If you watched this film before you read the book you must have had one of two feelings about it;that you couldn't help but compare the two and felt that the film or the book made either look bad. If you're the opposite and read the book before watching the film then you were either highly disappointed by its adaptation or just happy that the movie was really good. I fall in the first category. I had several moments of disappointment when I read the book and realised so much had been left out of the movie or just completely replaced. So after reading the book. I did what I do with a good movie that deserved my attention..I re-watched the film. And it was great! I realised I needed to just not think of the movie as an adaptation but on its own. And the book, well, I loved the plot so much I might re-read it one day. :)
PS I Love You the book is a great read. Cecelia Ahern's first book and already adapted into film. Beginner's luck maybe? Still, I loved the story. It's one of those bitter sweet stories I love so much despite the fact that such a good main character had to 'die' to make it really good. The plot is based on two main characters; Holly the just widowed 30 year old trying to come to terms with her husband's death and Gerry; the deceased who is so 'alive' in the book. Gerry, who dies of brain tumor in February decides that he will help his wife get through life after him by writing ten letters to be opened every month of the rest of the year. So from March to December, Gerry gives Holly a 'List' of things to do to get through. I must say, this was brilliant. Creepy but brilliant. Holly follows each instruction to the letter (pun not intended) and with the help of her best friend Sharon (I love her character obviously) and her husband John; who was Gerry's best friend she gets through one day at a time. Other characters such as Holly's family especially her mother, her other best friend Denise and Daniel her new friend make this book so much richer.PS I Love You the film is great too. Despite the variations (you would have to have watched the film to understand this), it's awesome. I especially like the way the movie begins with them arguing showing that this was a 'real life' couple. The Irish funeral they had for Gerry (Gerard Butler) was also quite extraordinary. Holly played by Hillary Swank could not have been a better role as widow. The introduction of William played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan into the film is also refreshing giving the feel of moving on for Holly. Sharon (Gina Gershon) and Denise's characters also add a flair to the movie. Denise (Lisa Kudrow) played as the wild friend who finally settles down and gets married and Sharon the supportive friend who is expecting a son to be named after Gerry shows that life does move on after loss. Her mother played by Kathy Bates is a great addition to the film as the one Holly can always depend on. And finally, Daniel (Harry Connick Jr) the friend who like her is trying to move on from a heart break helps make this film more relatable.
In the end, I still don't know which I like better and it doesn't matter anyway. I highly recommend you read the book or watch its film. Only be careful not to have too many expectations of both the book and the film and regard them as separate works of fiction for a better feel. Also, the lessons on battling grief are played out well and am sure have helped a number. So, grab a copy or sit back and watch the film.
PS, for the ladies...Be Prepared to Fall In Love With Gerry.
Both in book and film. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment