Why Novels Deserve More Serious Attention than Films

With the rise of visual media and the prominence of film adaptations of literature, a question often arises: why are novels taken more seriously than films? Is it merely because a few people hold such opinions, or is there something fundamentally inherent in the nature of novels that draws more attention and respect from society?

The Quantity of Everlasting Dedication: Books vs. Films

A comparison of the infrastructure dedicated to discussing books versus films makes for an interesting insight. Millions of discussions and reviews appear on television, web channels, and social media, all focusing on films and their nuances. However, the number of such discussions dedicated to books is a fraction of that. If we measure 'seriousness' by the time and attention humanity invests, films undoubtedly win. Yet, when it comes to historical and cultural contributions, novels remain at the forefront.

Personal Preference and the Depth of Novels

I hold a personal admiration for novels. Novels excel where films often fall short, particularly in terms of plot development and character depth. Novels provide a richer, more detailed narrative than their filmic counterparts. This detailed setup not only enriches the story but also involves the reader in a more intimate and immersive experience. Unlike films, which often sacrifice complicated narrative arcs for clarity, novels can carry intricate plots that leave a lasting impact on the reader.

The Argument for Novels as the Original Art Form

Novels pave the way for film adaptations. Without novels, many storylines, character arcs, and thematic explorations that populate cinema today would be unimaginable. Novels are the raw, unaltered essence of storytelling. While films must often make changes to fit the visual medium, novels are the backbone of every film adaptation. The act of writing a novel is a monumental task that requires immense creativity, imagination, and effort. In essence, novels are the original art from which films derive.

The Controversial Backlash on Adaptations

Not all films receive the same level of scrutiny and controversy as their literary counterparts. This is particularly evident in some of history's most renowned adaptations. Consider A Clockwork Orange, a controversial book by Anthony Burgess that was banned in several countries due to its explicit sexual content aimed at children. The backlash on the book was considerable, but when Stanley Kubrick adapted it in 1971, the film received an even harsher criticism from literature critics. Interestingly, despite being more visual, the novel faced less censorship compared to the film.

The Impact of Film on Bestsellers

Another case in point is Forrest Gump, released in 1994. Before the film adaptation, the novel by Winston Groom had only sold 30,000 copies. However, the movie propelled the book to immense popularity, with sales reaching 1.7 million copies. This example illustrates the impact of films on the success of their source material, often leading to a renewed interest and respect for the original literary works.

The Counterexample: The Great Gatsby

While there are cases where films overshadow novels, such as the aforementioned Forrest Gump, there are also instances where novels stand out on their own merits, such as The Great Gatsby. The 2013 film adaptation, while critically acclaimed, did not capture the brilliance of its source material. This highlights the notion that the quality of the adaptation often dictates the level of attention given to the source material.

In conclusion, while films undoubtedly capture and hold the attention of countless viewers, novels continue to play an indispensable role in literature and culture. Their depth, richness, and the essential nature from which many films derive their stories ensure their place in the pantheon of serious and enduring works of art.

EDIT: A note on the error: I mistakenly referred to A Clockwork Orange instead of Lolita in the context of a book originally banned and later an adapted film. I have corrected the reference to ensure accuracy.