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Book vs. Movie: The Witches by Roald Dahl

3/7/2012

36 Comments

 
The Witches cover

Book vs. Movie:
The Witches 
by Roald Dahl

Book pub. by Puffin in 1983
Movie dir. by Nicolas Roeg in 1990
                    
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This is one of the rare cases when I know the movie far, far better than I know the book. This movie and I have a close, intimate history--decades of movie enjoyment. Decades of me saying, "You are in for a treat!" and "She caaaan't hear you" in creepy witch voices. I've probably seen this movie at least thirty times so when I went to reread the book today (and it is the first book I've checked off my 110+ Books To Read Next Challenge!), I found that I could just take margin notes on every page of the differences without referencing the film. Don't worry though, I watched the movie twice today to be sure. When Catie recently compared the movie and book versions of Holes, she found there to be basically no differences. That's not the case here--there are a bunch of huge changes and also various minor changes that had me wondering what the point of the changes were. (changing the room number of the Grand High Witch at the hotel from 454 in the book to 208 in the movie. Why? WHY?)
This was a recurring nightmare of mine for YEARS.
I suppose I was expecting the movie to just follow the book verbatim because you can't get source material better than Roald Dahl. (amiright or amiright?) However, even the basic setup of the movie is different. In the book, the narrative is in first person so we never learn the boy's name; fair enough that the movie named him Luke. (And his grandmother Helga, and the Grand High Witch as Eva Ernst. ) The book finds the narrator in Norway with parents visiting his grandmother. While there, he is in a car accident with his parents and he is the sole survivor. Upon the execution of his parents' will, his grandmamma (just grandma in the film) takes him to England. She falls ill with pneumonia so they can't go on a trip to Norway so they go to the English seaside. In the movie, for who knows what purposes, suddenly the boy has an American accent, his father is American, they live in America, the grandmother has diabetes (this storyline runs throughout the movie), and the parents pass away without him in the car. The boy and his grandmother go to England because Luke's parents wanted him to attend school there. Considering Dahl isn't American, almost all the actors aren't American, and the film was made in England and Norway, I don't understand the changes here unless it is just to appease Hollywood and the US audience.

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Child Stars--Where is Luke now?
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Bruno's Parents: Hoity-toity Jerks
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Anjelica Huston is perfect.
Picture
It took me ages to find a picture where this kid wasn't being obnoxious or eating.
Total badass granny.
Good Witch
Doesn't Exist in the Book.
The casting of the film, while it deviates somewhat from the written descriptions, absolutely celebrates the tone Dahl intended. Anjelica Huston is the perfect Grand High Witch, even though Dahl describes her character as, "[T]iny, probably no more than four and a half feet tall. She looked quite young, I guessed about twenty-five or six, and she was very pretty." (65) The same may be said for the boy's feisty cigar-smoking grandmother, played by Mai Zetterling. "My grandmother was tremendously old and wrinkled, with a massive wide body which was smothered in grey lace. She sat there majestic in her armchair, filling every inch of it. Not even a mouse could have squeezed in to sit beside her." (15) Zetterling is younger and trimmer than the description, but the movie kept her spirit. She tells Luke only a portion of the stories she shares with him in the book. One of the biggest differences between the two formats is that the book describes the spit of witches to be blue, so blue they could use it as ink. (31) What a visual! The teeth of the witches are disgusting (though no false teeth are alluded to) so maybe they edited the reasoning out of the film? The film also creates interactions between Bruno and Luke before they are mice, has the witches wearing sensible shoes instead of the written pointy shoes, and changes the color of the witches' eyes.
Hotel Magnificent
The white Hotel Magnificent becomes this red brick Hotel Excelsior in the film.
The ballroom from The Witches
The ballroom is perfect. The book even mentions the gold-rimmed, red chairs.
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A relationship invented for the film.
I always thought as a child that some of the most frightening parts of the movie were when the maid's neck started to grow mouse hair after she used the Grand High Witch's Formula 86 on her neck as perfume, when Huston pushes a baby buggy down a hill and the mother has to watch her child nearly die, when the witches are chasing Luke around the hotel grounds, and when Luke is a mouse being chased by the cat--would he get caught? Guess what? None of this is in the book. There is no romance between these two characters, the entire chase scene is fabricated, along with the buggy scene, and there is no cat in Ms. Ernst's room, only some frogs. I wouldn't change these scenes, though, because they frightened me as a child and they are still pretty heartracing in adulthood. I wish the filmmakers would've included elements from the book like the Grand High Witch's song and dance during the annual meeting (can you just imagine Huston doing this?) and the disgusting description of how each with could concoct the mouse-making potion themselves. 

