Book vs. Movie: Battle to End All

The intriguing novel, The Hours written by Michael Cunningham was turned into a movie in 2002 and as with most novels-turned-Hollywood there is criticism from both ends that argue over which was better. In my recollection of the book and movie I will try to give my own review here. I don't quite know myself which is better; they both have very admirable qualities and suspenseful action that sincerely captures the moment. First is the novel, it really allows for details that are not quite available in the movie. Where the novel can interpret thoughts and be all knowing, the movie is not one in which the ideas that people are having are voiced over while the action is happening. This is especially important in the portrayal of the themes that it is sending out. In the movie I saw several different scenes where I would have been completely lost had I not already read the book. I don't think the movie was intended for audiences that had not read the book exactly so I can understand what my knowledge already added to it. In that respect, the book is much better than the movie because of its ability to go into details with the thoughts that most do not speak. I feel that the roles of women in the society were portrayed better in the movie than in the book. I could see the behavior of the women and men instead of reading something and thinking about it in my own way. The movie allows for those images of restrictiveness, pain, and internal conflict to show that they are really a part of what a woman had to go through in certain times. Yet, without the novel I would not have known most of those internal thoughts, like in some of the scenes with Julianne Moore as Mrs. Brown, I could see how she was emotionally distraught. The acting was done so well that I could recall certain phrases from the book that were describing what she was feeling at the time and it made sense. The next idea or theme of having a single day in a persons' life tell so much about a person was clearly evident through both the novel and movie. There were shots in the film that allowed me to see that each moment was crucial and still reflective of time. The book also had the same effect and it was what still reminded the reader of the "hours" in which everything is taking place. There was also the parts in which the novel where they all contemplated or thought about suicide in some way. The book gave so much intensity and thought into those things where as in the movie you could not really get much detail about it. In watching Clarissa throughout the movie I could see how she was concerned about Richard and his health and even how she felt after his death but not to the extent in which I understood her exact feelings; it had a largely vague feeling. The movie had a tough job in being able to portray all of these things but overall it truly was a great performance that was moving. I can say for sure which one was better because they had some amazing parts but I guess if I was forced to choose it would be the book. There is just so much more intimacy within the book itself that allows for a deeper understanding. I think most people would agree too. Comment if you disagree. :]