 | 27 Jan 12 |
It’s the Year of the Dragon in more ways than one.
Monday marked the beginning of Chinese New Year, a 15-day celebration that ushers in the next lunar year. According to the Chinese zodiac, every year is symbolized by one of 12 
animals and 2012 is the year of the dragon. The dragon is legendary in Chinese folklore, and those born during dragon years are supposedly powerful, innovative, brave, and passionate. The year of the dragon is said to be the luckiest.
After going to the movies last weekend, I’m convinced it will be the year of the dragon at this year’s Oscars as well. On Wednesday, newbie actress Rooney Mara was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. To say she did a good job in the role of the Lisbeth Salander would be a massive understatement. The character of Lisbeth shows a spectrum of emotions: she’s tough and vulnerable, angry and kind, terrified and brave. And it all comes through on the screen. Mara’s performance was riveting in every moment–and for a two-hour-forty-minute movie that is saying a lot. Set in icy Sweden, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo received a total of five Oscar nominations, including Best Cinematography.
You have to go see it.
You really, really have to go see it, especially if you liked the book. Fair warning, though, there are some very graphic scenes.
Personally, I loved the book, which was written by Stieg Larsson. The Swedish author died before the book was published and never got to see his Millennium Trilogy sell 65 million copies and sit atop the bestseller lists for years. What’s the appeal with these novels? I thought Dragon Tattoo was fresh, suspenseful, edgy, and hard to predict.
Typically when I fall in love with a book, I end up disappointed by the movie, but that wasn’t the case this time. If anything, the movie–which had me gasping, cheering, and (at some points) covering my eyes–was even more impressive than the novel.
To win the Oscar, 26-year-old Rooney Mara will have to beat out Meryl Streep, who has been nominated for 17 Academy Awards. I think she can do it. Have you seen the movie? What do you think?
As a die-hard book lover, I want to take a moment to cheer for the fact that six of this year’s nine Oscar nominees for Best Picture came from books: The Descendants, Hugo,The Help, Moneyball, War Horse and Extremely Loud & IncrediblyClose. Isn’t that cool? I haven’t seen all these films, but I’m going to try to check all of them off my list by the awards show on February 26.
Do you have any favorite books that were made into movies? Thumbs up or thumbs down?
Anyone who leaves a comment is eligible to win a $10 Starbucks card and a signed copy of my latest book, SNAPPED.
© 2012, Laura Griffin. All rights reserved.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Griffin started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. Her books have won numerous awards, including a 2010 RITA (WHISPER OF WARNING) and a 2009 Daphne du Maurier Award (UNTRACEABLE). Her debut novel, ONE LAST BREATH, won the Booksellers Best Award for romantic suspense. Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on the next novel in her popular Tracers series.
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Mara was excellent (albeit I’m not sure she’ll be able to beat out Meryl Streep next month… she’s been denied too many times for some truly excellent roles!), Craig was ‘meh’, and I’m still on the fence as to whether I enjoyed the original Swedish film or this remake more. Remaking a film that came out in 2009?? Subtitles must really not be in vogue!
Favourite book-turned-film? Gone with the Wind! [Only because Star Wars wasn't a novel
] Both the book & film are legend. Generally, I like to see books I’ve read turned into films because it lets me see how someone else visualises the characters/setting/etc. [same reason I like audiobooks], but most of the time I end up much preferring the book.
by Cris January 27th, 2012 at 3:56 amGo books! One of my favs was The Firm by Grisham.
by Debra Webb January 27th, 2012 at 5:31 amHi Deb,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 5:37 amI think that was one of the better movies based on a John Grisham book. I did not like A TIME TO KILL at all, but I did enjoy THE PELICAN BRIEF.
Hi Cris,
I agree it’s a very quick re-make, but I think the film makers couldn’t resist all the potential money to be made if they put a big name in the role of Mikael Blomkvist.
Love GONE WITH THE WIND in print and on the screen. I remember the scene in IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES where the Ryan O’Neal tries to re-make that film and it flops…probably because he put his blond mistress in the role of Scarlett.
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 5:34 amI keep meaning to read the book, but my TBR pile is overwhelming right now. I’ll decide whether to watch the movie once I read it.
