Book vs. Movie

Like most movie adaptations, the book is always better. The details that comprise a novel create an in-depth storyline that the movie cannot possibly fit into its 90-120 minutes time slot. The Kite Runner is no different. While reading, a reader has the ability to interpret the text on the pages and create a personalized vision of how each scene and part of the novel should be laid out. It is only natural to compare these instinctual personal images to the directors of a movie. Unfortunately, it is rare for two visions to match up. Therefore, while watching the movie I found myself constantly picking out details that bothered me about the actors chosen and the way the director chose to depict a scene.

            I guess I was satisfied with the actors picked for the children versions of Amir and Hassan and even Amir as an adult. However, I imagined Baba being taller and more ruff-n-tough looking. In my mind, Baba resembled a big teddy bear of a man, but in the movie he is too wimpy looking. Also, the actor chosen to be Assef did not even closely resemble the character of Assef described in the novel. This aspect of the movie is understandable because it can be hard to find a talented actor that fits the role of a character. The movie did match the most important personality traits of the main characters.

             The first detail that I felt should have been mentioned in the movie was the connection that Baba and Ali had. In the novel, their history serves as the basis for Amir and Hassan’s relationship and tells of the two families past.  Advancing further into the movie, I think the transition from Kabul to America should have been emphasized more. In the novel, America serves as a new beginning for Amir, while it is a sacrifice for Baba. For the beginning, Baba has a hard time adjusting to the American way, however it is worth it for him because Amir is happy. This part of the story marks an important step in Amir and Baba’s relationship, as Baba accepts Amir for who he is and who he wants to be.  One vital scene that I was shocked not to see in the movie was Sohrab’s attempted suicide. I do not think the movie captured Sohrab’s dark side or how much he was effected by his transition to a normal life. The scenes in the end of the novel with Amir and Sohrab were amongst my favorite and it was unfortunate not to see them mentioned in the movie.

            All in all, the movie was sufficient, but not satisfying. I would recommend reading the book over watching the movie any day, even though it takes way more effort – it’s worth it.