Day 268 -- books into movies -- hit or miss?

I've thought a lot today about books that have been adapted as movies or television series. Being a fan of the book (or series of books) makes seeing a movie filled with dread. Did the video version stay true to the story and characters? If not, it can just be so frustrating to sit through a viewing. But when they have a stellar screen writer, it can be so very, very good. Some books turned into movies that have disappointed me somewhat. I would enjoy the movies more had I not had the fuller version in my head. Combined characters can alter the story considerably. On the other hand, some adaptations get things almost perfect. An example of the latter is the new Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Her books contain rich descriptive aspects that make you see, feel, hear and smell the settings used. So, when I heard there would be a series, I was sceptical. However, the filming is movie quality, the characters so like expected (except one that I had pictured with long dark hair <smile>), and the settings of Scotland in the 1740s seem much like the book. It has stayed very true to the story with few edits or deletions.  Based on reactions from other friends who love this book series, I'm not alone in my enjoyment of this television series.

I love history -- real and period fiction. Even my current research project deals with historical aspects of a current situation. So, it isn't surprising that I've enjoyed these books so much. The characters feel like people that I know -- the writing has been so in depth that readers see the internal and external conversations and personalities. Truly a gifted writer <smile>.  I found the rich historical explanations of politics, health care, society, and warfare truly intriguing. Being a former microbiology professor, the author understands research and that detail is key. She sought first to understand the situation and then to write about it. The books helped me to understand better the history of the Scots branch of the family tree -- as well as appreciate the local cultural base here in the Highland Heart of Nova Scotia. I've embraced this part of my heritage.

I will continue to be sceptical with other screen adaptations, but will give them the benefit of a viewing (or partial viewing <smile>). The selection for today is from the new tv series -- one of many amazing songs used in the series (there be bagpipes <grin>). The version for the series uses new words with the older melody. I've also included the original folk song written in the late 1800s with lyrics describing events after the Jacobite defeat at Culloden (1745) when Prince Charles was spirited away.  Enjoy!

Outlander Title Theme Song (Skye Boat Song) --  by Bear McCreary ft. Raya Yarbrough


Skye Boat Song -- The Corries