21 September 2008

Sunday Salon: Book before Film?

The Sunday Salon.com Not much reading has been getting done around here this week, but I have been thinking about reading a lot. Specifically, I've been debating whether I should read Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist now that the movie is about to be released.

The debate over whether you should read the book before or after the movie has probably been going on since the first talkie. I generally watch the movie if it looks mildly interesting but I had no intention of reading the book, like The Jane Austen Book Club. If it is a classic, like the actual Jane Austen books, I feel duty-bound to read the book instead of watching the movie. In this case, I am in a bit of a quandary. I want to read Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, but I also like the actors in the upcoming film. I tend not to repeat things; if I've read a book I skip the movie and vice-versa. So I feel like I have a decision to make.

What do you do? Book instead of film, film instead of book, or do you enjoy both?

3 comments:

Memory said...

I usually read the book first. I'm a visual reader and am pretty picky when it comes to other peoples' interpretations of material that means a lot to me, so if I get really involved with the book I tend to forgo the movie. If I just liked it, though, I'll probably see the movie eventually.

Andi said...

Yep, it sounds like we're in the same boat. I'd trade off an ovary to get into a really great book right now.

Anonymous said...

Normally I either read the book or watch the movie. If I want to do both, I make sure I read the book months ahead of time and not back to back. :)