The only thing better than reading a good book is arguing about how the movie isn’t as good as the book. And yet . . . though it is a truth universally acknowledged that the book is always better than the movie, there are plenty of great cinematic adaptations, too. This year’s Close Reads bracket is an attempt to determine which is the best of all. Which movie or TV show is the awesomest adaptation, we ask.
Here’s the complete bracket. Scroll down to vote!
Round 1, which begins today, will run through Monday. Round 2 will go through Thursday, March 16. Round 3 will go through Sunday the 19th. Round 4 will take place on the 20th and then the final round will take place on the 21st.
There are no rules. Vote however you like. In fact, if you haven’t seen the movie or show feel free to vote by some other standard (such as your spouse’s taste or clips you find on YouTube or your general desire to be contrary). This meant to be fun. But also it’s deadly serious. So, you know, oh, just vote!
Eliminated in the Play-in round: Emma (2020), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, West Side Story (1961), Twelve Years a Slave, Wuthering Heights (2011), Clueless, The 39 Steps, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1979).
Parameters: The movie or show had to be in English and couldn't be an adaptation of a comic book.
What am I missing with My Fair Lady? I don’t like any of the characters, how Higgins is so old, or Audrey Hepburn (oh yes I said that).
I was pleasantly surprised to see Jurassic Park because I LOVE it, ha! The movies, never actually having read the book. Though I have it so...
Going to start watching more movies...pitiful how many I haven’t seen. Starting with Lonesome Dove!