BOOK or FILM: Which was better?

I was just wondering which you tend to do, read the book first then watch the film or the other way around?

I prefer to read the book first and I usually end up prferring the book to the film. The reason I thought of this was because The Beach was on last night (or was is the night before?) and though I've already seen it I didn't want to watch it again as I prefer the book. I could read it again but not watch it again. I also prefered the book than the film for The Devil Wears Prada. But I like both book and film for Rebecca. But I find its a very close call when it comes to Harry Potter! I can't decide...I'll have to watch and read em all again!

How about you?

I generally find I prefer the book to the film in most cases. Sometimes they change the ending in the films which really annoys me (Circle of Friends, Captain Corelli's Mandolin).

But then again if the film captures the spirit of the book well you can forget about major plot changes e.g. I loved the film of Bridget Jones' Diary and actually said to my friend I was really pleased it was so faithful to the book until she pointed out such minor things as there's no fight between Daniel and Mark in the book etc etc! Also I loved the film of Cold Mountain (one of my favourite books) but I think it helps to have read the book in that case. It's like an album of holiday pics - watching the film reminds you of the book and what the characters are thinking etc so you get more out of it than just what the film would give you.

I prefer the book to the films. Harry potter films are about the closest ones I have seen. The one which really bugged me was memoirs of a geshia. They missed so many bits out of the film and it ruined the film as all the story wasn't all there. Devil wears prada is another one! Hven't watched the hp films recently will have to watch them as I have just read all first four of the hp series agai inn time for the new one!

I always prefer the book to the film, i read the book first and then watch the film and i cant bring myself to watch the Da Vinci Code!!

I know what you mean about Da Vinci Code! It was missing vewry large chunks of the book. I dread to think what they are going to do to Angels and Demons!!!!

i always prefer the book too! i was really looking forward to watching memoirs of a geisha and it is nowhere near as good as the book!

Loved both Harry \Potter and Lord of the rings in book and film! I tend to prefer which ever I read/watch first. Have just bought Devil wears Prada book so will let you know which I prefer.

prefere reading the book first so i can imagine it in my head. da vinci code film was a let down cos i had a picture in my head of what Langdon should look like and it wasnt tom hanks at all
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For the Lord of the Rings books, while I enjoyed the books I prefer the films, just because I found the books a bit hard going and the films helped me with areas I found confusing or difficult to understand (quite a lot of it then!!) and they also helped me visualise somebits that I really couldn't get my head round....usually I prefer to come up with my own, but I needed help this time.

I might read the Da Vinci Code next, I haven't seen the film yet and don't want to untill I've read the book.

deffo, dont watch the film yet enidegg, read the book first!!
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kel2 I so agree Tom Hanks was totally wrong for Robert Langdon i think either Sam Neill or Dennis Quaid would have been much better!

If I read the book first, I prefer that. If I see the film first I generally prefer that. Think it's because something's always changed in adapting it to screen, and you always have the way it was first in your head. If that makes sense...

Hence, I love Lord of the Rings films, but couldn't get through the books, and why I can't stand the Harry Potter films - though the last one was alright, and the new trailer looks quite good. Hated Da Vinci Code film, quite like Devil Wears Prada for sentimental reasons - we saw it before going to Paris where we got engaged, and me and h2b got all excited at the scenes in Paris - but didn't like the plot changes. Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood was just a hideous film that I regret paying money to see and I may boycott The Time Travellers Wife as it's my favourite book. The only anomele is Memoirs of a Geisha - loved both the book and the film!.

I didn't even know they were making the Time Travellers Wife into a film, i think you might benefit from reading that book before seeing the movie. I find the Harry Potter films frustrating because i love the way they are made and i think the actors are perfect (except voldemort) but they miss so much out! Didn't think Memoirs of a Geisha was anywhere near as good as the book.

kathryn_a, i know i think they just went for a big name instead of someone who could carry it off.. i was thinking ralph fiennes(sp?). sam neill is a good one too!
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yeah ralph fiennes would have been good too he has a sort of academic look to him