Is IT worth reading after seeing the movie?

[Antonov]

It's a question I have asked myself numerous times. I have the book right here, and I used to start in it but not got far, because I thought it was very similar.

Therefor my question is: is it worth reading the book after having seen the movie? In other words, is the movie a (complete) spoiler for the book or not?

Thanks

[Doc Wilson]

Don't recall how complete a spoiler the miniseries was, but I do remember that the book is much, much better.

[Spideyman]

The book is more detailed, stronger character development. I saw the movie and found the book much better. Think of the movie as an outline sketch , and the book colors it in for you.

[Robert Gray]

You are kidding right? That can't be a serious question. In general, the book (of any author) is always better than the movie. In the case of Sai King's "It" the differences are so vast it isn't even funny. Yes. It is worth reading the book. The similiarties end after the death of George. I suspect that is why you think they are the same. They aren't the same.

[jacobtlong]

The book is very much worth reading! The movie is so far off from the book that it's almost insulting.

[GetRichie99]

As is always the case with a good story, I prefer to read the book before watching the movie. Stephen's written work is always far superior to anything these guys come up with for the screen. I do like to watch the movies though, so I can compare thier version to what I envisioned when I read the story. Sadly, it is always lacking.

[cwinter4]

I agree with spideyman's post.

[thymeoperator]

i saw that movie a couple times before reading the book and it didn't spoil a thing because the movie is so dissimilar to the book. i can't stand the movie, personally, but the book was amazing.

[jchanic]

If you'd read the book before you saw the movie, you wouldn't be asking that. The only exceptions to the book being significantly better than the associated movie would be, in my opinion, Green Mile and Shawshank Redemption. Both great movies that are almost as good as the book.

John

[wally wonder]

there's so much more in the book, read it. the movie didn't begin to cover what a story told in words can tell.

[MyLife4YouSK]

If you'd read the book before you saw the movie, you wouldn't be asking that. The only exceptions to the book being significantly better than the associated movie would be, in my opinion, Green Mile and Shawshank Redemption. Both great movies that are almost as good as the book.

John

Don't forget Stand By Me and 1408! And though they may be a bit dated now, I think The Dead Zone and Carrie stand up to the book. Christopher Walken & Piper Laurie may have had something to do with that. :cool2:

[KJ Norrbotten]

I think the question really is, is there any reason to see the movie. The thing is, there's not that much in common with the book and the movie.
I read the book first, and it's still the #1 Stephen King novel to me. The movie/miniseries though, not suprisingly, was a dissapointment.
It is probably the most thorough novel I have ever read, and I think it is impossible to make even a decent adaptation out of a masterpiece like that.

[Antonov]

thanks. I guess I will have to read it then :biggrin2:.

[dsurrett]

I must be one of the only SK fans who hasn't read the book or seen the movie. It might need to go to the top of my "must read" list.

[fairy76]

I must be one of the only SK fans who hasn't read the book or seen the movie. It might need to go to the top of my "must read" list.

IT should certainly be at the top of that list! Read the book first- meet The Losers and soak up the story before watching the movie. That's the only way to go.

[michal]

The other way is true: Reading the book first may lead (probabely lead) to disappointment from the movie, but the other way around? Go read! Now!!!

[Nero]

Two words:

Yes.

[OneEyedNick]

I know how that feels. Never was able to read 'The Chamber' by John Grisham after seeing the movie. But books are always a better experience. Give it a hard try.

[JosephDurham]

The book is ten times better than the movie. When I watched the movie my first thoughts were , "This sucks." It was made to be scarry, but was humorous at times, and the characters seemed to "clown" around. hahahah :grinning:

[Binyabinya]

Each art form needs to be taken for what it is. You are not really comparing apples to apples but apples to oranges. I often hear those who are movie lovers stating that they loved this or that SK movie that I absolutely hated because I loved the book so much. Whenever I suggest they read the book to get a real feel for the story they ask why since they feel they already got it. That kind of makes sense if you think about it. You need to approach the novel as an unknown piece. Why don't you skip (yep I said it) the first chapter or two and see if you can become more engrossed. I think once you are off and running you will be hooked! Read on, and go see movies too!

[catnoel]

If you want a good laugh, watch the movie. It is not even in the same league as the book:biggrin2:

[~Ally~]

Oh my...skip a chapter or two? I think my heart stopped beating for a second there (seriously)!
No novel (especially of this magnitude) should ever have any of the details skipped over IMO. Something integral to the story, no matter how small the detail, may be missed by doing this which will surely make it even harder to immerse yourself in the world being described.

