There has been a massive hype over this movie. Especially on social media sites such as Twitter and Tumblr. You know the story, you know the author, even if you've never read anything by him. But, if you haven't had an internet connection for the past 18 months I shall explain all. The Fault In Our Stars in a novel written by John Green, who is one half of 'The Vlog Brothers' on YouTube. The story is narrated by a sixteen-year-old cancer patient named Hazel, who is forced by her parents to attend a support group, where she meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters, an ex-basketball player and amputee.
I read The Fault in Our Stars about 18 months ago and although many fans of the book have been saying 'you must read the book before you see the film' and then proceeding to judge those who haven't, I don't believe you need to. The film should be treated as a stand alone piece and going into the cinema with fresh eyes, having no idea of the plot twist, is a good thing. I adored the soundtrack with the songs fitting perfectly with each part of the film. I do think they played it a bit safe though, with songs from Jake Bugg, Birdy and Kodaline - with the exception of Swedish Hip Hop of course.
What I love about this film is how full of life each character is and the humour that runs through it. The bright lighting could be considered as sugar coating the fact that they are two very ill teenagers but I think it encourages hope in Hazel and Gus, as well as the audience. A large part of the movie that popped up in many scenes was Gus' metaphor. This is the idea that he likes to hold a cigarette between his lips, but never lights it. 'It's a metaphor, see: You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing.' I find this unbelievable cheesy and I cringed at every moment he put it in his mouth. Saying that, I found Gus' cheesy-ness wore off as the film progressed and I was able to bare it a little more.
As I am planning an Amsterdam trip for July I was hoping for scenic wide shots of the city, which didn't end up happening, so I believe this could have been captured better. This film completely and unapologetically wants to make you cry, and when the filmmakers are that determined, its likely you will, which I did, a bit. I welled up okay. I didn't cry at the book, but I connected more with the film and it's unrealistic expectations of love.
Even if you didn't like the book, or the idea of this movie, just go and see it. You'll find something to love about The Fault In Our Stars.
I read The Fault in Our Stars about 18 months ago and although many fans of the book have been saying 'you must read the book before you see the film' and then proceeding to judge those who haven't, I don't believe you need to. The film should be treated as a stand alone piece and going into the cinema with fresh eyes, having no idea of the plot twist, is a good thing. I adored the soundtrack with the songs fitting perfectly with each part of the film. I do think they played it a bit safe though, with songs from Jake Bugg, Birdy and Kodaline - with the exception of Swedish Hip Hop of course.
As I am planning an Amsterdam trip for July I was hoping for scenic wide shots of the city, which didn't end up happening, so I believe this could have been captured better. This film completely and unapologetically wants to make you cry, and when the filmmakers are that determined, its likely you will, which I did, a bit. I welled up okay. I didn't cry at the book, but I connected more with the film and it's unrealistic expectations of love.
Even if you didn't like the book, or the idea of this movie, just go and see it. You'll find something to love about The Fault In Our Stars.
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Thank god! Someone else who find's Gus' cigarette thing cheesy too! I laugh every time because no one would ever say that in real life.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth's Boredom
I can't bear it, haha!
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