The film’s no doubt are killer, but for an epic and educational narrative, do yourself a solid – read the books
Where would great films be without great books? Original screenplays aside, and there are way too many of them to mention, okay, maybe just a couple – Everything Everywhere All at Once, and A Trinagle Of Sadness, total genius.
But we are focusing on book to film, and there are a couple that you should read before its too late, and your eyes have been accosted by the visual narrative of Martin Scorsese and Sam Esmail.
Leave The World Behind – Rumaan Alam
In Rumaan Alam’s engaging novel, “Leave the World Behind,” the illusion of a secure world is shattered, revealing the intricate interplay of race and class in our lives.
The story revolves around two families, Amanda and Clay, who embark on a seemingly peaceful weekend getaway on Long Island. Their plan for a quiet escape takes an unexpected turn when Ruth and G. H., a frantic older couple, claim ownership of the rented luxury home, seeking refuge from a city in chaos due to a sudden power outage.
Cut off from the outside world, the characters grapple with the unknown, creating a tense atmosphere that raises questions about trust and the safety of their secluded haven. The novel explores the dynamics between these two families thrown together by circumstance, delving into the labyrinth of mistrust.
As the narrative unfolds, Alam skillfully dissects the complexities of human relationships, highlighting how our intelligence may sometimes mislead us. Crucial questions arise: Can Amanda and Clay trust Ruth and G. H.? What happened in New York? Is their isolated holiday home truly a sanctuary, or does danger lurk within its walls?
“Leave the World Behind” presents a thought-provoking exploration of human vulnerability, societal breakdown, and the fragility of structures we believe ensure our safety. The story challenges perceptions and prompts readers to question the foundations of their existence.
With the Netflix adaptation close at hand, featuring Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, Ethan Hawke, and Mahershala Ali, be sure to dive into this addictive page turner before it hits the screen.
Killers Of The Flowermoon – David Grann
“Killers of the Flower Moon” by Grann unveils a true FBI murder investigation from the 1920s, While the film only scratches the surface, the book enriches your understanding ten fold, adding a lot more weight to the story.
In the 1920s, the Osage Indian nation in Oklahoma struck it rich with oil. Grann vividly describes their newfound opulence, but the prosperity takes a dark turn with mysterious murders. The FBI steps in, but their efforts are flawed. They enlist former Texas Ranger Tom White to solve the mystery.
White, along with his undercover team and the Osage community, digs into a chilling conspiracy. Grann’s storytelling pulls you into the intrigue and deceit, turning the pursuit of justice into a race against a malevolent conspiracy.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” not only unfolds a gripping true-crime saga but also sheds light on a dark chapter in American history. The book captures the characters, setting, and plot like a thriller, offering a haunting look into a period that changed the lives of the Osage people.
Killers Of The Flowermoon has been brought to the screen by filmmaker Martin Scorsese, and features Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert De Niro.
As gorgeous as this film may be, do yourself a solid, especially if you’re craving a tale with epic proportions that’s as enlightening as it is story-driven – read the book.