If you have seen the movie and enjoyed it, then all I can recommend is read the book as this can only be seen as a massive improvement.
I actually enjoy the movie, despite the fact IT is my favourite novel and it could never capture the essence of that. Without prior knowledge of the book the movie stands alone quite well.

[Churchill502]

the movie doesnt even come close to the book in my opinion. Yeah they have alot of similarities but the movie doesnt really offer anything, it has a weak plot and a horrible ending, its alost like they could have been 2 totally different stories with the same villian. (pennywise) you really should read the book, for me it was one of the most terrifying books I've read, dont ever base your opinion on a movie, always read the book too because truthfully if you do you will never choose a movie over a book, ever. Read it you will not be dissapointed.

[faithraine96]

I've seen the movie probably a dozen times, and get goosebumps when I am reading It. I know whats about to happen, and it still creeps me out, so I would recommend reading it still.

[davidracz]

Absolutely. It's a must. The scariest story I've ever read. It's worth listening to Goldie's Saturnz Return album while you are reading. Trust me! :wink2:

[nancy cosgrove]

I just wish I'd never seen the film ---massacred the book!!:down:

[ChristineB]

Many here have suggested you read the book first then see the movie of what ever book.

I simply can't do this. I tend to wait to read the book (sometimes a few years) incase they make a movie out of it. If I have read the book, I can't get into the movies. I love movies but especially with SK's work the movie is never anywhere near the book(with the exception of Shawshank and Green mile) and I sit picking apart every scene that is not like it should be. So for me watching the movie first is the best bet. Then I am free to enjoy both. :)

On Topic: READ THE BOOK! IT is one of his best works you will not be disappointed.

[djbeilstein]

Read the book – aaaa! – read the book! This book is classic King and also shows in hind site why this "horror" writer or "entertainment" writer is what he is: a very quality writer who writes entertaining books with a horror tinge to most of them. This book is step one in comprehending how a good writer takes a "monster" novel and turns it into art. Pure and simple here. No Freud – no literary pusholes – just good solid quality writing. The fiction is for the fiction. Stephen King is one of great "Sub-Creators" as C.S. Lewis might opine. To those fans who know far more than me – you may rattle your keyboards that THE STAND or THE SHINING did this – and to you, I submit. But my favorite in terms of story & character construction in a "monster" novel has always been IT ...

[DaveN]

i saw the movie first as well...i definitely recommend reading the book. If they had everything from the book in the movie there couldve been at least another hour or so...so much was left out, some really amazing scenes. READ THE BOOK! Definitely worth it!

[rev. rick]

it is defently worth reading after the movie. I watched it at ten years old and picked the book up and read my first SK book. I fell in love then and there

[rose key]

The book is so much better than the movie. You must read the book!

[Natjen26]

Uhm, YES :D

[DancingCorpse]

The novel is about a thousand times better than the movie, no joke! I like the film, it's okay and i suppose good for a mini series. IT is unfilmable like most good novels imo. Adaptations which respect the story can be made, of course, but some just cannot be transformed like that. That's the magic of the written word.

[paul yates]

The novel is about a thousand times better than the movie, no joke! I like the film, it's okay and i suppose good for a mini series. IT is unfilmable like most good novels imo. Adaptations which respect the story can be made, of course, but some just cannot be transformed like that. That's the magic of the written word.

Couldn't agree more you've got to read the book.

[sissy]

Read, Read, Read. A story nevercomes more alive for me than when I read it without someone elses visuals getting in the way of my own imagination.

[Mobe1969]

I like them both. I saw the miniseries a few times, then read the book. I honestly don't feel like the miniseries did it any injustice, or really missed out anything. I feel the same about The Stand too honestly.

[lillamis]

I would love it if you would tell us your opinion , now that you probably have read the book. To me "IT" and "Dreamcatcher" are genuine, vintage SK-books!!!! They are all that I love about his writing.

[marv4213]

Yes, if you liked the movie, or if you didn't, you need to read this book. While I did really like the miniseries, the book is soooo much better. I still get the creeps when they open up the scrapbook. One of the most spine tingling experience I have ever had reading one of his books. Please don't short change yourself and not read this book because of the TV show. I loved this book, loved the show, but the book is what came out of Mr. King's mind. Try as they might, you just can't beat that. My adivce to you. Read it, you will not be disapointed

[Silhouette86]

Yes, it is worth reading. Definitely.