Comparing ‘Lady in the Lake’ and ‘Presumed Innocent’: Books vs. Series on Apple TV+
Fans of both movies and books often find themselves grappling with the inevitable changes that come when a beloved book is adapted for the big screen. The constraints of a typical two-hour movie runtime often mean that certain elements of the original story are sacrificed, leading to the omission of cherished scenes and subplots. This discrepancy between the book and its cinematic adaptation was highlighted in a past interview with children discussing a “Harry Potter” movie, where each child lamented the absence of specific scenes that didn’t make it into the film. However, while these alterations may disappoint some viewers, many understand that the essence of the book remains preserved on the shelf for them to enjoy.
In contrast to traditional movie adaptations, streaming services have been able to explore book adaptations in a more expansive manner through limited series with multiple episodes. This format allows for a deeper exploration of the source material and a more thorough examination of the narrative. Recent examples of this approach can be seen in adaptations of favorite crime novels for streaming platforms such as Netflix and Apple TV+.
Netflix’s adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley” in the series “Ripley” stays true to the original story, closely following Highsmith’s narrative with meticulous attention to detail. While the casting choices may raise eyebrows, the adaptation effectively captures the essence of the novel, offering a familiar yet engaging viewing experience for fans of the book.
On the other hand, Apple TV+ presents a fresh take on Scott Turow’s legal thriller “Presumed Innocent” in an eight-episode series that deviates significantly from both the novel and the previous movie adaptation. The series introduces new plotlines, character developments, and modernized perspectives on gender and race, revitalizing the story for contemporary audiences.
Similarly, Apple TV+ brings Laura Lippman’s intricate novel “Lady in the Lake” to the screen in a seven-episode series that weaves together multiple narrators to tell a compelling story set in 1960s Baltimore. The series delves into the lives of two women, exploring themes of journalism, race, and identity against the backdrop of a murder mystery.
While “Presumed Innocent” offers a classic courtroom drama experience, “Lady in the Lake” ventures into the realm of noir, blending fantasy elements with poignant performances to create a mesmerizing and atmospheric viewing experience. The series immerses viewers in a world of mystery and intrigue, inviting them to unravel the complexities of the narrative alongside the characters.
In conclusion, the shift towards adapting books into multi-episode series on streaming platforms has provided storytellers with the opportunity to delve deeper into the nuances of the source material, offering fans a fresh perspective on familiar stories and characters. These adaptations showcase the evolving landscape of storytelling in the digital age, where creativity and innovation intersect to breathe new life into beloved literary works.
