The Hours: Book vs. Movie

As a firm proponent of written works over their movie counterparts, I’ve heard myself say more than once, “You thought that was good? You should read the book.” However, in the case of The Hours, my previous stance has been completely turned around. Oh, you thought the book was good? Get ready to see the movie. With the rapid, fluid nature of film, the personal interconnection of the women’s lives is even more evident. Certain scenes in the book were removed from the movie, though. For example, aspects involving Mrs. Dalloway were removed to show a less vulnerable woman who was more connected to the world around her than in the novel.

The first difference I noticed was the absence of Clarissa sighting the actress after buying flowers for Richard’s party. In the book, this is a somewhat important event for her, one she thinks back to several times. Her fascination with the actress and with fame shows her desire to connect with the world around her. However, the lack of this scene in the movie portrays her as more independent and self-sustaining – Clarissa Dalloway has no need of fans to sustain her self-worth.

Another instance is when Mrs. Dalloway’s daughter, Julia, comes to visit her with her friend, Mary. In the novel, Clarissa and Mary share a tense conversation, trying hard not to voice their true feelings of one another. But in the movie, Mary’s character is completely absent. As a result, Julia and Clarissa’s relationship is closer and more like that of an ideal mother and daughter. Instead of disagreeing about Mary, the two lie on Clarissa’s bed laughing together.

Both of these situations detract from the complexity and emotional turmoil of Clarissa’s character. Without them, the film version of her character is more in touch with those around her.