Contrast: Book vs. Movie: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
I know all the book lovers prefer books to movies, and almost never are they
happy with the screen adaptation of the story they otherwise thoroughly
relished reading. Despite my efforts to stay objective, I’m afraid I too am given
to that disposition, more than I originally imagined. But in this case, I honestly
don’t think enough effort was taken to do justice to the book by Lauren
Weisberger.
A lot of tiny details were altered in the movie which is almost always the case
while translating a book into a film, and hence, that is not what disappointed me
the most. It was the elimination of characters and/or omission of their roles thatc
would be off-putting for someone who had read the book first.
Andy (Andrea), the lead character—who wishes to soon be able to write for
The New Yorker—attempts to juggle personal relationships and her social life
with now-most-important-of-all work once she joins Runway, a fashion
magazine, as our Devil’s junior assistant. The main outline of the story remains
the same, painting Andy as a fresh-out-of-college recruit who falters at
balancing her personal life while having to constantly tend to her boss, The
Devil Miranda Priestly, editor-in-chief of Runway. She is told that this is what
happens when one starts doing well at work (the movie version), and ‘when
one’s whole life goes up in smoke, that means it’s time for a promotion!’
Some characters in Andy’s life from the book are missing in the film, for
instance, there’s no appearance of her mother, or even her older sister, Jill. The
major disappointment however, was the cutback of Andy’s best friend, Lily’s
role and her contribution to the development of the plot. They didn’t assert her
presence enough—she appears barely thrice, a brief show-up with no real
importance, while the book rendered her a recurring and a weightier presence.
How Andy’s neglect of her friend, among others, leads her to have strained
relationships was more palpable in the original work; the dialogues were real
and the emotions exchanged more humane and relatable.
Apart from the tragicomedy that Andy meets with, the Devil’s extravagant
nature is more elaborate in the book to the effect of the reader cracking-up at
every other emphasis (special reference to Miranda’s obsession and concurrent
indifference for white Hermès silk scarves one of which she always has on, but
leaves them everywhere—restaurants, movies, meetings, taxis—that makes
Andy wonder where they all go, perhaps Miranda thinks they are
handkerchiefs? Or maybe she likes jotting notes on silk instead of paper?
Whatever it is, Andy decides, Miranda seems to truly believe they are
disposable, and the assistants hand them to her like Kleenex!)
Okay, so far in the contest, the book’s been winning, it’s time we gave credit to
the movie for its plusses. To start with, Miranda Priestly could not have been
played better by anyone than the iconic Meryl Streep. She’s put on the right
blend of style of an empress of the fashion world, finesse of a lady, and
meanness of a boss. Those who couldn’t picture the Devil in the book would be
absolutely awe-struck by the character on the silver screen.
The book has a mean Miranda, but the film tops that by delivering a high
degree of her wickedness. The novel lays out the picture from Andy’s viewpoint
alone, but briefly towards the end of the movie, the viewer gets to see from
Miranda’s glasses too. The film doesn’t just portray her as a cruel creature, but
also gives awareness to her character that recognizes that she’s vicious to her
staff and subordinates. The screen sees more depth to her identity than a mere
fashion authority. The film has endowed her with self awareness and a tinge of
humanity which, those who’ve read the book, would not recognize.
My take: you could watch the movie if you’ve got some time to kill, though the book is positively funnier, but then again, wouldn’t the movie buffs call that a bias? Anyway, short of long, it’s a nice read, and a not-so-bad watch, but you’d enjoy the movie more if you haven’t savoured the book already.