Picture
The ending of the film, now that I am reminded of the book's ending, made me roll my eyes. The book ends with the boy STILL A MOUSE. He and his grandmother are going to go to the Grand High Witch's castle in Norway to try to find addresses of more witches to get rid of. The gist of the movie ending is the same except the two are off the the US with money and addresses Luke retrieved before they left the hotel. But the imaginary character of the Grand High Witch's secretary changes him back to a human and then stares at her hand, seemingly implying that there are good witches who don't look hideous and don't have to wear gloves and la di da. Um, no. If Roald Dahl wanted there to be good witches, would've he have made mention of them in the book somewhere, don't you think? I do.

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The imagining of the Grand High Witch in the film.
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Quentin Blake's drawing of the Grand High Witch.
The Witches mouse
The boy as a mouse in the book runs standing up. He performs all sorts of trapeze art in the kitchen. In the movie, it goes back and forth between an animatronic mouse and a real mouse.
Overall, I absolutely love both versions. There are far more disgusting bits in the book and I wish I could see them realized in a movie. However, so many fantastical elements of the book were included in the film that was made. Each actor/actress stayed true to their book counterpart. Perhaps my only wish would be that the film stuck with the original ending. Oh, and one thing I found majorly entertaining was this: this British children's book is kept exactly the way it is written and not adapted to its US audience. Recently, my co-bloggers and I have had discussions about whether adaptations are necessary or if they take something  (sometimes the heart) out of their source. The Witches keeps the 's' in place of the z, talks about conkers, tommyrot and so many other things.  Why are we trusting kids more than we trust young adults? 
Adapting books for US audience
Have you seen this movie or read the book? What'd you think? 
Readventurer F Signature
36 Comments
Kara Malinczak link
3/7/2012 03:21:08 am

This article is genius. I'm going to confess. I have not read the book. *ducks* I fully intend to, I just haven't gotten around to it. The movie, however, is a HUGE part of my childhood. I saw it at the theater with my mom and then saw it again and again as I grew up. I love this movie to death. So much in fact, that I now need to find a way to watch it over the next couple of days or I just might die. So thank you for that, Flannery.

It was nice to see the differences between the book and movie though. After reading your article, I think I still might like the movie more even after I read the book. But we will see. Anyway, thank you for allowing me to have some really great flashbacks to my childhood.

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
3/7/2012 03:35:23 am

I hear you on the childhood obsession, Kara. I know this movie start to finish and you wouldn't be alone if you liked the movie more--I think I am in that camp as well. You can honestly read this book in an hour or less. I bet you'll feel the same as me, though. The movie does a wonderful job with what it takes from the book but it could've been even better if it would've just kept more of it.

Also, the DVD is only 5 and some change on Amazon or you can watch it for $1.99 on Youtube! (I think someone might've illegally put up the individual parts as well but $1.99 is basically free as well:))

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Emma Heggie link
4/28/2015 01:44:59 pm

I watched the movie and read the book but never noticed some of these differences

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Kara Malinczak link
3/7/2012 04:01:23 am

Totally. 1.99 is extremely cheap and I have no qualms about paying that. And good to know it's a quick read. This movie is what made me an Anjelica Huston fan.

