Videoflicks at Prahran Library

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Thu 27 Nov 2014

It is always fascinating to have read the book and then to see how it is translated into a movie. As Paul Coehlo implies in the above quote, it is a process thwart with reader prejudices and ownership of the characters they have just read about.

Book and film lovers have this opportunity to compare some of their favourite books with the film versions on the last Thursday of each month at screenings to be held at the Prahran Library.

Some of the movies are classics, but there are also some contemporary films -- so recent you might not have caught up with them.

31 July: The Great Gatsby (M, 136 mins). Based, of course, on the classic novel by Scott Fitzgerald who not only named the Jazz Age but defined it.



28 August: Murder on the Orient Express (PG, 127 mins) Agatha Christie's classic, a movie once seen never forgotten. Takes you back to the 1920s- clothes, decor, the works. Christie was married to an archaeologist, so spent time in Egypt which is why she could write about this country so authentically. The book of course is wonderful.

25 September: Safe Haven (M, 111 mins) Based on the romantic novel by by American novelist Nicholas Sparks. This movie was a big budget production that was panned by critics. Starts Josh Duhamel and Cobie Smulders. The 2013 film was however highly successful at the box office. If you are a Nicholas Sparks fan you might want to make up your mind about the adaptation.



30 October: East of Eden (PG, 112 mins) Wonderful 1955 film, directed by Elia Kazan, and loosely based on the second half of the 1952 novel by John Steinbeck. Stars the legendary James Dean and showcases some powerful performances. Dean's tragic death after East of Eden earned him the first posthumous Oscar nomination but also ensured his status as a screen legend. A must read book. Apparently Steinbeck considered it his magnum opus saying "East of Eden has everything in it I have been able to learn about my craft or profession in all these years." Given he was a Nobel Prize Winner that means this book really packs a literary wallop.



27 November: Christmas with the Kranks (PG, 95 mins) is a 2004 American comedy film directed by Joe Roth and stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis. Little known to most people is the fact that it was based on the novel Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. The plot revolves around a couple who decide to skip Christmas when their daughter goes away. Her change of plans and complications with the neighbours really sends them into a hilarious tailspin.



You do not have to book these sessions simply drop in and enjoy. Hopefully the films will also encourage you to read the books.

If you are interested in finding out how to download e-books from your library there is some helpful information here.

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!date 27/11/2014 -- 27/11/2014
%wnmelbourne