Re-read the book then see the movie or reverse that?

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Grannie CeeCee

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Sep 7, 2017
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The Drained Swamp, Ohio, USA
I remember very little about the book, and I've never seen any of the adaptations. Mostly I recall what my life was like when I read the book back in the day.

Should I re-read the book before seeing the movie, or the reverse?

I read pretty fast and I'm retired, for the most party, so I should be able to get 'er read and catch the movie in the theater.

What do yall think?
 

Grannie CeeCee

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Sep 7, 2017
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The Drained Swamp, Ohio, USA
I saw the movie and then re-read the book. I enjoyed the movie thoroughly, but I think if I'd done it the other way around, I would probably have been more preoccupied or frustrated by discrepancies.

That's my fear. I remember going to see The Shining with my gore-whores, and we were completely disappointed with every little change. Using a maze instead of the topiary animals is still my #1 all time "WHY?????"
 

wem3

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Sep 7, 2017
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A few changes that kind of bummed me out (mostly because they just seemed totally unnecessary), but I thought they did a pretty awesome job with the IT movie on the whole. There are also several subtle nods to parts of the book that were modified or left out that made me a lot cooler with the more dramatic instances of artistic license.

Kubrick's The Shining is like a whole different story to me. I much prefer the made for TV one.
 

Doc Creed

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Nov 18, 2015
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I remember very little about the book, and I've never seen any of the adaptations. Mostly I recall what my life was like when I read the book back in the day.

Should I re-read the book before seeing the movie, or the reverse?

I read pretty fast and I'm retired, for the most party, so I should be able to get 'er read and catch the movie in the theater.

What do yall think?
I generally say read the book (again, in your case) before seeing the movie because that's my own preference. I envy those new crop of readers who haven't opened a King book and I think you are in a coveted position right now having little memory of the book.
 

RichardX

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Sep 26, 2006
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I just re-read the book and it took several weeks due to its length. I would do the movie and enjoy. Then turn to the book. Not having every detail of the book in mind could be bliss when it comes to the movie. There are so many small sub-stories in the book that could be a distraction.
 

danie

I am whatever you say I am.
Feb 26, 2008
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I reread the book before seeing the movie because I wanted my book experience again before seeing the images on the screen. My brain tends to want to use the movie images while I'm reading, and I wanted to read It again before that happened. So my vote is to read first, then watch.
 

Grannie CeeCee

Well-Known Member
Sep 7, 2017
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The Drained Swamp, Ohio, USA
I generally say read the book (again, in your case) before seeing the movie because that's my own preference. I envy those new crop of readers who haven't opened a King book and I think you are in a coveted position right now having little memory of the book.
I agree! But I do want to catch IT in the theater, so that might force my hand. I'm in a small midwestern city, so IT will be here and gone pretty quick.

I read IT during a rough time in my life, along with a whole slew of Mr. King's books, none of which I recall very well. I dove into the story to escape, and I guess they just slid on by.

My sweetie is finally coming around to checking out the King-verse, so we can all envy him!
 

Grannie CeeCee

Well-Known Member
Sep 7, 2017
155
895
64
The Drained Swamp, Ohio, USA
I reread the book before seeing the movie because I wanted my book experience again before seeing the images on the screen. My brain tends to want to use the movie images while I'm reading, and I wanted to read It again before that happened. So my vote is to read first, then watch.

My quandary.

We only have one theater in town. If it runs for at least 3 weeks, I should be good. But there is no telling how long it will run. Our theater makes up its own mind, and no one ever asks me :glare:
 

danie

I am whatever you say I am.
Feb 26, 2008
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Kentucky
My quandary.

We only have one theater in town. If it runs for at least 3 weeks, I should be good. But there is no telling how long it will run. Our theater makes up its own mind, and no one ever asks me :glare:
Yes, that could be a problem. My only suggestion is to stay up 22 hours a day, reading constantly, stopping only for sips of water and restroom breaks. :)
 

kingricefan

All-being, keeper of Space, Time & Dimension.
Jul 11, 2006
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Spokane, WA
That's my fear. I remember going to see The Shining with my gore-whores, and we were completely disappointed with every little change. Using a maze instead of the topiary animals is still my #1 all time "WHY?????"

At the time special effects weren't that great and it would've made the topiary animals look like men covered with branches and leaves.
 

not_nadine

Comfortably Roont
Nov 19, 2011
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Behind you
At the time special effects weren't that great and it would've made the topiary animals look like men covered with branches and leaves.

They did a pretty good job with the television miniseries. I guess special effects were better - even for a tv show then.

Hedge+Animals+2.png
 
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