Post 4: Adapting "The Book Thief"

If I was the director set with the task of adapting The Book Thief, there would be MANY things for me to consider. But one of the most important decisions is what type of adaptation would make the most sense in this books case. I would make it into a movie because there isn't enough action/drama to last as a TV series or a musical. The Book Thief in itself is a very moving piece, with enough action and heartfelt moments to keep the audience interested in a movie form, but as a TV show it would surely suffer. The book is slow-paced so adapting it into a TV show will just draw it out even further.

There would be many scenes from the book that would make it into the movie adaptation, but there are some important moments that NEED to make its way into the film. First and foremost, it would have to be Liesel actually stealing the books, her second book to be more specific. For that was the turning point in the book where she truly steals for the first time and sets everything in motion. Another scene vital to keep the heart of the film intact, would have to be when Max departed after Hans gave the bread to the marching Jew. This sets things in motion: Max being captured eventually and Hans being sent to war. Another important scene is the Word Shaker. The story Max writes Liesel really encompasses theme of the book and how just one person can make a difference. Also Liesel starting to write her own story marks the end of the story and all the lessons she learned. And of course, the bombing of Himmel Street. For this is the end to the story and had me literally bawling, so the scenes between Liesel and the dead are vital to keep in the movie.

There would have to be some cuts though, and as difficult as it is, some do come to mind. A scene that is not vital to the book is Liesel and Rudy joining the gang of thieves because it doesn't really add to the theme of the story and if it was cut out, no one would really miss it. Another scene that would be cut out is Max getting sick. Though this showed how close Max and Liesel are, there are many other more prominent scenes that showcase the relationship better.

These are all the things I would do in order to ensure a worthy movie of the heart-warming book. For it deserves that much... and much more.