Specific scenes: Novel or Film?

CrabKey

After more than forty years, I decided to return to the Fleming novels, wondering how much I remembered, especially after seeing the films over and over. Having read a novel and then seeing a film of it, one is apt to be critical of the film because there's only so much a film can do in two hours. Given the perspective of time, I am seeing the novels in a new way. Certainly I am enjoying them, but in many respects they are so dated and not politically correct by today's conventions. That doesn't really bother me. Face it, there was a time when men thought white shoes, white belts, and maroon blazers were fashionable. But I digress.
So my discussion point is this, when it comes to a specific novel and the film based on it, which episodes are handled better by the film? For example, in OHMSS I think the film does a better job with the damsel in distress episode than the novel. I also prefer how Blofeld actually discovers Sir Hilary Bray is actually Bond and confines him to the tram lift mechanical room. In many instances, the films actually improve on the original.

royale65

The only thing that stands out is, I much prefer Goldfinger's plot in the film, irradiate Fort Knox, as opposed to the novels, rob Fort Knox.

royale65

Birdleson wrote:

I think that adding the character of Fiona to THUNDERBALL was an improvement. I also prefer switching Odd Job's fate to Goldfinger's, and Odd Job's death scene in the film, were preferable.

Good point.

FLeiter

In the novel 'Casino Royale' Bond is tortured using a carpet beater, in the film it's a rope with a knot. Both equally painful. In the same novel, Smersh is carved into the back of Bond's left hand to mark him, not mentioned ever in the films.

Walecs

Piz Gloria assault, in the movie, includes the rescue of Tracy, which makes the scene much more epic, exciting and full of suspence

Baltimore_007

Many people have Moonraker as the best of Fleming's work, and although haven't read enough, at least it had the sense to keep Bond on earth instead of the ill-advised nonsense in the movie release to send Bond into orbit. Even though it's one of the favorite film releases, that was just damn stupid to put Bond in space. I realize I got to read a little more by way of the literary aspect of Bond

DarthDimi

GF is the only film which, IMO, improved on the novel. In both the book and the film, Goldfinger's plot ultimately stumbles upon some heavy logistical and even scientific issues. But at least the movie sells it better to me, which is why I prefer that part.