From Page To Screen (40) The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy
For this weeks From Page To Screen I have decided to cover, The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
First let's discuss the book. Below is the cover.
Now for a bit of back story in case some of you aren't familiar with the novel. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy is a novel written by Author Douglas Adams. The book was originally released October 12, 1979 by Pan Books. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy is adapted from a Radio Series narrated by Douglas Adams on BBCRadio 4. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy was wildly successful upon release and sold over 250,000 copies within the first 3 months. The book bypassed the 1 million mark just 5 years later, for this Douglas Adams was given the Golden Pan award.
Let's take a look at some of the characters now, shall we.
Arthur Dent- Arthur is described as a perfectly common human being. Arthur lives outside of London and quite enjoys his quiet, comfortable existence. Arthur is one of only 2 humans to survive the destruction of Earth after it was destroyed to make way for an intergalactic bypass. Arthur has a strong affection for tea and is constantly on the search for a decent cup.
Ford Prefect- Ford is a researcher for the "Hitchhiker's Guide to the galaxy". Due to being stuck on earth Ford pretends to be an out-of work actor from Guildford. Arthur Dent is one of his best friend on earth. Ford is also 200 years old.
Zaphod Beeblebrox- Semi-half-cousin to Ford Prefect (they share three of the same mothers). Zaphod is said to be "the man who invented the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster, ex-confidence trickster, part-time Galactic President, one described by Eccentrica Gallumbits as the Best Bang since the Big One, and recently voted the Worst Dressed Sentient Being in the Universe for the seventh time running". Zaphod has two heads and three arms, although the 3rd arm is fairly new.
In case some of you aren't familiar with the movie, here is a bit of back story. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy was directed by Garth Jennings and was released April 29, 2005 by Touchstone Pictures. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy cost $45 million to make and and went on to earn over $104 million worldwide. Critical praise for The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy was mostly positive although some critics felt it lacked the humor of the books. Due to Douglas Adams untimely death before the films release "For Douglas" -- precedes the closing credits, after the final action sequence.
Major Differences Between The Book and Film
Book | Film |
---|---|
The Sirius Cybernetics Corporation products Trillian demonstrates aboard the Heart of Gold don't work as intended. | Trillian is shown using the Nutrimat drink dispenser and a bread knife that toasts as it slices and they both work as intended. |
The Galactic police pursuing Zaphod suffocate in their own suits after Marvin convinces their computer system to suicide. | The Vogons pursuing Zaphod are incapacitated after Marvin uses the POV gun on them, making them all hopelessly depressed. |
The Heart of Gold is shaped like a running shoe. | The Heart of Gold is shaped like a teapot. |
While Ford and Arthur go to the pub, Prosser lays in front of a bulldozer to distract the construction crew. | Ford buys the construction crew a round of beer to distract them from their work. |
Arthur's main objective is to return to Earth so that he may have a decent cup of tea. | Arthur has a change of heart and decides he wants to continue exploring the galaxy instead of returning to Earth. |
Zaphod wanted to become rich and famous and believed Magrathea was key to obtaining both. | Zaphod was not interested in riches, but rather in the lasting fame of finding the Ultimate Question. |
Ford Prefect had red hair and was white. | Ford Prefect had black hair and is black. |
The characters never travel to Vogsphere believing it to have long been abandoned. | The group travels to Vogsphere in order to rescue Trillain. |
Trillian is ambivalent to Arthur. | Trillian and Arthur fall in love. |
The creation of the second Earth is suspended Indefinitely. | Earth is completely restored. |
Zaphod has a second head that sits on his shoulder. | Zaphod still has two heads but it is cleverly concealed in his throat. |
Zaphod is pursued by Galactic Police for stealing the Heart of Gold.After Arthur and Ford's rescue the Vogons are not seen again. | The Vogons and a new character, Galactic Vice-President Questular Rontok chase the Heart of Gold, to save Zaphod from his kidnapper, who happens to be himself. |
The above mentioned are the major differences I noticed when the book was translated From Page To Screen. Which however do I prefer? While this might not be a popular opinion I wholeheartedly prefer the film. I love the actors the casting was terrific and you know what I totally love that Zaphod's creepy second head is gone. The book does have a certain charm and I definitely think one should read it but, I do think it can be a bit long winded in its jokes at times. Plus the film has this wonderful intro!Sheer genius if you ask me.
Still not convinced? Then check out the trailer below!
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