SUBSIM Radio Room Forums - View Single Post - What is the story difference between film & book versions of Hunt for Red October?

l02turner · 03-05-19, 08:16 AM

I think it's pretty typical that any book is "better" than the movie, at least for me. IMO, reading a book lets the mind's imagination explore all the possibilities the writer tries to open up for the reader. A movie is more visual (obviously) but as other mentioned, much of the movie is left on the cutting room floor, often to keep a movie from lasting 6 or 7 hours!
BTW, if you want to read his best book IMO, check out "Red Storm Rising", his 1st novel. When I was reading it, I literally could not put it down. There is a RSR Pt 2 but I haven't read it. Also, since Clancy died there have been several novels published under his name, but the one's I've read have not been as good as Clancy's original works. But his name is huge in terms of marketing so I suspect we will continue to see additional novels, games, etc that are published using various Ghost Writers. Perhaps someone as gifted as Clancy will eventually rise to the surface? But it will be a hard act to follow. He had a natural talent for writing that was only exceeded by his ability to research all the pieces of military gear he weaved into his novels with such skill.
With virtually all of Clancy's novels available at places like ebay and other used books outlets, there is no excuse not to read his work. His original novels are also available at places like Salvation Army and other recycler's for less than $2 each meaning there's no excuse for being unable to find inexpensive copies of his books. I love playing SH4 (when I can get it to work) but IMO reading is much more satisfying.

03-05-19, 08:16 AM	#6
l02turner Soundman Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Va Posts: 143 Downloads: 167 Uploads: 0	Movie Vs Book - Red October I think it's pretty typical that any book is "better" than the movie, at least for me. IMO, reading a book lets the mind's imagination explore all the possibilities the writer tries to open up for the reader. A movie is more visual (obviously) but as other mentioned, much of the movie is left on the cutting room floor, often to keep a movie from lasting 6 or 7 hours! BTW, if you want to read his best book IMO, check out "Red Storm Rising", his 1st novel. When I was reading it, I literally could not put it down. There is a RSR Pt 2 but I haven't read it. Also, since Clancy died there have been several novels published under his name, but the one's I've read have not been as good as Clancy's original works. But his name is huge in terms of marketing so I suspect we will continue to see additional novels, games, etc that are published using various Ghost Writers. Perhaps someone as gifted as Clancy will eventually rise to the surface? But it will be a hard act to follow. He had a natural talent for writing that was only exceeded by his ability to research all the pieces of military gear he weaved into his novels with such skill. With virtually all of Clancy's novels available at places like ebay and other used books outlets, there is no excuse not to read his work. His original novels are also available at places like Salvation Army and other recycler's for less than $2 each meaning there's no excuse for being unable to find inexpensive copies of his books. I love playing SH4 (when I can get it to work) but IMO reading is much more satisfying.