Book Vs. Movie: To Kill A Mockingbird

I am so thrilled to share my thoughts on the book vs. movie differences in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The book is a classic that most students will have the opportunity to read. This Pulitzer Prize winning novel is definitely one deserving of all the accolades, as it inspires, teaches and entertains all at the same time. While the film adaptation is amazing, it certainly does not stand up to the book’s incredible writing and storyline. There are quite a few differences to compare.

❀ The Book is Very Impactful

To Kill a Mockingbrid by Harper Lee is one of the most impactful books that I have ever had the pleasure to read. It is a book that is appealing to all ages, as it can be relatable to teens and adults alike. The book stars Scout, a young girl who contradicts society’s beliefs. She makes many mistakes and learns invaluable lessons along the way that both she and the reader can learn from. The themes in To Kill a Mockingbird range from good vs. evil, prejudice, coming of age, courage, and life in a small town. There is so much to ponder and take away from reading To Kill a Mockingbird, that the reader is really left with a sense of walking in someone else’s shoes. What is really remarkable about this book is, despite the fact that it was written so long ago, many of the themes and ideas explored in Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird still resonate in today’s world.

❀ The Film Has Incredible Acting

The screen adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird is one that is not to be missed, due to its incredible acting and wonderful depiction of the town of Macomb. With a name like Gregory Peck and the fact that the movie won many Oscars, including best actor in a leading role, it is hard to not write a glowing review of this film. By today’s standards, the movie is obviously lacking in special effects and must rely solely on the acting to bring the story to life. This classic film does just that. The actors and the casting are superb. What really stood out for me in this film was Brock Peters, who played Tom Robinson. When Tom takes the stand and is questioned about the crime he is accused of committing, one cannot but feel empathetic and saddened by the injustice he is faced with. This is what I believe Harper Lee also wanted to achieve for her readers, an understanding of what social injustice feels like.

❀ The Movie is not as Magical as the Book

While the movie is fantastic, the adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird was definitely not as magical as the book. Understandably, this is an adaptation and not every single detail from the book can be included. However, so much is omitted from the film that viewing it is quite different from reading the novel. Many key points and characters are missing from the movie version. For instance, Aunt Alexandra is not a character in the movie, which is somewhat disappointing, as she plays a huge role in Scout’s coming of age in the book. Also, important events that are significant to the plot of the novel are missing, such as the interactions the children have with Mrs. Dubose and the infamous tea party at the Finch house. The parts of the book that are included, like the Halloween pageant and the famous ham costume, are so enjoyable considering this movie was made in the 1960s. The film actually focuses more on Tom Robinson’s trial, so the major theme of coming of age in the book seems almost lost. However, while there were some omissions that I was disappointed with, this film is one of those old movies that is truly worth seeing.

❀ A not-to-be-missed Classic

As the title of this feature indicates, don’t judge the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, by its movie. Although the movie is a not-to-be-missed classic, the novel is far superior and is really an important book that deals with so many relatable themes. It would be a shame to see the movie without at least reading the book first!

About Harper Lee

Harper Lee, known as Nelle, was born in the Alabama town of Monroeville, the youngest of four children of Amasa Coleman Lee and Frances Cunningham Finch Lee. Her father, a former newspaper editor and proprietor, was a lawyer who served on the state legislature from 1926 to 1938. As a child, Lee was a tomboy and a precocious reader, and enjoyed the friendship of her schoolmate and neighbor, the young Truman Capote.

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About The Candid Cover

Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.