Have you ever wondered why somethings last so well and others date so easily. Is it the topic? The quality of writing? Choice of subject?
Space Odessy2001 still stand ups up fairly well. Orwell’s 1984 is history yet the book still stands as a great. Costume drama’s based on books written lifetimes past still top the viewing lists. The blogging world is alight with reading lists for classic reads. I can read Austen over and over again yet am never likely to go to a formal dance yet most modern ‘chick lit’ is a one off read generally on the beach.
What is it about some books or and even a few films that keep us going back? Recently I introduced my 19 year old and her boyfriend to Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy. Not the book but the 70’s BBC tv version. While my daughter couldn’t get past the dated graphics her boyfriend listened to the actual dialogue and found it hilarious. So for those in other countries who may not have seen this version a quick clip…
Now of course as with all good ideas someone else had the idea of cashing in on it and a big budget version was made here is a clip from that to compare…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd5bKY1yDmc
Now although this has far better graphics, and has Stephen Fry narrating I just can’t like it as much as the 70’s version. too many liberties have been taken with the original text which is lets face it the whole reason you want to watch it in the first place. We live in a world of remakes where every idea that has been successful seems to be rehashed, remade and in most cases ruined for the sake of a few more dollars in someones pocket. Okay I get it we have new tecnology to play with but in the midst of creating a greater visual experience we lose what was there in the first place. for me the adaptations that work are not always just the ones that stick religiously to the actual book but those that actually understand what the book is about. There have been very enjoyable versions of Shakespeare plays given a change of setting such as Romeo & Juliet or the David Tenant version of Hamlet. They may have changed the time or location but stay faithful to the message of the book. Anyway enough of a rant today. What do you think is it better to watch a good version that may be a little dated or do you want the shiny new version?
Paula Acton 
Timing; state of the world; eclectic; different; challenging are all reasonable explanations why some things last and others don’t. The caveat though is that for many older icons aren’t today appreciated by the younger (not all). If you’ve lived through and with it it’s my belief that it remains iconic if it touched you. If, however, it didn’t connect with you then or now then it’s lost.
You mention Shakespeare…I’ve never connected with Shakespeare and whilst I can appreciate the craft, it’s never touched me emotionally and therefore leaves me never wanting more.
When distilled we reveal much about our own preferences by our likes and dislikes…none are right or wrong, better or worse just simply individual. Oh and Douglas Adams – pure genius!
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i actually think part of the reason I like shakespeare is that I didn’t study him at school and came to him as an adult. I know i few friends forcefed Macbeth at school who as a result hate him with a passion
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i just adored the original radio series – nothing else comes close – great post
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I agree, Paula. My kids and I read aloud the entire HitchHiker series and really enjoyed it. Except for the fantastic theme song, the new movie was a big disappointment. They took too many liberties with the stories and just didn’t seem to “get” the characters.
If you care for history, thee movie, “Master and Commander,” based on Patrick O’Brian’s Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin series, was absolutely brilliant, and captured the spirit of the book perfectly.
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Following along on Paul’s thought…my belief is similar. If there is no emotional connection to the ‘icon’ then it loses something with each new generation. I adored Shakespeare, even though it was required reading in high school. It helps to have a kick ass teacher when learning Shakespeare for the first time…perhaps your friends were not so lucky. I have amassed a collection of most of his works and love them to this day. I cannot say the same of my Gen Y kids. You were an adult when you found you liked Shakespeare…I’ve found that my tastes have changed dramatically as I’ve grown older as yours likely did and will continue to do…But somethings like Jane Austen and Shakespeare will not. As to Hitchhiker…Kyle mentioned a radio series….that would have been something to hear! Would have loved to hear it done on radio. The most current version of the movie…thumbs down…total camp. The book was so so so much better.
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