Watching a favorite book get translated onto the big screen can be either very exciting, or a nightmare.
By ASHLEY BIEG
Holyoke High
Watching a favorite book get translated onto the big screen can be either very exciting, or a nightmare.
Lois Lowry's novel, "The Giver," debuted in 1993. A year later, it received the
Newbery Medal, and has sold more than 10 million copies to date.
The dystopian novel tells the story of a teenage boy, Jonas, growing up in a supposed Utopian society. Yet, as the novel progresses, Jonas’ seemingly perfect society begins to show its true colors.
"The Giver" has become a very popular addition to middle school and high school required reading. The novel was banned from some schools because its plot deals with murder, suicide and sexual material. Yet, it continues to be a popular read, and a favorite among those who grew up with the book.
There was always speculation it would become a movie, and now, 21 years after its first printing, a film adaptation is expected this summer.
The trailer was released this month, and is causing some unease among the book's fans.
Colors play a big role in the novel. A reader might expect the movie to be filmed in black and white, due to the utopian society's lack of ability to see color. Yet, the trailer reveals the cast, which includes Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep and Taylor Swift, in full color.
Also, the role of protagonist Jonas is being played by Brenton Thwaites, who is not exactly a household name.
The movie is expected to hit theaters Aug. 15. It will no doubt draw a large crowd, due to the book's popularity, as well as the rise of popularity in dystopian science fiction.
As fans of the novel, we can only hope this film adaptation will be a dream come true, rather than a butchered travesty of the original story.