Normal People: 4 Things the TV Show Does Better Than the Book
Following the success of her first novel Conversation with Friends, Sally Rooney’s second coming-of-age novel, Normal People gained even more praise and admiration for its beautiful depiction of the love story between two high school students, Connell and Marianne as it follows them through to adulthood.
Becoming a best-seller in the US in just the first four months of release, selling 64,000 copies, Rooney’s novel has been critically acclaimed, being dubbed a future classic by The Guardian and even compared to Jane Austin by the Huffington Post.
Being transformed into a 12-episode mini-series by BBC Three and Hulu in 2020, the tv show of the same name created an even bigger whirlwind of applause and obsession for Connell and Marianne’s story. Becoming the most streamed series of the year on BBC and gaining an 8.5/10 rating on IMBD with multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, it too was critically acclaimed.
View this post on Instagram
While Rooney’s witty writing style, character depth and her ability to write the intimate moments between young people and their most inner thoughts is incredibly moving, there are certain aspects of the story that are better portrayed by film and important storylines that the TV show chooses to give a stronger presence, while staying true to the novel.
Most importantly the series allows for a better display of those intensely private moments between Connell (played by Paul Mescal) and Marianne (played by Daisy Edgar-Jones), it also gives a better representation of Marianne’s troubled family dynamic and men’s mental health through Connell’s battle with depression. Finally, the ending is also clearer and leaves viewers more satisfied than in the novel.
Intimacy Between the Main Characters and Themselves
Keeping true to the novel’s most central theme, Connell and Marianne’s relationship, the series gives viewers a deeper insight into the characters inner selves and the relationship between them.
Each episode shows the complications, growth and flaws between the two characters as they grow into adults. This is emphasised through their body language during intimate moments and their most private conversations. While Rooney does an excellent job, it’s moments like this in the film that cannot only be seen through words.
A special intimacy is also portrayed through long stretches of silence when the characters are alone, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in their thoughts. These are often shown through mundane activities; Connell walking through the library, Marianne cleaning her apartment and so on, however this perfectly allows viewers to understand them as individuals, even though words are never spoken.
This of course could not be done without the outstanding performances of Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones and their ability to bring Connell and Marianne to life. Their delicate and raw performance take the series to a new level, making audience’s fall in love with them, also putting a face to the beloved characters from the novel.
View this post on Instagram
Depiction of Marianne’s Family Dynamic
Readers get a very small glimpse into Marianne’s family life in the novel. While seeing small snippets of abuse, there is never a full explanation or focus on her family background, leaving readers unable to gauge the reason towards the events that later occur within her family. However, the series gives viewers a more satisfying explanation, showing from the very first episode her dysfunctional family life of physical and verbal abuse.
We see her mother and brother throughout the entire series and their harshness and coldness towards her, through cruel belittling remarks, neglect and aggressive acts of violence. Marianne also confides in Connell about her late father and his abuse towards her mother.
This not only makes more sense when an argument between Marianne and her brother results in him slamming a door in her face and breaking her nose, but also helps us to understand her nature and feelings towards men a lot better.
View this post on Instagram
Portrayal of Men’s Mental Health
In the final three episodes of the series a very important theme is portrayed in a striking and raw performance by Mescal. Men’s mental health in the past has never been discussed or acknowledged, deeming it ‘weak’ and ‘un-manly’ to have feelings of depression or anxiety. Now, more and more films are choosing to hone in on these feelings that men do experience.
The series has been congratulated on their careful and realistic handling of these issues and it is clear why. We see Connell struggle with depression as he deals with the loss of his high school friend to suicide and how his depression manifests itself, in the most natural and subtle way. This is shown through his disengagement to college and the people around him, seeing his girlfriend at the time Helen break up with him and his increasing panic attacks.
Helping portray that asking for help does not make you weak, Connell seeks help. It’s during his first session with a therapist that his most outstanding performance of the entire series is executed. His show of obvious hurt and deeply sad feelings is incredibly thought provoking, something that while Rooney does an exceptional job of describing, readers cannot connect with the character on the same level.
View this post on Instagram
The Ending is Clearer
Possibly the most frustrating part of the novel is the ending. Connell and Marianne are at their strongest and suddenly Connell applies and gets into a writing program in New York and Marianne tells him to go, seeing the end of their relationship. It could be Rooney’s intention to end their relationship so abruptly, however the series gives viewers a clearer, however still devastating ending.
It expands on the final pages of the novel, seeing the two’s first conversation of Connell’s possible move to New York, reflecting on his dealings with depression and what it would mean for their relationship. While the novel makes it feel like their relationship was all over in a day, the series sees a few weeks go by while the characters reflect, making viewers a little less devastated by their conclusion.
View this post on Instagram
Be the first to comment!