, Queenie Hennessy, who is terminally ill. Touched by the news, Harold impulsively, decides to walk the length of England to deliver a letter of his own, hoping that his act of faith will keep Queenie alive, following a discussion from someone he meets on his way to post the letter. This impulsive decision sets in motion a chain of events that challenges Harold physically, emotionally, and spiritually, as he confronts his past and re-evaluates the meaning of his own life. One of the book's greatest strengths is the way in which Rachel Joyce expertly develops the character of Harold Fry. He is an ordinary man with relatable flaws, and his transformation throughout the pilgrimage is both believable and deeply moving. As he walks Harold encounters a host of individuals who shape his journey, and each encounter appears to make him reflect on his own internal struggles. The writing in the book is elegant and evocative, painting vivid images of the landscapes Harold encounters, the people he meets, and the emotions he experiences. The author has a remarkable ability to capture the subtle nuances of human emotions, portraying both the joy and pain with great sensitivity. The writing immerses the reader in Harold's world, making it easy to empathize with his hopes, fears, and regrets. "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" is a poignant and thought-provoking tale that will touch your heart and leave a lasting impression. The book was a compelling read. It reminded me that life is a journey, and sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures can be found in the most unlikely places.
My thoughts from the film are that the director beautifully captured the essence of the book, delivering a poignant and inspiring tale of self-discovery, redemption, and the transformative power of love and for me the movie did stay true to the heart and soul of the novel, portraying the life of Harold Fry. The film's greatest triumph, in my view, lies in the exceptional performances delivered by the cast. The talented actors breathe life into the characters, with each portrayal capturing the depth, vulnerability, and emotional complexity of their respective roles, all of which stayed true to the book. Jim Broadbent’s portrayal of Harold Fry was particularly commendable, showcasing his transformation from a reserved and contemplative man to someone who discovers newfound strength and purpose through the pilgrimage, and he was exactly how I imagined him to be. Visually, the movie is a feast for the eyes. It beautifully captures the picturesque English countryside, created a breath-taking backdrop that mirrors the emotional landscape of the story. From rolling hills and quaint villages to bustling cities, the film painted a vivid picture of Harold's journey, effectively conveying the sense of adventure, solitude, and introspection he experiences along the way. The movie skilfully condensed the essence of the book, maintaining the story's emotional depth while making necessary adjustments for the medium of film. The script retains the poignant moments, introspective musings, and key encounters from the book that shape Harold's pilgrimage, allowing viewers to engage with the narrative on an intimate level. The pacing strikes a delicate balance between quiet reflection and more dynamic moments, keeping me fully invested in Harold's journey. In conclusion I was not disappointed in seeing the movie after reading the book and felt that it enhanced the story by giving me a more vivid picture. I would recommend both the book and the movie they both offered a heartwarming and captivating experience, reminding me that the power of self-discovery, redemption, and love knows no bounds.
So, the debate of book versus movie rumbles on to the next as for me I could not choose between The Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Fry book and Movie, I loved them both.
I always feel disappointed when I read a book and then the film is released, it’s never as I imagined and I always leave feeling a little sad that it doesn’t give an accurate representation of what the book is trying to portray. That being said there has been one occasion when I wasn’t left feeling let down and that was the book and the film adaptation of sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra. So it is nice to read that there is more hope out there! Xoxo