You were talking about the problems/ virtues/ vices of turning a book
into a movie.  With some exceptions, I think the story which translates
best to a movie is a long short story (novella).  The Novella has time
enough for the development of a few characters and a main theme/ plot
line.  As you pointed out to the other poster, a full sized novel is too
complex, has too many characters and their interrelationships to
translate very well to the screen.  Unfortunately, many will try.  the
result is that most of what the novel was good at, the movie isn't.  It
becomes entirely too busy. One very nice surprise was 'The Hunt For Red
October'.  I loved it!  Others are a disapointment.  
   To me, to present a good movie, the director and/ or screen writer
have to have decided what was important, and have a goal in mind for
what they want to do with the story.  Simple.  But too few can actually
*do* it.
--- Platinum Xpress/Win/Wildcat5! v2.0Z1
---------------