What better way to spend a shift at work than reading a free sample of a new novel about to be made into a film? That's how it came about anyway. I began reading the first six chapters of Divergent, and I have to say I was struck. So, then came the time to buy the full book so I could find out who dunnit, what happens, how does it end???
Unfortunately, that's where it went a little sour for me. Very similar to 'The Hunger Games', without the irritating tense. A hero (with special abilities/who breaks the rules), a boy (or two), a main enemy to rise against and a revolution (of sorts). I hated 'The Hunger Games' book, for the first time in forever (or at least my forever) I found a film I preferred to the book!
The same could not be said for 'Divergent'. I did enjoy the book more than 'The Hunger Games' and the film less so. Inside my head was smaller version of myself saying 'that's not in the book' and 'why haven't they included that part?'. Which is what I have come to expect from inner me when viewing a film developed from a book.
Obviously, the film has to work on the basis that not all viewers have read the book. For that reason some decisions to change/cut the script made sense.
The casting worked, although I'd imagined Will to be bulkier and Eric to be much more slimy and thin (but that wouldn't really portray a leading Dauntless, would it?)
Divergent Book: 3.5 Stars ****
Divergent Film: 3 Stars ***
<3 Tattoos <3
P.s. I would totally be in Dauntless!
