Contrast: Book vs. Movie: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

I know all the book lovers prefer books to movies, and almost NEVER are they happy with the screen adaptation of the story they otherwise thoroughly relished reading. And so, I consider myself normal when I act in the aforesaid manner! 😅

But in this case, I honestly don’t think enough effort was taken to do justice to the book by Lauren Weisberger.

A lot of tiny details were altered in the movie which is almost always the case while translating a book into a film, and hence, that is not what disappointed me the most. It was the elimination of characters and/or omission of their roles that would be off-putting for someone who had read the book first.

Andy (Andrea), the lead character- who wishes to soon be able to write for The New Yorker- attempts to juggle personal relationships and her social life with now-most-important-of-all work once she joins Runway, a fashion magazine, as our Devil’s junior assistant. The main outline of the story remains the same, painting Andy as a fresh-out-of-college-recruit who falters at balancing her personal life while having to constantly tend to her boss, The Devil Miranda Priestly, editor-in-chief of Runway. She is conveyed that this is what happens when one starts doing well at work (the movie version), and ‘when his whole life goes up in smoke, that means it’s time for a promotion!’

Some characters in Andy’s life from the book are missing in the film, for instance, there’s no appearance of her mother, or even her older sister, Jill, and her newborn. The major disappointment however, was the cutback of Andy’s best friend, Lily’s role and her contribution to the development of the plot. They didn’t do justice to Lily’s character in the movie- it had her appear barely thrice, a brief show-up with no real importance, while the book rendered her a recurring and weightier presence. How Andy’s neglect of her friend, among others, leads her to have strained relationships was more palpable in the original work; the dialogues were real and the emotions exchanged more humane and relatable.

Apart from the tragicomedy that Andy meets with, the Devil’s extravagant nature is more elaborate in the book to the effect of the reader cracking-up at certain exaggerations (special reference to Miranda’s obsession and concurrent indifference for white Hermès silk scarves one of which she always has on, but leaves them everywhere- restaurants, movies, meetings, taxis- that makes Andy wonder where they all go, perhaps Miranda thinks they are handkerchiefs? Or maybe she likes jotting notes on silk instead of paper? Whatever it is, Andy decides, Miranda seems to truly believe they are disposable, and the assistants hand them to her like Kleenex!) 😆

Okay, so far in the contest, the book’s been winning, it’s time we gave credit to the movie for its plusses.

To start with, Miranda Priestly could not have been played better by anyone than Meryl Streep. She’s put on the right blend of style of an empress of the fashion world, finesse of a lady, and meanness of a boss. Those who couldn’t picture the Devil in the book would be absolutely awe-struck by the character on the silver screen.

The book has a mean Miranda, but along with that, the film also delivers a high degree of her wickedness. The novel lays out the picture from Andy’s viewpoint alone, but briefly towards the end of the movie, the viewer gets to see from Miranda’s glasses too. The film doesn’t just portray her as a cruel creature, but also gives awareness to her character that recognizes that she’s vicious to her staff and subordinates. The screen sees more depth to her identity than a mere fashion authority. The film has endowed her with self awareness and a tinge of humanity which those who’ve read the book would not recognize.

My take: you could watch the movie if you’ve got some time to kill, though the book is positively funnier, but then again, wouldn’t the movie buffs call that a bias?! 😜

Anyway, short of long, it’s a nice read, and a not-so-bad watch, but you’d enjoy the movie more if you haven’t savoured the book already!