by Vincent Cadieo

Created on: November 11, 2009

It is only fair that I cast my ballot regarding the books and the adaptions that I have seen and read and not just heard about. Although, legend would have me believe that such books like Ben-Hur and Gone With the Wind, were turned into equally wonderful film adaptations. I do plan to eventually read those two books and put them somewhere in a class by themselves.

However, my final decision was not even close. I did attempt to ponder some fine books with their companion movie. The Prince of Tides was one excellent read and the movie was very good. Perhaps had they cast someone other than Barbra Streisand the movie would have been better. But again these ideas were only contemplated momentarily. There really is only one film that matches the power if the book.

The Godfather, the movie, not only carries its weight along side the book, but many film buffs will tell you that because of the visuals the movie actually packs a more powerful punch. The tale of family, redemption, crime and punishment is told brilliantly both in the book by, Mario Puzo, and the script by Puzo, and Francis Coppola.

I have devoured the book three times, and viewed the movie an untold number of times. The book was so artistically crafted, a fine piece of storytelling. The movie accomplishes the same artistic intelligence, combined with a wonderful operatic style only enhanced by the brilliant colors of its cinematography. Ironically it is one time I believe the reader does not have to read the book before viewing the movie. When the movie is seen before the read then the reader will have a wonderful time putting the iconic and powerful cast to the faces and characters in the book.

Here is proof, to some degree, that my ballot was cast with some merit. The book has been translated into numerous languages including Italian and Spanish. The book was also on the New York Times bestseller list for a record amount of weeks in 1969. The movie has garnished many Academy Awards and nominations including best screenplay by Mario Puzo and Francis Coppola. The film is deemed a classic and is always on every critics top ten list of all time. In fact many of the critics have it at number one. Still, both the book and the films remain top sellers in the DVD and book fiction sections in the big chain stores.

Learn more about this author, Vincent Cadieo.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.