Elle. Poster of the 2016 movie and cover of the 2012 book
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Elle
Philippe Djian, 2012
movie vs book
Paul Verhoeven, 2016

Michèle Leblanc is raped in her home by an assailant in a ski mask, then cleans up the mess and resumes her life. She has a contentious relationship with her mother, Irène, whom she resents for her narcissism and involvements with younger men. Haunted by her father’s actions, Michèle is wary of law enforcement and does not report her rape to police.


Benedetta. Poster of the 2021 movie and cover of the 1985 book, Immodest Acts
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Immodest Acts
Judith C. Brown, 1985
movie vs book
Paul Verhoeven, 2021

In the late 17th century, with plague ravaging the land, Benedetta Carlini joins the convent in Pescia, Tuscany, as a novice. Capable from an early age of performing miracles, Benedetta’s impact on life in the community is immediate and momentous. She is assisted by a companion, and the relationship between the two women develops into a romantic love affair.


Waiting for Bojangles. Poster of the 2021 movie and cover of the 2016 book
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Waiting for Bojangles
Olivier Bourdeaut, 2016
movie vs book
Régis Roinsard, 2021

In front of their little boy, Camille and Georges dance on their favorite song “Mr Bojangles”. With them, there is only place for fun and fantasy. The one who shows the way is the mother, an unpredictable wisp. She leads them into a whirlwind of poetry so that the party continues again and again, no matter what happens. Mad love has never lived up to its name so well.