Film Adaptation of The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

After reading Nicholas Spark’s heartwarming novel The Notebook, I watched the film adaptation. I am usually hesitant about watching movies based on such great books, but I was curious to see how closely the film would follow this touching novel.

This turned out to be one of the best adaptations I have seen and director Nick Cassavetes pays an impressive tribute to this Internationally best selling novel.

In order to appreciate the film, an understanding of the story line is essential. It traces the lives of a young couple, Noah and Allie, who are separated by class difference and then by WWII when Noah enlists in the army.

Years later, they reunite, marry and share a lifetime of enduring love. Noah, who is now older and in failing health, recorded their amazing journey in a poignant journal and the story is told through his
reflection.

In the film, Ryan Gosling gives a solid performance as the younger Noah; Rachel Mcadems portrays the young, vibrant Allie. What I loved about watching these actors is that they expressed the deep love shared between this couple in a genuine way.

Their relationship is not portrayed as childlike infatuation. It is apparent that the bond Noah and Allie share is deeply rooted in true romantic love. In the novel, Spark’s emotional language that describes their relationship pulls the reader into the story. I was afraid this element would be lost in the film adaptation, but I was happily surprised.

James Garner gives a touching performance as the older Noah. Veteran actress Gena Rowlands plays Allie. As Noah reads adoring stories about his beloved Allie, who herself suffers from an illness, we see they shared a lifetime of happiness.

They struggled to prove their love to skeptics and it foreshadows that the kind of love they shared transcends time and sickness. Garner is an achieved actor who portrays Noah with a sensitivity that makes his performance seem effortless.

The film contains frequent flashbacks and quick scene changes that keep the movie flowing nicely. The pastoral scenes are set in North Carolina and set the relaxing mood that the movie carries.

The film is slow moving, but not boring. It makes for an enjoyable time.

Nicholas Sparks has become one of our most popular writers and that is because his novels resonate in a universal way.

In The Notebook, he takes a love story and tells it in a way that makes the reader appreciate the sincerity. His writing style is brilliant. The language is engaging and emotional without being bombast.

James Garner carries the calm mood of the film and through his commitment to Allie. But the film is more than a love story.

It will make you believe that in the presence of true love, miracles can just happen.