Of the movies I’ve watched where I also read the book, my favorite has to be Patriot Games (even though it strays from the book somewhat). Plus, it’s got Harrison Ford. =o)
by B.E Sanderson January 27th, 2012 at 5:49 amPATRIOT GAMES is amazing! I loved Harrison Ford as Jack Ryan. He was also great in CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER with Willem Dafoe.
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 5:53 amI have a few favorite books that were made into movies. I was not happy with the movie version of “Confessions of a Shopaholic” as it was very different from the book and why would they even change the fact that she was british???? “The Talented Mr. Ripley” was a pretty good adaptation and I can say I was pretty happy about that. Also, “In Her Shoes” stayed true to the content. I really think that more often than not the book is so much better than film because you rely on your own imagination to set the stage.
by Lisa January 27th, 2012 at 5:53 amHi Lisa,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 6:08 amI agree one of the problems with adaptations is when you’ve imagined it differently than it appears on film. The perfect example is ONE FOR THE MONEY. The guy playing Joe Morelli looks nothing like I have pictured for years.
I am not a big movie person but I do tend to stay away from movies if I have already read the book. I like to use my own imagination on what a character looks like and sometimes seeing it on film ruins my vision. With that said I would like to see Evanovich’s One For the Money and see if the chosen actors and actresses can meet my expectations.
by Shanae January 27th, 2012 at 6:11 amHi Shanae,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 7:35 amI will definitely see ONE FOR THE MONEY but I’m worried it is not going to live up to my expectations because of the casting.
I tend to stay away from movies made from books that I have read. As much as they seem to try (most of the time) movies tend to fall short of what my brain came up with. I did thoroughly enjoy the Lord of the Rings trilogy. (yes I am that geeky, lol) I still have The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in my TBR pile so I def will stay clear of the movie until I read the book, though it is good to hear it isn’t complete rubbish.
sionedkla@gmail.com
by Kassandra January 27th, 2012 at 6:46 amHi Kassandra,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 7:24 amI hope you’ll enjoy the book. It sat in my TBR pile for almost a year, and I’m glad I finally got around to reading it. I liked the first book in the trilogy the best, thought the second book was good, and didn’t care for the third book nearly as much.
I’ve enjoyed the movies made from Jane Austen books, Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Predgudice. I have purist friends who don’t agree but I loved them, plus the one she wrote as a spoof of the gothic books of the time, but the title escapes me.
by Carol Shenold January 27th, 2012 at 6:48 amHi Carol,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 7:25 amI thought PRIDE AND PREJUDICE was a wonderful movie. I missed SENSE AND SENSIBILITY.
I’m soooo behind. I have the book, and the movie is on my list of flicks to see.
I have to agree I loved the movie version of GONE WITH THE WIND, even though it was different from the book.
I like the TRUE BLOOD TV series is different from the books, it is a nice complement.
But I’ll admit if any of my fave books were made into movies, I might not go see them. I’m no longer reading the Janet Evanovich series, but I cannot fathom that Heigl woman as Stephanie Plum, so I won’t watch it, even when it comes out on DVD
by Lori Armstrong January 27th, 2012 at 6:53 amHi Lori,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 7:26 amI’m having a hard time with the casting on that film, too. The actor Joe Morelli is not at all what I pictured.
I really liked the Potter films especially the first two. I was kind of looking forward to One for the Money despite casting issues, but the fact that it wasn’t screened for the critics and Groupon is offering $6 tickets tells you something.
Unlike Lori, my issue is more with the male casting and Lula, though I noticed Heigl’s bouncing boobs are front and center in most of the clips.
I haven’t read Dragon Tattoo yet, but saw the movie and enjoyed it. I plan to read the book and hope it has more details. I also intend to watch the Swedish original with my father to compare.
by Anne January 27th, 2012 at 7:03 amHi Anne,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 7:33 amGood point! Stephanie Plum is not supposed have bouncing boobs. I haven’t seen who is playing Lula, but I hope she can pull it off.
