Readers Debate: Are Novels or Films More Realistic to Life?
The long-running series where readers answer each other's questions delves into what makes art feel 'realistic'. This week, the focus is on whether novels or films more accurately reflect life, sparking a diverse range of perspectives from Guardian contributors.
The Inner World vs. External Reality
Many readers argue that novels have an edge in depicting realism due to their ability to explore characters' inner thoughts. Ash Ahmed notes that films often rely on facial expressions and actions, making them more mysterious because viewers cannot access characters' minds directly. In contrast, novels describe thoughts in detail, which some see as less realistic since real-life thoughts are often hidden.
Mikko expands on this, stating that film excels at showing external reality but struggles with complex emotions and ideas, which are naturally embedded in language through novels. Lawrence from Gothenburg adds that inner dialogue in novels reveals processing depth, mirroring life's complexity in ways films cannot, especially with visual media simplifying for attention spans.
Artistic Purpose and Diversity
Several readers challenge the premise, emphasizing that both mediums vary widely. profp points out that there are many types of novels and films, some aiming for realism and others not, making a blanket comparison impossible. Bochi highlights that film has a fixed mise-en-scène, while novels allow reader imagination, leading to different forms of realism.
Unfixable shares a personal view, stating that fiction should not be too like real life, as the point is to offer an escape. Serenissima6 echoes this, suggesting art provides different views of the world rather than mirroring reality directly.
Examples and Comparisons
Readers cite specific works to illustrate their points. Ben McPherson humorously compares life to Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, where nothing happens, implying neither medium fully captures life's mundanity. StephanieSteele mentions Tom Wolfe's The Bonfire of the Vanities as a brilliant novel with deep character understanding, contrasted with a poor film adaptation.
Idowu Omoyele argues that reading Toni Morrison's Beloved offers a richer experience than watching 12 Years a Slave, as novels enable imagination through the mind's eye. Mariner70 uses The Maltese Falcon as an example, where both novel and film achieve realism in different ways—through minutiae in the book and visual conviction in the film.
Visual and Sensory Elements
Some readers lean towards films for their sensory engagement. TotallyTukTuk notes that films engage viewers sensorially, but life lacks a curated soundtrack, adding a layer of unreality. artisticallyinclined critiques films for often featuring unrealistically attractive characters, whereas novels allow readers to imagine appearances more flexibly, potentially making them more lifelike.
FrankieandDexy explains that film shows everything in photorealism, freeing time for dialogue, while HarrytheHawk counters that literature allows readers to become the character, offering a more immersive experience.
Philosophical Reflections
Deeper philosophical takes emerge from the discussion. Musab Shreef suggests both novels and films reflect life as we wish it to be, not as it is, acting as mirrors of desire. Stella Douglas reminds that all art represents only the author's experience, a tiny part of human diversity.
Veraanthony argues that narrative, representation, and fantasy are all part of life, so none is more 'like' life than another. Zagradotryad and others humorously note films' unrealistic aspects, like perfect teeth or lack of parking struggles, highlighting artificial elements.
Conclusion: No Definitive Answer
Ultimately, most readers agree there is no clear winner. profp concludes that the question is unanswerable due to the vast diversity in both mediums and subjective perceptions of reality. The debate underscores that realism in art is multifaceted, depending on individual preferences, artistic goals, and the specific works in question.
As the discussion shows, whether novels or films feel more like life is a personal and complex issue, inviting ongoing reflection among readers and audiences alike.
