Punching Bag on Pages

Novel vs. Film, Theme - Divergent Trilogy

Where do I begin?

Books, first of all, capture what the author truly envisions. That published piece is the original. When adapting them to films there is at least some sort of alteration. It's like sanding down the three hundred paged masterpieces for intellectuals into fabricated nightmares that will please anyone.

I don't believe I've met anyone who as walked out of the theater cheering  "Oh my gosh, that was way better than the book!"

Usually, films cut out minor characters, fail at representing the major characters, or trim the plot line to fit within the two hours of motion picture "fun".

Let's take Insurgent, for example, because I saw it last night. Now, I read the entire trilogy (and the Four Collection) last summer, which took me on an emotional roller-coaster. I wouldn't be able to count how many times I cried. About a week ago, I decided that with the movie being released (of my favorite of the three books) I'd reread Insurgent. I'd take notes on what essential things needed to be in the movie for me to be satisfied. I know I'd pretty much disappoint myself, but wanted to set the expectations high like all readers should be able to do, in a perfect world. Then, while watching it in theaters, I'd take brief notes on what was not included or changed compared to the book.

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR BOTH MOVIE AND BOOK

The following contains what I wanted to be included in the movie, my specific grievances, and minute praises.

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Grievances-

1- With the first movie, the playfulness of Tobias' character was missing. His past was adapted great, and portrayed well by Theo (love him), but Tobias wasn't completely broody and serious during the book. He was playful at times. In the first book, Divergent, he was a bit tipsy when approaching Tris that evening in "The Pit". Tobias even showed a flirtatious side for the one part. It's important to show that uniquely adorable part of Tobias from the books, so I wanted to see some banter thrown into the script. Upon watching the movie adaption of Insurgent, he still had that overly pensive vibe.

2- From what I had seen in the trailer, the intimacy between Tobias and Tris was portrayed in an obscure sex scene. Over the course of the books, Veronica Roth made their relationship on an emotional foundation, not physical. The relationship was solely based on interdependence (needing strength in this fragile point of their lives), not sleeping with each other. I mean, they were both born and raised in Abnegation! The directors could have abstained (haha) from throwing in a sex scene until Allegiant, like the books. It immediately made me think "Oh gross, the directors are going to emphasize their relationship as the focal point." Tobias and Tris had one of the best relationships I've read about. Everything slowly progressed, and there were constant fights between them. Some fictional fights can be overstretched, like they are screaming over what channel to watch on the television. I was glad to read plausible bickering matches between the two characters. Tobias even questioned his own heart on multiple occasions, realizing that he was letting her overshadow the true problem: civil war. Unfortunately, they didn't fight during the movie. I wanted to scream "Get angry with her Tobias, give her the ultimatum. Tell Tris 'if you do that again, you and I are done' like you did in the book!"

3- I only have four words (no pun intended) to really sum up the pain in my chest for this one- NO DAUNTLESS CAKE INCLUDED.

4- I specifically wrote on a sticky note, "I'm excited but nervous to see Tobias on the big screen again. I hope there isn't some kind of dramatic shift in his character, like decision making. Consistency is key for the movie to be accurate." Well, what the fuck... do you remember when they first meet Evelyn in the book? How Tobias held that resentment towards her but still knew that it was better to follow her plan. Also, Tris absolutely hated her, didn't trust anything that came out of Evelyn's mouth. Tris struggled to comprehend how Tobias could see even a little bit of good in Evelyn. In the movie, Tobias proceeded to say something like "We can't trust her, Tris." Is that not the fucking opposite of what Veronica wrote?