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MysticalChicken
7/28/2016 11:50:22 pm

"This movie is what made me an Anjelica Huston fan."

SAME. I was like 11 when I first saw it and it's still one of my favorite childhood movies (I remember my parents actually recorded it on a blank VHS tape when I was a kid). AH scared the crap out of me in this movie (in a good way!) so I pretty much instantly became a fan. I recently bought it on DVD and watched it last night, although I was somewhat disappointed there weren't any special features (not even a theatrical trailer!). Also, I still want to try cress soup (it always looked so good to me as a kid!). Preferably without mouse-making potion in it, though.

I got the book at around the same time, but it might have been a little later (although my sixth grade class had had it read to us before I'd seen the movie). I still have my copy. I've always thought Quentin Blake's illustrations were so great. (His mice are adorable.)

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Jack
12/17/2019 02:58:17 pm

Me too! We had it read to us at school when I was in 6th grade! Maybe you were in my class! The film came out when I was in high school, and i was thrilled. I thought it was a terrific adaptation. Of course they had to add extra characters/scenes, because the plot of the book was far too thin to make a feature film. Roald Dahl is all about characters and worlds only he could imagine. For what it's worth I thought Tim Burton's adaptation of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was phenomenal, even as annoying as Johnny Depp is.

Sam link
3/7/2012 07:31:04 am

I have never read the book, but I LOVE the movie. It's been so long since I've watched it.... I feel old. ;) I have actually read very few Roald Dahl books but seen nearly all of the movies based on his books. I usually find it pretty difficult to appreciate a book more than the movie if I have watched the movie first.. so I don't know if I'll ever give the book a go.

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
3/7/2012 08:12:42 am

Never feel old--I was 7 when it came out and that is prime scare time. There are so many gross parts:) I still loved the book even though I've seen the movie a million times before and I bet you would as well. But even if you don't read it, keep watching that awesome movie.

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VeganYANerds link
3/7/2012 08:00:51 am

I loved this comparison! It's been years since I've read or watched the Witches and now I want to dig out all my old Roald Dahl books and re-read them!

I think it's great that the book wasn't changed for the US edition and I wish they would stop doing that now with YA, teens are not stupid, they will get it and Aussie and Brits manage to read American books with no issues!

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
3/7/2012 09:23:49 am

I am going to read 15 of them on my list if you'd like to readalong one or a few:)

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Catie (The Readventurer) link
3/7/2012 08:46:27 am

One of my most vivid memories of the first grade is my teacher sitting at the head of the classroom and reading this book out loud to us. The beginning is so absolutely scary - I think you could have heard a pin drop in that class. Since then it's always been my favorite Roald Dahl. And once the movie came out I loved it too. I agree that although Angelica Houston doesn't really fit with Roald Dahl's description, she was absolutely perfect for this role. I love her.

This was such a great post Flannery!

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roro @Roro Is Reading link
3/7/2012 10:20:03 am

i loved this movie/ have not read the book yet/don\t turn me in a mouse/squeek
witchy fun post

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Jasprit
3/7/2012 07:28:20 pm

Oh what a fantastic comparsion Flan, it's been so long since I read the book and watched the film, I think I always preferred the book though. I think it's time for another re-read :)

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
3/8/2012 12:32:49 pm

Do it, do it, do it. The best thing about all his books is that it takes 10 minutes to reread them. You could read all of them in a day if you wanted to! :)

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Chachic link
3/8/2012 11:09:17 am

I don't think I've ever seen the movie version! It doesn't seem familiar. Hmm must hunt down a copy. Thanks for the detailed comparison and analysis, Flann. You should do this for all of Roald Dahl's books. :P

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
3/8/2012 12:35:26 pm

Don't think I won't. Well, at least the ones that have movies:)

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Wendy Darling link
3/9/2012 12:01:28 pm

As you know, I love both the film AND the book. When it comes to movie adaptations, one is usually better than the other in some way, but I honesty think both are equally good in this case.

