Movie Poster via IMP Awards
I read Room before I started this blog. It completely blew me away and I still think about how much I enjoyed it. It was a very tough subject to talk about and Donoghue did the whole thing in the voice of a small boy without demeaning anything about the situation. It was incredible. When I heard there was a movie being made, I was ecstatic. I was even more excited when my class ended and I finally had time to watch it. I cried alone in my apartment for a while.
Things I Thought Were Awesome
Seeing how small Room was. Reading the dimensions and how many things were squeezed into that space was one thing, but seeing Ma and Jack in the small room and seeing how they made so much happen in that small space was incredible. That set was packed with all the things the book alluded to and it was crazy to see how efficiently Ma used all the space.
Changes That Didn’t Really Bother Me
No breastfeeding. This was a pretty big part of the book that was almost completely taking out of the movie. I remember Jack talking about ‘the left one’ and ‘the right one’ and it took me a while to realize he was still being breastfed. When I thought about it, it was really logical that Ma would keep breastfeeding him. Taking it out of the movie helped focus on the relationship without having to factor nudity into the rating. It was still an R rating in the US, though.
Cover image via Goodreads
Things That Were Taken Out and I’m Still Wondering Why
Jack’s adjustment period to space. I found it fascinating in the book that Jack struggled with spatial relations. Because he’d only lived in Room, he knew where things were there but couldn’t translate distance outside of Room. He was running into things and falling down because he couldn’t judge distances. I thought this was a crazy concept and I wish it had made the movie.
The mall trip. This scene was a great add in the book and talked about the celebrity that victims of terrible tragedy can garner. Little Jack only cared that he was a hero to Ma but saw how famous he’d become. I wish it had made the movie.
Things That Changed Too Much
Honestly, it’s been too long since I read the book and I can’t think of anything major that sticks out. From my memory, it was a really good adaptation and I’m so glad I finally watched it.
I only wish I’d seen this sooner. It was a really good watch. Reader, have you seen the Room movie? What did you think?
Until next time, write on.
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Taking On a World of Words 
I didn’t like the book because I didn’t like reading through the eyes of a child, to me it made everything kind of watered down. I had a hard time identifying with Jack because I thought of him as a child. The movie and the film are really different, it almost seems as if the movie just took the synopsis of the book, and changed it a lot. The mall scene was cut as was them moving into an independent living facility. Despite major differences, I did like the movie.
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I wish they’d kept the mall scene. I understand your talk about the point of view. The movie was more through Ma’s eyes and she was more relatable than a child. I’m glad you enjoyed the movie. Happy reading!
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I read the book years ago and saw the film when it came out, and I have to say I had forgotten a lot of the stuff you mentioned that were in the book and not in the film. I did think Jack adjusted a little too quickly in the film to space, but hey, there’s only so much you can squeeze into a couple of hours!
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I think they kept the most important aspects for sure, but Jack’s adjustment was almost too easy compared to Ma’s. It made Jack’s seem like a walk in the park and it stuck out. Glad you enjoyed both. Happy reading!
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Awesome review! I enjoyed the movie version but yeah I did questions the things you mentioned here. But overall, it was a great story. 😁
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Completely agree. It’s rightfully lauded and Larson did an amazing job.
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