There are three kind of people in this world; those who enjoy a good written novel, those who enjoy a good movie, and those who read the novel and go to the movie just to criticize it. I am of the third category. This summer my goal is to read each and every novel that is being made into a movie and provide my readers with a break down of the pros and the cons of this movie. A few weeks ago I read and saw A Fault in Our Stars, and while my critics of this movie did not end at what a horrible actress Shailene Woodley is I figured out a big part of humanity. Bear with me as I work through this realization.
The Fault in Our Stars took me exactly one day to read. It was a tear jerker and something that I would never pick up again. As I feel in love with Gus, Hazel was not the most developed. She fell flat for me (yes I am talking about the book). Though she appeared to really love Gus, her actions and thoughts didn't appear so. It felt more like "I must do this before I die" kind of thing. But Gus, though we never got his thoughts seemed genuine in his love for her. I actually felt bad for him throughout the whole novel because he seemed to be dating someone so flat, someone so boring. I found myself more worried about who would die at the end of the novel than I did enjoying the journey. Though this book had a mediocre main character the lesson or point of the story was outstanding.
The novel itself focused on being able to live (and love) your and someone else's disability. Yes I know most people would think of a disability as being down syndrome or some type of learning disability, but if you think down and really ponder it. Hazel was living with a disability. Gus was living with a disability. Disability is defined as a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. Cancer limited every one of Hazel's activities. She could no longer be a child as she was dealing with adult problems. The point of this novel is to bring awareness to disabilities and how to efficiently live with them regardless of the circumstances. It was to bring awareness to everyone else in society how lonely living with cancer is. This book may be like the Imperial Affliction is to Hazel to some people suffering with cancer, but the ultimate audience is all of us in society who shy away with someone who has an oxygen tank, or shaved head, or doesn't look like we do. It is to prove that just because this person has a problem he/she is just as lonely as you, he/she is looking for friendship, love, a job, or whatever just like you.
The movie industry changed the whole point of this story. From an awareness to a love story. They made it what would sell, which is why there is a huge knowledge gap between those who know and love the novel and those who go to the movies. Sex sells. End of story. Love sells. So instead of making this novel that has a huge message one that saves this message they changed it into the love story. They ruined it. Not only did they leave a lot of scenes out they left out the crucial message of being able to love yourself.
Even if you are a movie goer. I suggest you read this novel. The characterization may be flat, but the message and awareness it leaves it's audience is more important than anything you could take out of the movie.
Don't forget I am always open to suggestions and thoughts! Comment Below! :)