Many books and movies were great: John Grisham, Tolkien, Jim Butcher and Charlaine Harris (tv shows) and now Janet Evanovich’s Plum series, comedy with suspense and romance thrown in.
by Diane January 27th, 2012 at 7:15 amHi Diane,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 7:28 amGood examples. Another book-to-film I’m looking forward to seeing this year is THE HUNGER GAMES. I hope it lives up to my expectations.
what a great point, laura – hadn’t occured to me to cheer book movies! mine would be WINTER’S BONE, which did okay last year. I’ve been resisting seeing TATTOO but now, with your urging, i think i’ll give it a try.
by Sophie Littlefield January 27th, 2012 at 7:27 amSophie,
I think you will like it! It is definitely dark and disturbing, but nothing you can’t handle
I will say you might want to be careful who you see it with (i.e. teenage kids). There are some very graphic scenes.
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 7:31 amA movie that I enjoyed was to Kill a Mockingbird. Memorable and beautiful.
by Pearl January 27th, 2012 at 7:31 amHi Pearl,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 7:32 amI love Gregory Peck in that movie.
I watched the Swedish version of the Larsson’s books and that blew me away! I haven’t seen our version yet, but plan on it. Don’t get me started on One for the Money! My husband changes the channel when the preview comes on now.
by Sabrina January 27th, 2012 at 7:48 amHi Sabrina,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 8:07 amI haven’t seen the Swedish version, but now I’d like to.
If you have a Prime membership with Amazon you can watch all 3 of the Swedish movies, that’s how I watched them.
by Sabrina January 27th, 2012 at 9:09 pmI only have one question: have one seen the Swedish version of the movies? ‘Cause, I’m sorry, after seeing Swedish Lisbeth Noomi Rapace, the simple idea of Rooney Mara just doesn’t get to me. I’m still devastated Rapace turned down playing Lisbeth in the American version. She did turn down her Oscar (which will now go to skimpy Mara). Mind you, I’m being prejudiced. I just have no faith in the Americans capacity of making that SWEDISH book/movie just as good.
by Barbie January 27th, 2012 at 7:56 amHi Barbie,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 8:09 amI haven’t seen the Swedish film but I heard the actress in that version was very good. It would be interesting to see both and compare their interpretation of Lisbeth.
Thumbs up for GWTW and To Kill a Mockingbird.
I agree with those who have mentioned casting concerns for One for the Money. What’s worse? Casting for Lee Child’s Jack Reacher movie, One Shot…Tom Cruise? Playing huge and imposing 6’5″ Reacher? Yeah, right!
by LSUReader January 27th, 2012 at 8:51 amUgh! I heard about this, too. There is absolutely NO WAY Tom Cruise can be a good Jack Reacher. Don’t know if I will be able to bring myself to go.
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 11:26 amI agree, Laura! THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO movie lived up to the expectations I had, after reading all three books.
I have to say, I also loved the three Swedish movies, which had a different mood as well.
Both the actresses who played Lisbeth — Ms. Mara and Noomi Rapace — brought their own unique style of edginess to it. Well worth seeing if you love to read — or write — mystery or suspense!
by Josie Brown, author, THE HOUSEWIFE ASSASSIN'S HANDBOOK January 27th, 2012 at 8:54 amHi Josie,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 11:27 amDo you know if they are planning 3 movies in the English version, starring Daniel Craig?
Gone with the Wind was one of my favorites. Jane Porter’s Flirting with Forty was good but the book was better. Nicolas Sparks books usually make good movies. The Twilight series the books were a lot better then the movies.
by Quilt Lady January 27th, 2012 at 9:07 amI agree about the Twilight series, but that’s only based on the first film, which is the only one I saw.
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 11:28 amI haven’t seen the American version yet, but I did enjoy the original Swedish versions. I really loved The Joy Luck Club and felt the movie was pretty faithful to the book.
by Jane January 27th, 2012 at 9:08 amI forgot about THE JOY LUCK CLUB. Another example of excellent book made into excellent movie.
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 11:28 amMovies based on books….hrm….I’d have to add Stardust to the list. Loved the Gaiman book and found the movie to be a treat. The TV/cable adaptation of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files was a decent attempt, too.
