For the synopsis of the story, first read my
book review here. The
film closely resembles the book plot, only changing the smallest of details.
The book having ultimately left me
disappointed, I had no great inkling to see the film version of Stephenie Meyer’s The Host. That
being the case, I didn’t rush to the cinema for a ticket, but finally got
around to watching it now.
Much like the book, the
film left me unsatisfied, though for different reasons. The film improved
the final scenes, but also let down in major ways. Allow me to clarify.
I read
(and watched) The Host because of the premise – Melanie’s love for Jared is so
strong that she refuses to give up; she refuses to allow Wanderer full access
into her mind, and she fights for control of her body. That is what hooked me – Melanie and
Jared. Two humans who found each other
and love each other, and Melanie working even once occupied to return to Jared
and to keep him safe. The problem that I
have with the book is that it is written completely from Wanderer’s perspective –
I said in my book review that I would have appreciated some Melanie chapters –
Melanie was the reason I was emotionally invested in the story, not Wanderer. Then the book went and ruined the ending for
me by implying that everybody was a little bit in love with everybody else. While Jared and Mel are together, and Ian and
Wanda are together, it seems that Mel and Ian are making moon eyes at each other, as are
Jared and Wanda. This ticked me off big
time. Also, the fact that Jared kissed
Wanda and meant it – this greatly lessened Jared and Mel’s connection for
me.
Now, the movie
thankfully omitted this kiss and Wanda shared a passionate kiss with Ian
instead. However, the movie failed to show Mel and Jared’s reunion; my
favourite part of the book (granted, it is a bonus scene)! After months
apart, Jared and Mel are finally back together, Mel is back in possession of
her body and they can be together again. The film simply went to the
scene where Wanda wakes up in her new body. What a let-down!
The major
issues I have with the film, however, is that the book is about both Wanda and
Mel, about their struggles and their relationship – they become as close as
sisters. The film, however, focuses
solely on Wanda. In the film Mel’s
presence isn’t nearly strong enough and for some reason their connection doesn’t
translate well on screen. Also, Jared
and Mel’s relationship didn’t come across as powerful as it does in the
book. It seems that the movie is more
about Wanda and Ian’s story, and Mel and Jared are merely secondary characters.
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| Ian and Wanda |
On the positive side Jake
Abel did a great job as Ian! He embodied all the qualities that make
Wanda trust Ian and fall in love with him, and I much prefer film Ian to book
Ian. Max Irons also played the part of Jared really well, giving just the
right combination of bitterness and vulnerability. Saoirse Ronin was the
perfect choice for Melanie/Wanderer. She perfectly portrayed Mel’s
strength and loyalty as well as Wanda’s innocence and naivety. I also
loved William Hurt as Jeb. All round the casting was spot on. The
movie, however, fell a little flat – as evidenced by the fact that the movie is
widely considered to be a box office flop, having barely grossed its production
cost. That being the case, I doubt the studio will bother making a film
version of the sequel Meyer is currently writing (The
Seeker), or the third and final book of the planned trilogy (The Soul).
Truthfully, at this stage, I don’t have much interest in either. If the
next book is once again solely written in Wanda’s perspective, I doubt I’ll
read it. I’m just more invested in Melanie than Wanda.
For some reason this is a
film that just does not translate well from book to screen; the book manages to
tell the story and convey the depth of emotions much better than the film -
perhaps the film just did not have enough time to properly lay the foundations
and focus on all of the details. Visually it is beautifully done and does
the descriptions in the book justice, but ultimately some stories work better
as books than movies, and The
Host is one of them.
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| Jared and Melanie |
