Comparison-Contrast Essay. Ivanna Voitsekhovych

“Fahrenheit 451”. Film VS. Book

While novels are written for sophisticated audience, movies often become victims of mass culture. That is why screen versions of the books are less intellectual and interesting. This is exactly what happened to “Fahrenheit 451”.

Film version lacks many significant elements of book. First of all, there is no Faber – the only friend of Montag, who inspires and supports him. Secondly, in the novel war takes place. In the end many cities are blown up. Thirdly, there is no mechanic dog in the film although it is very important element of the novel.

There are considerable differences of the relationship between Clarisse and Montag. Clarisse in the novel is 17-years-old dark-eyed schoolgirl. She is extravagant, Montag likes it but he has some fear of her at the same time. But he doesn’t have enough time to analyze his feelings. Very soon Clarisse dies in the road accident. In the film we are shown simple blue-eyed beautiful woman. Montag falls in love with her because she is so different from everyone else. Of course, this love story has to end happily so that audience is satisfied.

Also we couldn’t avoid noticing difference of married couples in the movie and the novel. Book story is complicated. Montag suffers because his beloved wife became someone that he used to know. He cannot recognize her anymore. He feels that he fell in love with other woman, with other Milred. Montag wishes to help her, to show her how miserable their life is but he fails to do that. Even though Milred betrayed him, he cannot stop worrying about her. While in the film version it is very easy for Montag to say good bye to Linda. Montag’s wife is shown more like an obstacle on his way to Clarisse, his true love. Linda is just a part of his old way of life. He doesn’t wish to keep her by his side anymore. After she leaves, Montag forgets her immediately.

So, the movie and the book have different taste orientations. We saw that the film considerably simplifies the plot of the novel. While the book is deeper and more versatile.