The Devil wears PRada blogaberry book review movie review
Yes, I know this is a 17-year-old movie and I’m super duper late with it but I had to put down my thoughts somewhere. And where better than in a blog, right?
Though I had watched the movie a few years ago, when I found the book, I was determined to re-watch the movie. But the book was quite long. So, when I reached the fourth-last chapter, I decided I couldn’t wait any longer. I watched the almost-2-hour movie and then continued with the book.
I have to say that I loved the movie. The best seller novel? Not so much.
To summarize my thoughts, The Devil wears Prada – the movie had a nice story with a nice ending. The fashion sense was great. The acting of a young girl out of college by Anne Hathaway and a shrewd and stern editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine by Meryl Streep worked wonders for the storyline. Andrea was a newbie who was determined to get things right though she was oblivious to the world of fashion. Her transformation from casual to fashion centric was amazing. The end (of course there are spoilers here because the whole universe would have watched it by now) showed that even through the tough exterior, Miranda Priestly had a heart. Andrea and Miranda parted on a good note.
The book, on the other hand, was draggy. I asked myself so many times, why was Andrea just not leaving the company instead of complaining so much (on so many pages about so many things)? I’m not saying it was a bad book but it just went on in whining mode for so long that I got bored for a while. Here, Andrea had to wait for a major life and death incident to realize what was more important to her. The light humour did keep me immersed though. The end showed Emily had a heart while Miranda was just plain obnoxious. Plus, Andrea and Miranda parted on a bad note. Perhaps it was based on a true incident where people don’t really change their spots so easily like in the movie, but I did not get a satisfied feeling towards the end. Was it because I finished the movie first?
Or do I have it wrong here? What were your thoughts about the movie and the book?
By the way, I think this is the first time I’ve read the book as well as watched its movie. Quite a thing!
I’m participating in the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Zariya Healings.
49 Comments
I am not quite interested in watching movies but I’m interested in reading books. The information that you provide in this is interesting.
It’s been ages since I saw the movie and read the book! I have no idea which one I preferred!
Oh wow! You read the book? The movie was so mesmerizing that I didn’t even pick up the book to read, for many years. But sometime last year I wanted to see how well the book was written, and believe me, I couldn’t go past the first chapter. 🙂 Loved the comparison review.
I have found that Indian books are better than their movie counterparts while Hollywood movies are better than the books! I can cite numerous examples…so I too agree that the movie was better!
Oh wow, is it? I don’t think I’ve read a Bollywood movie’s book!
I think no book can be transformed into a movie and accepted and loved by the readers as the imagination of the reader would rarely match the visuals and its perfection. nice review Cindy.
Yeah, I guess! Thanks, Sivaranjini!
I haven’t read the book but have seen the movie many times. Can never have too much of Meryl Streep! Even that slight nod she gives is so intent that it can make you wrap yourself in a ball and roll away. 😁 You’re right, the ending is the best part. And oh, I loved Simon Baker too. 😉
But his role was very small I felt. The Mentalist!
What a coincidence! I watched the movie a few months back though it’s a very old one. Loved Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in their respective characters. About the book, I’m not brave enough to grab the written version;) I’m satisfied with the movie🙂
Hahaha! Yeah, old is gold!
You’ll be surprised to know this: I have neither read the book nor watched the movie. Some books/movies are so hyped that it disappoints, so I just let them pass. For instance, the movie, Baahubali. I think other than me, the whole world has watched it. : ) With your recommendation, I’ll watch the movie; these days, my book-reading pace has slowed drastically.
Bahubali is all about the grandeur and graphics. I went to Ramoji and went to see the movie set. It’s huge!! But try watching Devil wears Prada, you’ll love it!
I will say I have watched the movie and not read the book. The performances were great and after your experience, I don’t think I will read it.
I have watched the movie multiple times. I haven’t read the book though I had a copy from when I was running the library. I think Meryl Streep made the movie fabulous with her spot on acting. This is also part of a 3 series book I think of similar stories.
Yeah! I saw that but after reading this book I don’t think I have the strength to read another from the same author. Too draggy for me!
Many books when converted into movies are not able to do justice to the matter and are not as impactful but it was different in the case of Devil wears Prada. The movie was more rousing than the book and Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly was outstanding.
Totally agree, Dipali!
I haven’t got around reading the book and don’t really want to. Loved the movie. The Ana Wintour-esque Miranda Priestly was on point. Books and movies are a different audience. Rarely are movies better than the book.
