From Page To Screen (55) Beastly

For this weeks From Page To Screen I'll be comparing the book turned film Beastly by Alex Flinn.

First let's discuss the book.
Here is a bit of back story in case you aren't familiar with the novel. Beastly is a novel written by the Author Alex Flinn. The book was originally published October 2, 2007 by Harper Teen. Beastly is a modern day retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in New York. Upon release Beastly received mainly positive reviews. It eventually went on to become a Bestseller thanks in no small part to the book being turned into a film.



Let's take a look at some of the characters now, shall we.
Kyle Kingsbury/Adrian King- Tall, rich,handsome and popular Kyle is perfect in every way. After playing a mean spirited practical joke on new student Kendra, Kyle is transformed into a beast. Kyle's father is ashamed of what his son has become and locks him in a large apartment in downtown New York so no one will see him. Kyle eventually changes his name to Adrian his only happiness coming from the rose garden he plants and maintains in his small backyard. Adrian learns he has two years to break the witch's spell by falling in love. 

Lindy Owens- Promised to the Beast after her Father is caught breaking into Adrian/Kyle's Apartment. She is described as ugly having crooked teeth, red hair and green eyes. Linda thinks what is on the inside of a person is more important than the outside. She isn't put off by Kyle's appearance and the two slowly fall in love. 

The Witch/Kendra/Magda- After abusing her magical powers she is sent to work as a servant in New York. She is a very powerful sorceress but also bored with her new life in New York. She spends her time spying on Kyle. 

Now let's discuss the film.
In case some of you aren't familiar with the film, here is a bit of back story. Beastly is a film directed by Daniel Barnz and was released March 4, 2011 by CBS Films. Beastly cost $17 million to make and ended up grossing $28 million worldwide. Although predicted to be one of the biggest movies of 2010 Beastly was a failure at the box office. 









Major Differences Between The Book and The Film
BookFilm
Kyle has two years to break the spell.Kyle is given one year to break the spell.
Kyle's character sees much character growth during his time as a "beast".Most of the characters emotional journey is left out. Kyle's main redemption as a character instead comes at the end.

Kyle is given a magical mirror by the witch that allows him to view anyone in the world. He uses it to watch Lindy from afar.
This is left out. Instead Kyle stalks Lindy to get to know her.
Kyle is turned into a beast much like the one made famous in the Disney version.Kyle resembles a human but is "disfigured" by scars and tattoos.
Lindy's Father is a drug dealer and abusive to her.
Lindy's father is very caring and trying to do right by his daughter.

Magda the housekeeper is actually Kendra/The Witch in disguise.
Zola is an ordinary housekeeper. 


Kyle changes his name to Adrian because it means Dark One.
Kyle changes his name to Hunter.

Kyle joins a chat room filled with others cursed by magic like himself.
This is omitted.
Kyle exposes himself to save Lindy from thugs. He is shot and as a dying wish asks for a kiss thus breaking the spell.  Lindy is going on a trip to Machu Picchu and Kyle visits her one last time. She confesses her love breaking the curse. 
Lindy is an awkward girl with crooked teeth and red hair. Lindy is beautiful.
Lindy's Father trades her to Kyle in return for letting him go. After overhearing someone threaten Lindy's life Kyle persuades Lindy's father to let her live with him.
Kendra/Magda is bound to Kyle for life. When Kyle wishes for Magda to return home to her family (he's told her children have no green cards) this breaks her obligation to him. 

Zola wishes to see her children again but says they have no green cards. Kyle wishes that she receive them and Kendra agrees to fulfill the request if he breaks the curse.

These are the main differences I noticed when the book was taken From Page To Screen. Which however do I prefer? Hands down the book. Usually I'm a fan of movie adaptations to some extent but this was just awful. Vanessa Hudgens was wrong for the role to begin with. She's just not that great an actress plus hello way to pretty for the role. I also really hated what they did to Kyle's character. He was kind of a dick the entire film and never really changed his personality despite becoming a beast. While I think Alex Pettyfer did an OK job with the material given and I liked Will those two things couldn't make up for the abortion that the movie turned out to be. If you really feel like wasting an hour of your life than watch the film but if you want a quality story I suggest just going straight to the book. 

Still not convinced? Check out the trailer below.
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Well that about wraps up this weeks From Page To Screen. Have a recommendation for an upcoming From Page To Screen, let me know in the comments below!

Have you read the book or watched the film? 
Which did you like better? Why? 

Just for fun:
If you've seen the film, How did you like Mary-Kate Olsen as Kendra?

Leave your answers in the comments below, I love to read your responses.

Comments

  1. My biggest problem with the film adaptation was his looks. in the book he's this beast and in the movie he has tattoos. Big deal. Plus he was still hot even with his "disfigurement" so it kind of defeated the purpose imo lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly! Plus he still dates a hot girl so really how is he being punished. It's kind of like She's all that in the way. Sure she wears these overalls covering up her smokin hot body and geek glasses but we all can plainly see she's hot regardless. I don't know, I just feel the movie shouldn't even go by the same name it is so loose an adaptation.

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