From Reading to Listening to Watching: Cinematic Books – is It Really Reading?

As we move from a traditional reading experience to a more immersive method of listening to audiobooks, a new frontier in consuming books has emerged–watching books unfold cinematically. This shift challenges the way we think about consuming books. Does listening to an audiobook count as having “read” a book? If so, does the act of watching a “cinematic book” also count as having read it? Wes Anderson’s short film “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar," perfectly encapsulates this distinctive way in which reading is done; it isn’t just a retelling of a classic Roald Dahl story—it’s a journey of emotions that highlights Dahl’s original ideas.

In this “cinematic book,” Henry Sugar, a character initially driven by selfish desires, dedicates years of his life to acquire a power—the ability to read through cards and cheat the casinos; the elation brought about by the achievement, however, is quickly overrun by a feeling of emptiness: it’s clear these greedy pursuits are not worthwhile. This is showcased within the book through the clever utilization of emotions and vocabulary in order to suggest that he is struck by the realization that he is ashamed of his greed. Within the film, this underlying idea is further exemplified through acting: Sugar’s personal journey of growth as he grapples with his desires for wealth are clearly highlighted by Cumberbatch’s exaggerated facial expressions—for example, his face of joy when he realizes that he can do good with money—that play with the audience’s conceptions and make Dahl’s original intentions clear. The set design—particularly the lighting—further emphasizes this. When Henry Sugar begins to feel ashamed for his heedless dispersal of money, a light shines on his eyes; this emphasizes the gravity of the policeman’s words. Though words in a book could also convey this, the lighting, scenery, and acting all serve to further illuminate the effect.

Even though the film is complex and nuanced, it retains a simplicity that makes it highly captivating and engaging to watch. The key lies in the fusion of Wes Anderson’s distinctive directing style and Roald Dahl’s writing; Anderson’s attention to detail, and his arch way of directing fits seamlessly with Dahl’s clear, concise, and imaginative style of writing, creating a film that both complements and further elevates the original book—it’s like PB&J.

So, what are the limits to how a book can be “read”? It’s clear that a book can be “read” cinematographically; in fact, it should count as more than just reading. “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,”—coupled with Anderson’s visual and auditory mastery—seamlessly evokes the ideas Dahl originally intended to convey.