Comparing Film Endings to Book Versions: A Critical Analysis

The adaptation of literature to film is a process that often raises critical questions regarding the transformation and preservation of the original story's essence. Two notable examples in crime literature are What film’s ending is the most different from the ending of the book version or from the other source material.

The Talent Mr. Ripley

The character of Tom Ripley, as portrayed in both the book and various film adaptations, presents a clear and profound contrast in the endings. In the original novel by Patricia Highsmith, Ripley starts as a criminal and, at the novel's conclusion, has managed to evade justice for his actions, ensuring that his subsequent murders will not be traced back to him.

However, the 1960 film adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley takes a more dramatic and definitive turn. In this version, Ripley is ultimately confronted and captured by the police, resolving the narrative in a traditional “Hollywood” style of closure. This departure from the book's open-ended conclusion can be seen as a necessary modification for the film, catering to a larger audience's expectations for resolution.

The 1999 adaptation, directed by Anthony Minghella, also diverges from the source material but in a somewhat different manner. Rather than starting as a criminal like in the book, Ripley in the film undergoes a moral decline, leading to ambiguity in his final fate. This version adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that the character might not be entirely free from the consequences of his actions, thereby maintaining a more nuanced approach to character and story development.

LA Confidential

The novel LA Confidential by James Ellroy provides a different scenario, where the book's protagonist, Captain Dudley Smith, completes his career on a turbulent note full of unresolved corruption and criminality. Smith's story is deeply intertwined with the author's personal history, reflecting an absence of closure, as Ellroy himself acknowledges.

The 1997 film adaptation, directed by Curtis Hanson, offers a drastically different and more satisfying conclusion. Dudley Smith is shot in the back by Lt. Ed Exley, leaving him with a severe disability, but this, too, is not a permanent end. Additionally, Exley and Detective Bud White start a new life, symbolizing the concept of starting anew. This contrast between the book and film endings reflects the divergent goals of literature and film: while the book may prioritize complexity and ambiguity, the film aims for a resolution that satisfies its audience.

Beyond the surface-level differences, both the book and the film complement each other. The textual details and psychological depth provided by the book are vital for understanding the motivations and character development that the visual medium might miss. Conversely, the film's visual storytelling and character portrayals offer a fresh perspective and engage viewers in a different way.

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding these differences is crucial for every audience member. A reader who is familiar with LA Confidential and then watches the film will gain a deeper appreciation of the story's complexities, while a filmgoer who dives into the book will find the narrative even more richly detailed and thought-provoking.

These examples illustrate the challenges and benefits of adapting literature to film and vice versa. Each medium has its unique strengths, and true art lies in recognizing and balancing these differences.

Conclusion

In the world of literature and film, the debate over what makes a better ending is endless. While the book versions of What film’s ending is the most different from the ending of the book version or from the other source material offer a grittier, more complicated narrative, the film adaptations provide a satisfying and often visually striking conclusion. Both serve different purposes and enrich the audience's experience in distinct ways.