MovieChat Forums > In My Father's Den (2004) Discussion > Book vs. Movie and NZ (some low level sp...

Book vs. Movie and NZ (some low level spoilers)

posted 20 years ago by kikitangeo
4 replies | jump to latest

I have just finished reading the book (180 pages only) and as it was set in West Auckland (where I grew up) it brought back some happy memories, although it should be said it was set 10 to 50 years before I was born, but that is not the point I am trying to make. It is a we bit dated in regards to Paul’s “big secret”, but then takes far bigger risks then the movie does in regards to Celia’s and Paul’s relationship. I think the nature of the murder was better in the book, perhaps they could have left it hanging in the film a bit more as to what really happened. The idea from the book that Paul had taken on his fathers reclusive habits was far more dominant in the book, in the movie I really only see that now with hindsight. Anyway any other thoughts about the book and movie or weather the town in which the book happens is Henderson etc?

The Movie is better

PS: For the first half of the film I thought it was set in Masterton and with Featherston just down the road thought that a little tactless. However it was Alex as I soon discovered and as I know live in Dunedin am felling silly for not knowing sooner.

[–] zoereynolds 20 years ago

In the books there is a dramatic end with Paul injured and the den in flames does this happen in the film?

[–] kikitangeo 20 years ago

you are just going to have to go and see it.
:)

[–] junejesney 20 years ago

Since the film will not be release in the UK where I live until next May, you have to tell us the ending.

[–] kbleasdale 19 years ago

I'll ruin it and say that the film doesn't end like that. And I'll also say that the film and the book are extremely different from each other - so much that I couldn't really compare them to say which is better. They are both amazing in their own way. But I am glad that I read the book after seeing the film, because so many changes were made.