I have never written a review for a movie or a book, but after seeing this movie I just had to put my two cents in for obvious reasons... I read Delirium by Lauren Oliver at the beginning of the year. I must say never once had I cried so much after reading a book, nor had I ever been moved to the point of actually making a Tshirt with the slogan in honor of a book, just to keep the memory alive! I know some of you may be thinking, that's a bit rad... But if you have read the book, then you won't think I am utterly insane. It is that moving, and stirs up emotions in you that is hard to shake. It is by far the best book I have read this year. So let's get down to my verdict on the movie. First of all, I had no idea a film was being made, even though I had often fantasized about the idea. However, a friend whom I had discussed Delirium with, and who had also read the book found out about the movie and invited me to a private viewing. Realizing Emma Edwards was the lead cast member evoked mixed feelings, as I wasn't sure if she was the right person to play Lena Holoway. But I didn't want to jump to any conclusions until I had seen the whole movie. The heightened anticipation sunk like an iron blimp after the first 5mins. It's safe to say that the movie has ruined the memory of the actual story for me. I mean imagine starting on page one and suddenly fast forwarding to chapter ten! It made no sense whatsoever. The way Alex and Lena's relationship evolved was portrayed totally differently from the book. Both characters lacked chemistry in the movie, and Hana's role was totally confusing, and made no sense. Lena was supposed to be living with her aunt and her little cousin, and hardly saw her sister. However, in the movie, she lived with her sister. At the end when she escaped with Alex in the book, I remember experiencing this burst of intense adrenaline induced heart pounding sensation, that made me feel like I was actually the one on the run. The escape scene in the movie, again is totally different, and a total let down. It was like an after thought crammed in, and was almost laughable. That's how pathetic it was. I understand that a whole book cannot be crammed into a movie...but please don't change the story line! So many books have been made into movies, and there is always an element of disappointment, but Delirium takes home the award for totally pointless. I was absolutely infuriated, and left feeling cheated after the movie. It failed to arouse any sort of emotion in me, and I felt like I spent 45mins trying to ask a chicken why it crossed the road. I hate to burst your bubbles if you have been eagerly waiting to see this movie. It is absolutely not worth it. I wish I could undo seeing the movie, so I can keep the beautiful memory of the book intact and unspoilt. This movie goes to show that not all books work as a movie. I think it could have worked with the right lead characters, and more time invested into developing the characters and keeping to the original storyline. Not sure what they set out to achieve, but the end was left as if to be continued...as Alex didn't appear to be dead, and Lena failed to show any emotion as Alex was held down by the police after being shot. To say the movie was utterly disappointing and a complete waste of time, has to be be the understatement of the century. Non of the characters were good, and the story forgettable. The movie is an epic fail. Watch if you like the feeling of being cheated out of a good story.
Review of Delirium
