A few months ago, I finished Death’s End, the final instalment of the Three-Body Problem trilogy and raved about it all over instagram. This was a couple of year after meeting the opening with mixed feelings. But, encouraged by others, I persevered. In the end, the Odyssey proved highly satisfactory overall. I am still not sure whether the beginnings were frustrated by an inadequate French translation (I read the subsequent tomes in English) or it was just written crescendo. I need to read the first instalment in English to get an idea. Anyway, a new favourite was born.

So when I heard of an upcoming Netflix adaptation, I expressed my curiosity, eagerness even, noting how well this sweeping speculative human mythology lent itself to a cinematic treatment.

But now, the TV series is there, my significant other who hasn’t read the book has suggested many times we try it, and… I am dragging my feet. I really feel no inclination, my curiosity is gone. I’d rather reread the books. My poor love, it’s not even the first time I have put him through this.

Every time I hear of a new tv program based on a book, I insist we wait until I read the said book. And then, either I never get to read the books (TBR problems, iynyn) or I read the books and feel no impetus to watch an adaptation afterwards. When an HBO adaptation of His Dark Materials (one of my childhood absolute favourite books) came out, I absolutely couldn’t watch it. When, pressured, I tried, I disliked it strongly. So I guess I was vindicated this time.

But why the initial reticence? I know that when I like a series or film, and learn afterwards it is based on a book, I am eager to read the book. I have Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Stardust and Killing Floor on my wishlist because of that. But the other way round doesn’t work somehow.

I can think of a couple of reasons for that.

The first is a personal hierarchy. In my opinion, the written medium provides the best experience, the highest, richest enjoyment. I mean, I just like books better. So it makes sense to enrich a screen experience by reading the material it is based on. Not the other way round.

Second, and that’s probably linked to the first : I want the universe I built in my mind to stay untouched. Every book conjures an atmosphere, a sense of place, a unique sensory experience. I also sketch vague outlines of the characters, never precise features. Viewing the adaptation tends to pollute this. It imposes flesh and bone actors and an artificial landscape on my imagination. This kinda argues against watching any adaptation either before or after reading. But I think I can get over it when watching first : then I don’t have an initial reading experience to long after, no ideal imaginary landscape to mourn.

The third reason, is that I am just not very patient with the screen. I have a hard time finishing a movie and a harder time still, getting to the end of a long series. The few shows and movies I finish really need to hook me up from the start. A lot of action, a very clever intrigue, fascinating actors or at least beautiful well dressed people I can admire while keeping my mind blank (and this last category usually holds my attention for a mere half hour). But if the beginning is slow or meh or confused, I just satisfy my curiosity by reading spoilers and get over with.

So I guess this boils down to : I prefer books. But I am learning to appreciate the septième art mainly by watching old movies where I can marvel at the quality of the dialogues.

What about you? Are you team screen or book?