Nothing could ever be as twisted as Dahl's adult stories, though. That man really reigned it in for the kiddies, hah.

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
3/12/2012 05:07:06 am

I've heard that from Casey about the adult stories. I can't wait to try them.

I'm interested to see how much is changed in Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. I've seen that movie even more than I've seen The Witches and it's been longer since I read it.

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Mary Kraus link
3/11/2012 03:37:11 pm

Your review of The Witches book and movie could not have come at a better time! I just finished reading the book to my fourth grade students for our genre study on fantasy. We watched the movie and they loved everything except the change at the end. I was just about to write a model for a compare contract essay with this book and movie. I hope you don't mind if I share your writing with my fourth grade class each year instead. (I did change your adjective for grandma to "sassy".)

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Flannery (The Readventurer) link
3/12/2012 05:05:33 am

Oh, yay! I'm so happy it was useful. I'm also really happy that your students realize that changing it to such a happy ending was not the best choice. What's wrong with keeping him a mouse? And of course I am fine with you using anything from our blog in your classroom. I plan on doing the rest of the Roald Dahl book/movies over the rest of the year:)

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crystalbeauty
3/14/2012 10:36:00 am

i need to see the movie read the book but only because it was the shortest one in the library and i had a book project glad i did cant wait to see the movie ig me im @madielizibeth!!!!!!<3

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janvi
2/7/2013 11:09:52 pm

the vitches storrrrry of inkland

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Mario link
2/18/2013 01:51:03 am

Book way better than movie but the movie did have some good parts

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dan
2/25/2013 05:12:11 am

like this book it is aswem

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stephanie sierra
6/10/2013 08:01:17 am

The story of WITCHES is so funny and sometimes scare bat i understand all the story i want say to all you that i have the best teacher of inglish named ROMAIN PAUL BAILEY because he explain my all the things i dont understand

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THALIA
2/17/2014 05:45:46 pm

Thankyou for this I have seen the movie and read the book when I was 9. It is nice of you to do this and bring back great childhood memories for me! Once again thankyou soo much

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STACEY DEE
2/17/2014 06:07:40 pm

Thanks for the info it really helps with the venn diagram I have to do for school!!!!

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LOLA (STACE DEE'S SIS)
2/17/2014 06:39:02 pm

Like ma sis ( we're in the same class) I also have to do the venn diagram 4 skool. Your review got me finished in no time. Also you have got into detail 4 the minor details. Your soo smart and clever but at the same time naughty. Seriously badass grandma!! At least I was entertained!!! LOL

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HILO
2/17/2014 06:42:05 pm

#awesomebook#lol#whyamievenhashtagging#WTF#okiwillstophashtagging

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garry
10/13/2014 02:14:11 am

I agree with all you've said. The ending really annoyed me!! Great article.

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Mary
11/5/2017 05:45:02 am

I love this book so much! It's full of mysteries.

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asd
12/10/2017 10:38:45 pm

Go get raped, Dahl is a fucking retard

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moviegoer
10/13/2020 08:40:55 pm

Loved this movie so much as a child and still do. Recently started watching it again. This is one of the few movies I can watch over and over as well as get a perfect score from Rotten Tomatoes.It is no surprise that it is goin thru its 2nd remake and it'll be released in a couple weeks on October 22, 2020 and available for streaming. This version will not have Angelica Huston who I thought was perfect casting. This time around it will have Anne Hathaway portray the Grand High Witch. I can only hope that with modern CGI they use it well. Enjoy!

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James Dobson link
11/23/2020 01:58:02 am

I wanted that DVD is this ok by you thanks and also witches plain room is that ok by you

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pp suxor
1/29/2021 06:10:34 am

helpeed with venn diagram

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hi
1/29/2021 10:11:34 am

hi

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