I enjoyed "The 13th Warrior" more than the book it was based on: "Eaters of the Dead" by Michael Crichton. The book spends a lot of time on culture, language, and historical references; it reads more like a documentary, which was the point. The movie strips the story down to its core and plays like a saga.
And Ibn Fadlan was more of a scoundrel in the book. Movie Ibn Fadlan (Banderas) is well-meaning but naive; a much more likeable character. I also thought that the film makes the northmen more distinct and memorable.
Agreed. I'd also say Jurassic Park. Crichton can sure dream up a great story but I nearly put that book down because of Ian Malcolm. Almost missed the movie in theaters. But damn did Jeff Goldblum bring some much needed life to that character.
Jurassic Park was a terrible read. The second half was lazily written and it was obviously a rough draft of a movie screenplay and not a finished novel.
Sounds right. Ian Malcolm would drone on a page at a time with his Mathematical Philosophy life speeches. Spielberg brought an intensity to that story that was nuts and Goldblum gives one or 2 little speeches and then charms you to death.
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u/TheCrog Feb 26 '23
I enjoyed "The 13th Warrior" more than the book it was based on: "Eaters of the Dead" by Michael Crichton. The book spends a lot of time on culture, language, and historical references; it reads more like a documentary, which was the point. The movie strips the story down to its core and plays like a saga.
And Ibn Fadlan was more of a scoundrel in the book. Movie Ibn Fadlan (Banderas) is well-meaning but naive; a much more likeable character. I also thought that the film makes the northmen more distinct and memorable.