From page to scream: Five horror stories that were better than their movie adaptations
These chilling tales prove that when it comes to horror, the written word cuts deeper than the screen ever could
"The book was better" – this is a common phrase used by readers since the beginning of time. We get it, readers consider themselves better than non-readers (guilty as charged); however, at the risk of sounding like a literary snob, when it comes to the books of the horror genre, this is usually the truth.
The persistent dread, the psychological claustrophobia, the prickling sensation at the back of your neck, all these sensations are somewhat lost when a horror novel is adapted for the silver screen. Films do a great job at background scores and visual effects; however, the common jump scare treatment just does not do justice to the well-crafted journey that books take us through.
Today, I will take you through five books that delivered more fear and impact than their TV or movie counterparts. Some are old, some are new, and some are not acclaimed, but all of them deserve a read.
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If you liked the on-screen adaptation, then you will love the book. Reader's discretion— spoilers ahead, however, the books and films came out at least a decade ago, so if you have not already read or watched the movies, that's on you.
The Omen by David Seltzer
I read the 'Sheba Prokashoni' translation first, liked it, then read the original in English and loved it. The book dives into the psychological and spiritual breakdown of the characters, especially the character of Damien Thorn and the turmoil he goes through as he learns that he is the Antichrist and will usher in the Day of Judgement. Although the movie is a theatrical gem, it does not show the insanity and the crisis of faith, which is a key element of the plot.
The Shining by Stephen King
Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is a cinematic classic—whether it's the eerie twin girls in the hallway, the torrent of blood flooding out of the elevator, or Jack Nicholson's menacing "Here's Johnny" moment through a splintered door, these scenes have become deeply embedded in pop culture. Even if you haven't seen the film, you've likely come across clips or memes of these iconic moments online.
While the book takes its time to show Jack Torrance's gradual descent into madness, the film, due to the lack of time needed to establish the characters, completely skips this and shows an unhinged Jack right from the beginning.
Jack is a loving family man who is battling addiction, and The Overlook Hotel is a metaphor for the demons in Jack's head - the book portrays this human and tragic side of Jack Torrance and will make readers feel sorry for the character. The movie is a stylised horror masterpiece, nevertheless, albeit devoid of emotion.
Debi by Humayun Ahmed
If you search online for Bangladeshi horror novels, Debi will be sitting at the top of the list. Probably the most unsettling work by Humayun Ahmed, the story is about Ranu, a woman in her 20s living in Dhaka who seemingly leads a normal life.
What sets the book apart from its counterparts is the ambiguity of the protagonist – is she supernaturally gifted or mentally disturbed? Is she the nurturing person that the narrator suggests, or is she a destructive entity, waiting to wreak havoc?
On the other hand, the film right off the bat sets the tone for a classic horror film instead of keeping the visualisation vague and open to the viewer's interpretation. And as they say, in horror, the unknown is always scarier.
One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights) by various authors
You did not see this one coming, did you? Probably one of the first horror TV series the 90's kids of Bangladesh were exposed to was Alif Laila, the TV adaptation of The Arabian Nights translated into Bangla in BTV.
A Jinn wearing a long cape, donning a motorcycle helmet, devouring sailors or the green-horned giant – this feels more like a comedy now, but as a 4-year-old made me think twice before getting out of bed at night.
However, the original fiction of One Thousand and One Nights could have given The Kamasutra a run for its money, as it would require multiple censor checks before it even got an R rating, with its description of both homo and heterosexual acts, erotic plays, supernatural elements and violence.
The version we saw on television was a watered-down version of the book. Although chances are low, you may still find copies of the unabridged and uncensored versions online if you really look.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling
Although not exactly from the horror genre, Rowling's Prisoner of Azkaban is probably the darkest book from the Harry Potter series. Dementors (a metaphor for depression), time-travelling, double-crossing, and the constant reminder that death can creep up on you, anywhere, any time – the book encompasses it all nicely in a little over 400-page-long saga.
The movie, on the other hand, feels like a cheap bootleg version of the film. Trimming down critical moments, skipping the backstories of the characters altogether and worst of all – lack of emotional depth, the pain of betrayal and the tragedy of Sirius black – these were not even touched, making it a visually stunning yet feeble attempt at a movie adaptation.
Movies are a quick solution if you want to consume media and want a trimmed-down adaptation; however, books are the real deal. Books let your imagination take the driver's seat and translate into your own version of terror.
Ergo, next time someone says "Oh, I have seen the film", give them a copy of the book and let them discover the real darkness.
