This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
By Amanda Keats
A while ago, we brought you the news that the #bookvsfilmclub was reading SJ Watson's Before I Go to Sleep – a compelling read and an incredibly impressive debut. It comes as no surprise then – especially given the book’s success – that it has now been made into a film starring Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong.
Earlier this week, the #bookvsfilmclub headed to an early screening at the Covent Garden Hotel in London to check it out and see how it compares to the book.
Here are just some of the reactions:
@poochface 'absolutely adored' it and @groylefingirl thought it was ‘Nail-biting’ while @Williams13Anne said it was 'Bit mixed really – unimpressed by Colin F, Nicole K perfect.'@MandaJJennings summed up her thoughts, explaining: ‘The film provoked mixed reactions. Not all plot holes plugged. A few opportunities for tension missed. Colin Firth fab.’ @Emzfinn agreed that ‘Colin Firth stole the film’ and @hmcami said that ‘#ColinFirth [was the] king of the film’. @CescaWrites said: ‘Book wins hands down in my opinion. Even though book doesn't have Colin.’ @mariacos82 enjoyed the concept, saying that it was a ‘unique idea’ and had ‘thriller elements reminiscent of 90s.'
Interestingly enough, some thought that it worked better as a film if you hadn’t read the book. @hmcami had this to say: ‘#BeforeIGoToSleep the film – I give it 4* except if you've read the book when it drops to 3*’.
Despite the love for Colin Firth and Mark Strong, many were left unimpressed by Kidman’s facial expressions. @mariacos82 said ‘unique idea as ever but terrible acting from Kidman. Was she happy/sad/scared? Who knows!’
The response to the film was very mixed from the club, with many of us loving some parts and hating others, though everyone present certainly agreed that the book is incredible. Though there were elements of the film that people didn’t like, thanks to the tension and the love of the Firth it still managed to be enjoyable.
Will you be seeing Before I Go to Sleep on the big screen when it arrives on September 5? Join the discussion by using the hashtag #bookvsfilmclub.