‘The Fault in Our Stars’ goes to the big screen

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By Clara Ilkka

In The Fault in Our Stars the two protagonists use “okay” as their word, and the internet fans used the quote “‘Okay?’ ‘Okay.'” in a play on the novel’s cover shown above.

Cora Sutherland

andIt has recently been announced that John Greene’s popular novel The Fault in Our Stars is being made into a movie.  The novel is relatable, interesting and emotional, and readers have high expectations for the film to be the same way.

Greene’s books are becoming increasingly popular across the nation as well as at Stillwater Area High School.  The cast for the film has been announced and includes Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort and Nat Wolff.  The expected release date lies somewhere in summer 2014.

The Fault in Our Stars is a love story between two teens.  It differs from other books of its genre starting with the main characters, who both suffer from variations of cancer.  The love story between the two characters creates a potential issue that producers must be conscious of in order to avoid.

“An issue the producers might face would be showing real love rather than a love that seems trivial or cheesy,” explained senior Molly Jacobson.

As with all movies that come from books, there must be some changes made to the story as it becomes a film.  However, some scenes are more crucial than others and should not be left out.

“I definitely want to see the pair traveling to Austria,” said Jacobson.  “I’m sure other readers would agree with me saying that I’d be mad if their trip to Austria was left out of the movie,” she added.

The casting for the film has brought some turmoil among readers.  Although it is impossible to satisfy all readers with the choice of who will play the main characters of the novel, the casting for The Fault in Our Stars has disappointed some readers.  Sophomore Brooke Knoll has accepted the actress chosen for the character Hazel, but she believes the actor for the character Augustus is unfit for the part.

“I hope his acting is good because he looks nothing like how Augustus is described,” explained Knoll.

Despite many readers lacking experience with battling severe diseases, Greene’s writing allows people to feel what the main characters undergo.

“Even though I’ve never had an experience of myself or a loved one going through a life-threatening disease like cancer, I felt the pain of the characters,” said Knoll.

Readers automatically connect with the novel because of its emotion-heavy plot.  However, there is a deeper connection felt by readers from Stillwater.

“I connected with the novel because Augustus had osteosarcoma, just like Zach Sobiech.  That had a huge effect on me,” explained junior Maddie Eldred.  She added, “I hope the movie will create the same emotional connection.”

The majority of readers would agree that it would not be a waste of time to read the novel or see the movie when it is released.  Readers and fans have high hopes that the film will be just as emotionally engaging as the book.