MovieChat Forums > Meeting Evil (2012) Discussion > Anyone read the book?

Anyone read the book?

posted 13 years ago by chrisisstressed
3 replies | jump to latest

I remember reading it ages ago and loving how intense the whole thing was from start to finish and was one of the few books I really stopped and read from start to finish on the one day. From the trailer it does seem like that intensity is maintained and it's not surprising as it was one of the most interesting things about the novel.

Having seen the trailer though, I noticed a lot of things I don't remember from the novel and others I'm sure weren't actually there (but that's movies for you, no problem with that). I was just wondering if anyone else out there had read the book and has seen the movie or an early screening and can compare/point out what's new.

Thanks in advance.

"What the hell is a Fuzzy! And why do they make such good Druids?!" - Spoony

[–] zooymtoo 13 years ago

I have read the book..and the differences are quite major. I'll try not to be too spoilerish in pointing them out but these could really be 2 different stories.

The movie seems to be a more predictable beat you over the head obvious psycho menace that we've seen time and time again. We know from the start that Richie is a dangerous element in the movie. Not in the book...
In the book it's a slow boil. We know that Richie is strange and peculiar but not to what degree. The main thing is the character John's complacency and his inability to care about anyone but himself. He's not so likable either. He is irritated by Richie's strangeness but continuously puts his head in the sand about any red flags that continuously get waved in his face..
John has a very controlled way of thinking while Richie is all chaos. You never know what Richie do or say next and John is a guy that has based his entire life on habit and routine.
John and Richie do get a sort of rhythm based mostly on their shared tendency to be extremely self centered.
The book is more interesting. The movie much more generic.

[–] chrisisstressed 13 years ago

Hey, thanks. Been hoping someone would reply sooner or later. Shame about the movie, though I'll probably still have a look at it.

It's nice to hear from someone else who read the book - I had no idea it was such an unknown element, most here have never heard about it until now and are quick to assume a Fight Club style ending based upon the trailer.

Many thanks again, zooymtoo. Appreciate it.

"What the hell is a Fuzzy! And why do they make such good Druids?!" - Spoony

[–] LostSok0523 13 years ago

Berger's novels are often more allegories disguised as literal stories. Making movies of them are just a recipe for confusion...