Can anyone tell me which is the best film version and why? Which version adheres to the novel the closest? It seems like all the versions aren't rated very high but I'd still like to see what others think is the best one. Thanks
shareIf you mean between this and the 90's version. Haven't seen this one, but the 90's was substantially, dramatically changed. It became a love story.
I tracked down a copy of the 80 version on youtube and watched it tonight. In terms of sticking to the book the 80 version would rate a 7 or 8, somethings were added, particularly at the beginning, but over all it kept to the spirit.
The 98 version gets a 2 or 3 at best. It was nothing like the book.
In the kingdom of the blind, you're the village idiot.
I'd say that there's still room for another adaptation, but between the two that we have now, there's no contest. This is the best version because it gives you the character backstory and world setup that you need to fully understand the story as well as the circumstances, meaning and weight of the events that come later. Also, the tone is closer to the book. The 1998 version is too cheap, straightforward and cyberpunky to fully present what the book is about. Having said that, you can actually watch the 1998 version as well, if only for comparison and Nimoy, but you should see this 1980 version first by all means.
shareI actually enjoyed the 1998 version quite a bit but it is true that it moves away from the book big time. However, there are some good performances in it, including Leonard Nimoy and Jose Ferrier.
share