This image was made by me in LibraryAware. Which medium will come out on top?
You may have heard it before. “The book is always better.” It’s a mantra that has rung around the internet and in conversation for a long time now. Every time a movie or tv show adaptation of a book or book series comes out, many potential viewers have already made up their minds that the book is or will be better than anything on screen.
And can that be true? Definitely. You only have to look at movies like Artemis Fowl or the Percy Jackson films to see proof of that. But is it ALWAYS the case that the book is better?
In the fall, I inevitably turn to Gilmore Girls. (If you’ve been here long, you know I’m a fan). Despite the show’s regular progression of seasons (within and across seven seasons of television), there’s something about it that screams autumn. The most iconic images of Stars Hollow happen in the fall, I think. I have to admit, I don’t mind when September breezes in. Instead of blowing humid, tepid air like breath in your face, the wind brings fresh, cool relief. A little chilly perhaps, but think of the sweaters! Pair them with blazers and fall coats for that layered look. Cool weather means fashion liberation in my mind. (When did this become a fashion post?) This time of year is also when discussion turns to TIFF. I was a little late to the party this time around, but I was able to attend a screening of James McAvoy’s directorial debut: California Schemin’. If, like me, you are awed by the title, wait till you hear this: It’s the true story of two young, Scottish fellows, itching to make it in the big time. They hatch a scheme (see what they did there?) to fool London music industry execs into thinking they’re American rappers. The first half of this film was excellent, in my mind, with the fledgling director already demonstrating massive amounts of talent at the helm of this artistic-enterprise-ship. Capitalizing on the excitement and buzz of being young and achieving some success as a rap act — particularly in the early 2000s — Schemin’ climbs an incredible peak until the inevitable fall. I would definitely recommend seeing this one when it’s in theatres, but be prepared for a heavy second act. 2025 seemed to be the year of directorial debuts at TIFF, with not only McAvoy but Maude Apatow, Scarlett Johansson, and more. There was also a new Knives Out movie, a new Soderbergh caper with an incredible cast, and a new Joachim Trier (Worst Person in the World) flick. So, I thought I would explore what items we have in our catalogue with ties to the great, esteemed, homegrown, international film festival this year.
I’m going to do a bit of a different take on the idea. Instead of looking at movies that can be watched a few different ways and people can come to different conclusions, since Royce did such a great job with that, I’m going to go with a very elusive subgenre of film; so bad it’s good.