Yeah, Ritu, this is one title of which I’ve read the book as well as watched the movie. Now I know better, hahaha!
I think I’m gonna be the only one here who has neither read the book nor watched the movie
Oh! There are a few like you, don’t worry, Aastha! Haha!
I watched this movie yrs back but never read the book..It’s always a fascinating journey to compare the two and see where they diverge. Nevertheless, I’m glad you got to experience both the book and the movie. The movie had me hooked from start to finish. The storyline was like a designer gown, tailored to perfection. Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep were absolute legends, breathing life into the characters of Andrea and Miranda. Andrea’s metamorphosis from a fashion disaster to a fierce trendsetter was simply mind-blowing! I can watch this movie again.
Yup, so can I!
I loved the movie. I have watched it a lot of times. I haven’t read the book. They change the stories in the movies. I remember being disappointed after watching Avalanche Express.
Ok Cindy so I am the one who neither read the book nor watched the movie. But after reading the whole post of yours I had some observations. We get attracted or like things or objects which we can vizualize and when the same thing gets downloaded in shape of book we loose that attraction as there we use our imagination on how the character will be, how he or she will dress ups, talk or act. That what I witnessed in your case where you find the movie more likeable than book. Secondly a movie is max 2-3 hrs and you are done and when that 3 hr story we read we find it lengthy and to establish the scene or character the author need to write long . You are no where wrong and I appreciate that you remained honest about your feelings.
Thank you, Samata!
I have watched the movie 3 times and it’s a fun one. I like the way the women have acted and the snooty Meryl is fabulous. However, I find these books quite boring, as most of them are not very serious reading. I like to read more literary stuff. Despite this, I would like to go through the book once at least.
Hahaha, u seriously had some patience to read to book after even watching the movie. I would be like chuck it, I watched the movie now I can’t get the book keeping me going fwd like a snail.
That movie was so impactful and Meryl Streep and her outfits were unforgettable, it’s though to have the same panache with the book I felt.
I wasn’t able to read the book but was able to watch the movie and good thing I didn’t! haha…I guess that’s one of the reasons why they made a movie. They saw the great storyline in there but it was way too draggy (as you said) than simply showing the outcome in a good seamless way in the movie.
I haven’t watched the movie neither I have read the book. But I have seen the trailer of this movie, it did not appeal to me, as it’s not my kind of entertainment. But I can understand why you are feeling this way about the book. I also prefer happy endings at least in movies & books.
I haven’t watched the movie or have read the book either. But yes, I agree that if we watch the movie first the book on the same story will feel a bit draggy and boring. Still thinking what will I do, movie first or the book?
If you’re serious, read the book first.
Yes presenting same subject for different medium ( as a book and as a movie) require different kind of skills and many times, it works well for one medium but not for others. I had heard a lot about this movie but not get a chance to watch it. will try to watch it for sure. your post has made me curious to know more about it.
Surbhi, do watch it. you will surely love it!
I have the book on my book shelf but never got around to read it. Will check out the movie as you so strongly recommend it!
I will go by your words. Will checkout this movie. I was looking for something good and this movie seems to be interesting. Thanks for reviewing.
Yup it’s a fun movie.
I watched the movie long ago cuz I like Meryl Streep a lot. It was nice. I haven’t read the book and wouldn’t be interested in it either and definitely not after your review😀.
I have read books n watched their respective movies… n have always loved the book more or both equally… but not the other way round.
It is indeed rare to be happy with both the book and the movie that was inspired by the book! I have also seen the movie and not read the book but I am now tempted to find out if the book really feels dragging or if is it because I already know how things end up having seen the movie.
Most often than not books standout from the whole narrative of the movie. I think Devil wears Prada is an exception. I have read the book but didn’t watch the movie thinking that as usual the movie will dull the experience
Nooooo, please watch the movie, Rakhi!
I haven’t watched the movies yet but after reading your review, I want to. Coming to your observation, when the movie is also released in a book format or vice verse, it is challenging to keep them engaging . And when it is based on the true story then the level goes up. But changing the end is not acceptable,
But I love the movie ending though it is not exactly the same as the book.
I read the book years ago and I found it really good at that time. The movie of course is better because of Meryl Streep and Hathaway. I think I will watch the movie again after reading your review.
I have only watched the movie and absolutely loved the same, unsure on the book front, plus it never enticed me to go that extra mile. After your views I don’t even want to think of trying the book
HAhaha, don’t bother unless you really really really want to check out the ending of the book and compare, like I wanted to.
Intresting read! Thanks for sharing