I love dragons so I’m really looking forward to this year!
by Silver James January 27th, 2012 at 9:50 amDragons seem to be hot right now. I know many authors who are writing dragon books for YA and adults.
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 11:29 amUsually I only appreciate novels, rarely are good movies made but Great Expectations was a surprise for me and well done.
by Anne January 27th, 2012 at 9:51 amHi Anne,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 11:30 amI have not seen it. Will put it on my list!
First books that were made into movies for me were the TWilight books. Books are way way better but as they make the movies each ones is a tad better than the one before. Nora Roberts has many books made into tv movies and those weren’t to bad but the books are better there too. It’s hard to live up to the books i think when making them into movies. To much has to be cut out and no one is every satisfied with what gets done to the books in the movie. lol Oh well. It’s just entertainment one way or the other.
Lisa B
by Lisa B January 27th, 2012 at 10:30 amGood point, Lisa. As for Nora Roberts, I think the reason many romance books aren’t on the big screen (one reason) is much of the story is internal dialogue. I think that is hard to translate. But I would love to see a movie about Eve Dallas.
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 11:32 amI loved the Harry Potter movies and I think they did a good job following the books.
by Jeanette Juan January 27th, 2012 at 10:31 amI agree, Jeanette. I have heard J.K. Rowling was very involved in those films.
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 11:32 amI really enjoyed the Tattoo series and we did go see the movie last week. I thought it was excellent, though yes, hard to watch at times. A friend of mine, who had not read the book, went and saw the movie and she said she almost walked out during that most graphic scene (everyone who has seen it knows what I mean). But, she hung in there, and ended up liking the movie. I can totally understand if you had not read the book it could be quite shocking.
by Linda McDonald January 27th, 2012 at 11:13 amYes, it would be shocking. You sort of have to see the full plot arc to make watching that scene bearable.
Another reason I was so impressed with the actress…
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 11:33 amNo, I can’t say I have a favorite book turned into a movie. I have favorite movies and books on their own though. Sometimes a movie will bring a book to my attention as I didn’t know it was based on a book. If I do know beforehand that a movie is based on a book I will try to read the book first. I just read One for the Money and am looking forward to that
I have a couple of favorite books whose rights are being optioned for a movie so I really really hope a movie does it justice (The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning).
by Na S. January 27th, 2012 at 12:53 pmI did not know THE FEVER was being made into a movie!
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 3:17 pmThis had added to my tbr pile.
by Runner10 January 27th, 2012 at 1:29 pmI will always love how the Harry Potter books transformed into films. I’ve heard Dragon Tattoo is good. Will have to see the movie for sure.
by Jill James January 27th, 2012 at 2:30 pmHi Jill,
by Laura Griffin January 27th, 2012 at 3:18 pmI think they did a great job with the Harry Potter films, too. I imagine they had a bit of a budget for those
I really enjoyed Michael Lewis’, The Blind Side and while the movie deviated from the book a bit, it didn’t lose the integrity of the story. Still the book was better!
by Jen X January 27th, 2012 at 4:03 pmI think the Harry Potter movies stuck to the books pretty well. I generally don’t like reading the book after the movie but I did with the first HP books. I promised my daughter I’d read the Twilight books and I will say I think the books were better than the movies. I’ve read The Hunger Games and the other two and I’m curious to see how they do in the movie. I’m also anxious to see what they do with Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series. I do have the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and the others in the series but haven’t read them yet. I wasn’t sure they would be my cup of tea. I’ll have to give them a try.
by Linda Henderson January 27th, 2012 at 6:51 pmThe book Girl With The Dragon Tattoo actually made me vibrate with excitement when I finished it. The movie frustrated me. I imagine anyone who hadn’t read the book probably scratched their heads in confusion. I thought the Harry Potter books had great movie adaptations. Yes, parts were annoying but they were good as a whole. I think the best adaptations were the Hobbit movies. Just Plain Wow! I can’t think of any bad adaptations right now. Although, I think the original version of The Shining by Stephen King was interesting, I can see why Stephen King hated it. The remake for SyFy channel was much better.
by Jen B. January 27th, 2012 at 7:23 pm