Books you should go back to after watching the movie - Part 1

I came across this slogan in of the bookmark stores right on top of the section that had novels on which popular movies were made. Being an absolute movie buff and somewhat self proclaimed avid reader myself , I tend to have complete opposite views on the thoughts that followed to validate the slogan.

For millions like me we are aware the limited time frame and thought process that can be put in a movie wherein a book has limitless details and narratives to play with.

Hence it has worked the other way round for me till my 30 years of understanding visual media and reading English grammar(and making sense of both). 

I have always gone to explore further the book after seeing a movie which sparked interest in me. And if by  any chance I have read the book first I do not feel like to see the interpretation juggled up in a 2 hour movie (My imaginative mind and the energy invested on the book simply puts a stop to the wish of the heart ).

So for like minded readers let me present to you a personal list of 5 movies as per my narrative and understanding which you might go back and read the book as well. It surely will be as if you have experienced your favorite movie character in real life and got to know more aspect of the same in much deeper level. Also you your mind would have the characters visible in a form from the movie. 

1. The Godfather trilogy

My honest sincere feeling is to just put up this picture to the right and end the topic (again opinions of the heart). 

To start of with the timeless classic "The Godfather" based on the book by Mario Puzo published in 1969 will take you into innate depth in the lives of the Corleone's and the characters involved. 

 Reading the book after watching the movie will surely make you feel connected to another level to your favorite characters and the way they think in situations and the thoughts which were restricted but aptly displayed by Marlo Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Di Niero, James Cann and others.

All the famous timeless lines are a direct pickup from the book like "I will make him an offer he cant refuse". Also there are absolute gems, one for reference "“Many young men started down a false path to their true destiny. Time and fortune usually set them aright.”

The book has endless learnings and life lessons engrossed and thus is a addictive read.

2.  The Shawshank Redemption

Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King from his 1982 collection Different Seasons, subtitled Hope Springs Eternal is the source for the Academy award winner popular movie Shawshank Redemption.

                                                                                                                       

Who has not watched and loved the movie and the elite acting of Morgan Freeman, Tim Robbins, Bob Gunton, William Sandler and others. The movie had every character embedded to shape up the circumstances in the prison and of the protagonist often dwelling deep into the minds of the characters, the society and human spirit in general. 

The book allows for a more wide narrative and makes the reader think on the lines of life and emotions. The book is a must read for those who seek deeper questions in life and are on an inward journey.

Etched out quote reference from the book :"It goes back to what I said about Andy wearing his freedom like an invisibility coat, about how he never really developed a prison mentality. His eyes never got that dull look.” 

3. Fight Club

One of the revolutionaries movies and concept which is still pretty much capable of upsetting the established order of the viewer. Fight Club starring Bradd Pitt and Edward Norton in one of their memorable roles (heart's opinion - Tyler Durden all the way) has the pace , content and suspense to present its message circling around mental health , the inward trajectory of the society and the established order which most individuals have a deep down desire to come out of.

The book by Chuck Palanjuk takes you deeper into the main weapon of the character of Tyler (or Ed Norton's nameless narrator) - the mind !. It takes a look at the brewing of ideas , the events that leave an impact on the mind and psychology and the little instances which turn up the narrator into becoming the alter ego which aims to rattle every understanding of the ongoing world.

Timeless classic dialogues when Tyler is introduced or when key moments of realization of real Tyler sets in, the book simply delivers the perfect punch for the reader.

Stand out quote from the book - "Hitting bottom is not a weekend retreat. It's not a goddamn seminar. Stop trying to control everything and just let go. Let go!" 

4. The Silence of Lambs

Based on the novel by the same name by Thomas Harris in 1988 is still relevant when it comes to fans of the crime genre. The movie provided an eerie premise complexed with past intermingling of life incidents of the character which translates in catching a serial killer on the flee. Aided to perfection the role of a psychopath doctor Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) makes the movie an absolute gem till date.

Brilliant acting, excellent story and the perfect character subplots make the movie a glued to the frame protégé where even blinking the eye seems a crime.

The book by Harris tells a lot about Hannibal Lector, the crimes he has committed and how his abilities make him the most dangerous inmates in the prison, and how he connects with the main character and helps her. The intriguing book has a phenomenal storytelling and is a must read.

Stand out line from the book: “Nothing makes us more vulnerable than loneliness except greed.” “Silence can mock.” “I'm not sure you get wiser as you get older, Starling, but you do learn to dodge a certain amount of hell.” “He lives down in a ribcage in the dry leaves of a heart.”

5. Gone Girl

Totally agreeing with the fact that Rosamund Pike just gave everyone the thrill and the chills with her acting and the portrayal of the movie. In certain scenes I wondered if Ben Affleck was in awe of her character improvisation. However just try reading the book by Gillian Flynn and you will have Rosamund Pike as the correlating character ij mind.

                                                                                                             

The flow with which the author narrates the turn of events giving us flashes of past and present through the narrators version is thrilling. Also the plot leading up to the speed and excitement is surreal and grips the reader into the lives of  Amy Dunn and her husband and at the same time takes a dig into todays biased world with respect to men and women and the role of media.

Lines that remained with me : “There's something disturbing about recalling a warm memory and feeling utterly cold.” “There's a difference between really loving someone and loving the idea of her.” “Tampon commercial, detergent commercial, maxi pad commercial, windex commercial - you'd think all women do is clean and bleed.”

Hope this list was entertaining and provided some good insights for a relaxed spending indulgence of sorts in your free time. With the availability of e-books its more easier than ever to go through the, Also planning a part 2 of this based on the reactions to this article (cant beat the decision of the heart here since the mind also agrees).

Peace !