Books with Movies
Hed recently wrote an entry on her blog talking about the book industries tendency to change cover art on novels after it has been turned into a movie. The questions she poses are:
1. Does (changing the art) cheapen the book...?
2. Are the authors of these books selling out by having these images replace their original cover art?
3. Are they (the authors) selling out by having a movie adaptation made of their book in the first place?
Since she turned off the comment option a while back I have no way to reply, so I've posted my opinions below:
1. Changing the cover art changes the perception of the book and the reason why someone picks up the book in the first place. Though in actuality if a book has more than one printing it is likely that the cover art will change with that new printing. Typically I will not buy a book with movie cover art (unless it is at a thrift store for cheap).
2. I'm assuming that when the author signs over the "movie rights" for the book they are signing away their executive decision making on what the cover art on the "movie edition" printing of the book will be. Now I'm wondering how much input the author has in the cover art to start with, since I'd imagine the "final decision" comes down to the publisher.
3. I don't think adapting a book to movie form is "selling out". It's just another way to experience the story. Though personnally I find it kind of distracting if I've seen the movie before watching the book, since the visuals I get when I read the book is influenced by the movie. I'm currently reading the Da Vinci Code, before I see the movie, and the images in my head of the two main characters are Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou. I'm not too disappointed about the Audrey Tautou part.
These are just my opinions. What are yours?
Meme: 50 Questions
Another meme from Dave. I won't bore you all. See the extended entry for the meme:
1. What curse word do you use the most?
Likely the F-word, though I don't know how often I use it. You'd need to ask Firda.
2. Do you own an iPod?
I don't. Someday I wish I owned one and other days I don't know when I would use one.
3. Who on your Myspace “Top 8” do you talk to the most?
Myspace? I don't have a myspace account.
4. What time is your alarm clock set for?
6:40 usually. I don't give myself much time, enough to get showered, dressed and out the door.
5. What color is your room?
White to off white.
6. Flip flops or sneakers?
Sneakers, if I owned a pair. Flip flops are a pain in the butt. Sandals are better.
7. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
Taking the picture.
8. What was the last movie you watched?
I think it was Sideways on DVD.
9. Do any of your friends have children?
Several of them do.
10. Has anyone ever called you lazy?
I bet someone has.
11. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster?
I have. Sometimes you need to.
12. What CD is currently in your CD player?
In my car I have an MP3 mix CD with a bunch of Johnny Cash, Archers of Loaf, Herbaliser, Cornelius etc.
13. Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk?
Good god, chocolate milk man!!!
14. Has anyone told you a secret this week?
Not that I can recall.
15. Have you ever given someone a hickey?
Ummmm....Sure.
16. Who was the last person to call you?
A charity on the phone asking if I wanted to give them my old clothing. I don't have anything to give them.
17. Do you think people talk about you behind your back?
I'm sure people do. It's inevitable.
18. Did you watch cartoons as a child?
The better question is "do you still watch cartoons, now that you are 30?", to which the answer is yes.
19. How many siblings do you have?
One, younger.
20. Are you shy around the opposite sex?
Depends. If they are a friend of mine, no. If I don't know them, yes. Though if I am around a group of people I don't know I tend to go into "survelliance mode", where it may look like I am being shy but in reality I am checking the situation out.
21. What movie do you know every line to?
I've never watched a movie enough for that to happen.
22. Do you own any band t-shirts?
A couple.
23. What is your favorite salad dressing?
Caesar, but only on caesar salad.
24. Do you read for fun?
I certaintly do. I currently have four books on the go right now. Though only one is a novel, the other three are bathroom/lunchtime type books (meaning you can pick them up for a couple of minutes and read a couple of pages and set it back down).
25. Do you cry a lot?
Not recently, though I can be weepy at times.
26. Who was the last person to text message you?
Firda.
27. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?
Desktop for personnel use and my work provides me with a laptop.
28. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoo?
Nope. This body is a temple :)
29. What is the weather like?
Freakin' hot. It's around 31 degrees Celsius (88 Fahrenheit), though it feels like 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Stupid spring!
30. Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos?
If I wasn't married? Sure.
31. Is sex before marriage wrong?
I don't think so. Religion is wrong :)
32. When was the last time you slept on the floor?
Hmmm. Not sure. If by floor you mean ground I would say the first night of my Honeymoon trip to Eastern Canada. We camped that night.
33. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
If I get 4 to 5 I can function pretty well (only for a day or two), anywhere between 5 to 8 I'm sluggish. 8 to 9 I function well. Anything more than that and I'm sluggish again.
34. Are you in love or lust?
Love. Though doesn't the bible say something about always having lust in your heart or something like that. Maybe it was Shakespeare. :)
35. Are your days full and fast-paced?
Not really. My work day is busy. After that it depends. Some nights seem busy, others seem lazy. Our weekends are usually pretty busy.
36. Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages?
Nope.
37. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
31.
38. Are you picky about spelling and grammar?
Not really. See my blog entries for explances.
39. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
No. We don't have Six Flags in Canada.
40. Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex?
I actually think I get along better with the opposite sex.
41. Do you like Cottage Cheese?
On it's own? No.
42. Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back?
Side or back. Never my stomach. By the way - tummy is such a dumb word.
43. Have you ever bid for something on eBay?
Oh yes.
44. Do you enjoy giving hugs?
Yes. If the person is more than a casual acquaintance.
45. What song did you last sing out loud?
Not sure. Probably one of my dumb little made up songs. Likely about how freakin' hot it is.
46. What is your favorite TV show?
At this moment in time I would have to say Lost. I can't wait for next season.
47. Which celebrity dead or alive would you want to have lunch with?
No clue.
48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?
Just before the dentist ripped one of my wisdom teeth out.
49. What one thing do you wish you had?
Money. An endless supply of money, non-taxable of course.
50. Favourite lyrics?
Can't think of any at this moment.
