the book
i haven't read the book yet, but i've heard there are some differences between the book and the film. can anyone tell me about it?
shareThe book is set in the 70's, in a different location than the movie (still NZ), Paul has a different occupation, not a war photographer. He's even colder and more withdrawn in the book. Most importantly, the dynamics in the Paul-Celia relationship are reversed - he represses the sexual attraction he has for her, while in the film Celia has a bit of a crush for Paul.
Honestly, good as the book is, I think I prefer the film.
Yeah I prefer the film. I just didn't have much empathy for Paul in the book.
Still worth trying though.
*I saw in your eyes that you hate the world, I hate it too...*
Paul has a different occupation, not a war photographer. He's even colder and more withdrawn in the book. Most importantly, the dynamics in the Paul-Celia relationship are reversed - he represses the sexual attraction he has for her, while in the film Celia has a bit of a crush for Paul.
These seem like rather important differences. I think the story is more realistic (and therefore, easier to relate to) with Paul as an ordinary man (not a famous photographer), being withdrawn and feeling some sexual attraction towards Celia. In the movie, Paul is more of a famous star returning home, having seen it all and experienced all kind of crazy stuff. The movie-Paul is more "interesting", perhaps that's why they changed him for the movie. It would possibly be a bit boring to watch a movie about a "nobody" returning home. But given that most people are "nobodies", it would be closer to most people's experience. share