Should I start with the book or the movie?

[redmangoose]

The Shawshank Redemption is easily one of the greatest movies of all time. But I'm torn between reading the original novel it was including in(Different Seasons was it?) and watching the film.
Help me decide

[labec1130]

I'm not sure by the wording of your post if you've seen the movie already or just heard that it was the greatest but IMO...you should always give SK the upper hand in these things after all, it is his story... I've never been disappointed if I read first and watch later, on the other hand I am disappointed almost every time I watch first and read later....in any case your in for a real treat.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

DEFINITELY the book first!

Superb movie though it is (and it is), the novella is better IMO.

Long days and pleasant nights

[GNTLGNT]

This is no "chicken or the egg question", there can only be one answer-"Three"! No, sorry, fell asleep over my theme book again. The real answer is "C". Stop! Gosh durn it, that's not it either! Here mousey, mousey....Oh yeah, undoubtedly-the true answer is that the book is always the default! Never judge a book by it's movie cover...

[Halestone]

In my opinion I would have to say the book first. Reading the original before seeing the film is always better as it makes the movie better. Although saying that the film is basically 98% true to the book but with the extension of one character (a brilliant move I must say) and a slightly different ending.
So yeah, book definitely but I also recommend you see the film afterwards.

[Silhouette86]

I think- through experience- that watching the movie is the better idea. Because if you watch the movie first, you are bound to be more pleased with the novel. I'll give you an example: say you watch the movie and there is some quality about it that makes it not so great; well, if anything, the book is always bound to be more in-depth and imaginative. With the book there will be no time-limit, bad production, acting, etc, etc.
The short answer: watch the movie first, if they have made a movie of it, of course.

[Terry B]

ASJDS - definitely the book.

[Pucker]

Always read the book first . . .

This will allow you to draw the characters in your own head before having them thrust upon you by some casting director who may not see things the way you do.

[brianangelo]

I believe one should always start with the story and then see a movie...

[Delbert_Grady]

In any and every situation when there is a movie based upon a book, the answer to your question is and should always be...

READ THE BOOK FIRST!

I will add that the film adaptation is probably the finest of all of the King adaptations...even better than 'Stand By Me' and 'Dolores Claiborne'.