My boys are at an age when my suggestions for read alouds aren't always greeted with enthusiasm. There are times I'm able to win them over by reading a few chapters, but more often than not, they'll turn down my titles and suggest something of their own. At eight and ten, I can hardly blame them for developing their own tastes -- it's a good thing! But it does make me a little sad when they show little to no interest in titles I've enjoyed in the past or new books I would like to read. Enter THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET.
I bought a copy of HUGO while teaching in Louisiana (thank you, Scholastic Book Orders!) but had never gotten around to reading it. When I learned there would soon be a movie based on the book (now nominated for a gazillion Oscars), I decided to give the story a try with my boys. I'm so glad I did. We raced through HUGO in a couple of days. Both boys finished before I did then indulged me in reading the ending again. The combination of pictures and words and the mysterious nature of the storyline really held their attention.
Last week I took them to see the movie. It did not disappoint. The natural lighting used to mimic the style of early film, the Paris-as-cogworks opening image -- it was wonderful. All three of us loved the experience and the way the story unfolded on the screen. It was interesting to see what changes were made in the book's translation into a visual story:
- stronger development of the villainous station master
- the addition of several dream sequences
- The absence of the character, Etienne
For those of you who have both read the book and seen the movie, I'd love to hear your impressions.
This book is brilliant. I'm ashamed to admit we saw the film first, but at least it was phenomenal. Now my ten-year-old daughter reads this aloud to my five-year-old nephew on car rides.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't finished it, so I can't tell you my final impression yet, but so far I would say this is one of those wonderful instances where both the book and the film really do shine, even if in different ways.
We saw the movie two nights ago. Totally loved it. And yes, now I want to read the book!!
DeleteNo impressions from me yet, as the book's on my TBR pile, and the movie on my TBS. I'll let you know!
ReplyDeleteI love when a movie is faithful to a story. It was evident there was a lot of love in the creation of this film.
ReplyDeleteLoved the book (and Wonderstruck too!) but I haven't seen the movie. I shy from movies of books because the book is always so awesome in my head that I'm thoroughly disappointed in the movie (no, I didn't even see ANY of the Harry Potters). Although I did hear fabulous things about the HUGO movie, and even Brian Selznick himself seemed very pleased with it when I heard him speak last fall.
ReplyDeleteI was so excited to read this post. My daughter just got this book as a bday gift. We're reading Wrinkle in Time right now but this one is next!! I'm not sure who's more excited about it.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I've always been really cautious when it comes to films based on books. My first experience (and disappointment) came from Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH becoming The Secret of NIMH.
ReplyDeleteThis one works.
Johanna, please come back and tell us what you think!
ReplyDeleteLike Michael, I have yet to read the book or see the movie, though both are something I plan to do. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, there are a few guilty parties here! I have not read it yet either. Now this AND 1984 are on order! :) As far as books to movies, I thought the Secret of NIMH was a good kids' movie, just based solely on the movie version, but I completely agree, a far cry from the book.
ReplyDeleteI try to go in with no expectations, though it's so hard when it's a book you adore! :)
But Hilary, it wasn't the book! When your second-grade teacher reads this marvelous thing to you and the movie comes out that same year and it's so different from your eight-year-old impressions of the story... Ugh. It's crushing. :)
ReplyDeleteI know, I know.... Only I was one of the dorks who loved the book (which I read about 30 times) AND the movie!! I guess anything "rat" related did it for me as a kid! ;)
DeleteBeautiful book, beautiful movie--and yes, one of those rare film adaptions that I thought managed to capture the essence of the book it was based on, with some slight changes...
ReplyDeleteThe biggest one that stood out in my mind was how much nicer the Isabelle of the movie was, and Hugo a bit, too, for that matter. They were a little brattier in the books, especially Isabelle. But perhaps this is partially what made them such well-drawn and real characters :)
I think I will wait till I've read the book before I watch the movie, The book is also being reviewed this week by The Book Report,http://bookreportradio.com/, give it a listen.
ReplyDelete