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Reading the wonderful novel, Good Night, Mr. Tom, was truly enjoyable, however, the movie version of this beautiful story was disappointing. After viewing the movie in class, it became quite clear that the book was poorly adapted, and many important scenes were omitted.
Many aspects of this novel were brought to the screen in a fashion that seemed to almost ruin the movie. The exceptional level of character portrayal in the film was, however, very pleasing. The gifted actors who depicted Tom, Will, and Mrs. Beech not only fit the physical descriptions that were given in the book, but they were also able to delineate the distinct personalities and speech mannerisms of the characters. The portrayal of Mrs. Beech was especially captivating, for it is difficult for an actor to depict such utter insanity.
Another aspect of the film that was well adapted was the interpretation of setting. The scenery of the film fit Little Weirworld as described in the novel. The natural settings, as well as the structures in the film version, seemed both geographically and historically accurate.
Other than the character portrayal and setting adaptation, the movie version of Good Night, Mr. Tom was barely impressive. The events in the plot and the character development seemed to occur too quickly. Although the exposition presented the conflict well, the main conflicts of the story -- Will's emotional scarring from his long-term abuse, and Tom's learning to love again - - seemed to become less important extremely fast. For example, Will tended to adjust to life in the country rather abruptly, and Tom's issues were solved hastily unlike in the novel. Also, Will didn't even have time to grieve Zach's death as he did in the book. Zach's death was an important event in the novel, and this was basically dismissed in the film.
After viewing the film, it was obvious that many important characters, scenes, and subplots were ignored. George, Carrie, Ginnie, and Zach had very small and insignificant roles. Geoffrey, who in the book helped Will become an individual, was not even mentioned in the movie. Although Sammy, Tom's dog, was a vital character in the discovery of Will in the closet, he was not portrayed as helpful to Will's emotional growth in the film. The interesting subplot about Carrie's high school ambitions was not included, and the noteworthy scene in Salmouth was omitted. Also, the kidnapping scene at the hospital was thoroughly disappointing.
In conclusion, the film version of Good Night, Mr. Torn was a dissatisfying and inadequate representation of the novel. Although the film showed strong character portrayal, the plot lacked many essential events that were examined in the book. Also, the rapid speed of the film caused many important scenes to lose their meaning and significance. Overall, the film version of Good Night, Mr. Tom had many powerful components, but was nothing in comparison to the excellence of this fine novel.
The movie of Good Night, Mr. Tom lived up to my expectations. Like most movies of its type, it wasn't as good as the book upon which it was based. I have always liked hooks better than their movies and this stands true with Good Night, Mr. Tom .
The movie Good Night, Mr. Tom had a lot of problems. There were many pivotal characters in the book that had minor roles in the movie. For example, Zach, who was Will's first friend and who was with him throughout the book, was reduced to a minor character. There were other important people who played major parts in Will's life in the book that were not as big a part of the movie. Geoffrey Sanderson, who had no part in the movie, should have been a part of it because of how he helped Will deal with the death of Zach. Also, there were important events that gave you a better understanding of the characters and subplots in the book that were left out of the movie. Examples of these are: when Will and Zach go to Spooky Cott and meet Geoffrey; when Will and his friends go blackberry picking and learn more about each other; and when Tom carries Will from the train station to the blacksmith's after kidnapping him.
There are other reasons that make books better than movies. The main reason is that by reading you can understand what the characters am thinking. That gives a book more feeling, and it gives you more understanding of the characters and the plot. Another reason a book is better than a movie is that books always contain more scenes and information.
Despite its problems, the movie was enjoyable because it showed you characters and scenes you could only imagine. Seeing these helps you understand what the characters were feeling and what it was like to live there at the time.
All in all, the book version of Good Night, Mr. Tom was much better than the movie. It was more interesting and more entertaining. I'd rather read the book any day.
To read more student work go to Student Authors or go back to Ms. Smith's English Page