I’m always somewhat apprehensive when viewing a theatrical version of a book that I’ve read. It might sound cliché, but it really is true that for the overwhelming majority of movies based off of novels, I prefer readable versions to Hollywood adaptations.
When it comes to “Ender’s Game”, I have a deep love for the book. It is the only one that I actively reread as an adult even though I first it first caught my interest at age twelve. Since book-based films usually destroy or significantly alter their published versions’ images, plots, and characters, it is almost never a question of if the movie will do the book wrong, but actually how much wrong is done. I didn’t want my image of “Ender’s Game” to be tarnished by a half-assed movie, so I told myself I would never watch the movie adaption. However, curiosity got the best of me and I found myself venturing to the theater to internally critique last Friday’s release. Obviously, there are spoilers here if you haven’t read the book nor seen the movie. You’ve been warned.
It’s true that the information conveyed in any movie adaption will deviate from the book.These changes usually stem from time constraints or the fact that there is usually no way of narrating the plot without it coming off as forced or awkward. With “Ender’s Game”, it felt like many of the changes were actually implemented as a result of the director wanting to not only take the movie into a different direction, but also to turn it into a family flick, rather than the mature and serious one it would be if it maintained 100% fidelity to the book. Some changes were minor and inconsequential, such as casting Major Anderson as a woman, never calling the Formics “Buggers”, and changing the characters ages from around six years old to preteen.
However, the “Ender’s Game” movie makes the mistake of making big changes from the book. These changes have unfortunately large impacts on the deep character development and well-crafted plot the story possesses. For instance, Ender does not win the respect of his launch group with compassion, dignity, and a willingness to defend what few allies he initially has. Instead, he wins them over by being a wise guy and mouthing off to the commanders. While Ender is still portrayed as a military genius, the other main quality that he is supposed to have that gives him the ability to understand the Buggers and make peace with them is his empathy and ability to handle, and lead others. Throughout the movie, other characters comment on his so-called “empathy” but it is not apparent in the actions he takes.
Via: latimes.com
Ender’s apparent incapability of handling interpersonal relationships is further crippled by his association with Bean. This character’s purpose was to represent how Ender is a masterful leader in contrast to how Bonzo Madrid is not. In the novel, where Bonzo had to deal with having Ender in his army and made an enemy of him, Ender had to also deal with Bean in the same way and made him a valuable ally. Instead, Bean is introduced early on in the launch scene and, as far as anyone not familiar with the book is concerned, is no more intelligent or important than any other supporting character. Other major changes in the movie were understandable, but regrettable. Character development with Valentine and Peter, including their excursions as Demosthenes and Locke respectively, couldn’t be shown because of time constraints, and many of Ender’s matches in the Battle Room were cut out for similar reasons.
I never really understood why some movies attempt to change the vision the author had in mind when making the books. Without that vision, the books would never have become popular enough to warrant a movie adaption in the first place. However, assuming you’ve never read the novel and have kids, “Ender’s Game” is what I imagine to be a pretty solid family movie. I, of course, can’t be a great judge of that since I went as someone who cherished its written version and who does not have kids. However, the tone of the movie and the lack of profane language and blood made it seem like the movie was more catered to children and families with an overarching message that reflected a “How you go about winning is more important than whether or not you win in the first place” mantra. While this theme was a major part of “Ender’s Game”, it doesn’t make the movie as meaningful as the book that has become required reading the United States Marine Corp. for its lessons on military leadership and tactics.
Despite “Ender’s Game” failing in my eyes as a theatrical adaptation, it went on to trump every other movie’s box office results this weekend earning a solid $9.9 million. These earnings are also in spite of a boycott of the movie because of the book’s author’s views against homosexuality. Though I’m not really sure that boycotting a work of art because of the artist’s views is “justified” (a topic we’ve discussed before.), the results are still impressive even though I’m sure the ratings will be lackluster. “Ender’s Game” may be good for a one time Redbox rent rather than a full priced DVD or eight dollar ticket, but if you really want to get into the Sci-Fi military action, it’s a solid idea to pick up the book and give that at least one read. With all the money the movie’s producers and directors are no doubt raking in from the current “Ender’s Game” hype, let’s hope the ratings will dissuade them from making a sequel and leave the books in peace.
Photo courtesy of: Alienbee.net
