Popcorn in the Pages - Episode 9: I Remember You

Release Date: December 20, 2024

Hosts: Meredith Monday Schwartz and Kaytee Cobb

Overview

In Episode 9 of Popcorn in the Pages, Meredith Monday Schwartz and Kaytee Cobb delve into the intricate relationship between literature and its cinematic adaptations. Focusing on Ursa Sigurdadottir's novel I Remember You and its 2017 Icelandic film adaptation, the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of what works, what doesn't, and the challenges inherent in translating a novel to the screen.

Previews: Understanding the Source and Adaptation [00:48 - 03:02]

The episode kicks off with Meredith and Kaytee providing background information on both the novel and its film adaptation. I Remember You is a 391-page crime novel originally published in Iceland in 2010 and translated into English in 2012. The story intertwines two narratives:

1. Three Friends Renovate a Remote House: Tasked with renovating a dilapidated house in an isolated location, the friends soon discover they're not alone as malevolent forces compel them to leave.
2. A Doctor Investigates a Suicide: Isa Fjorda, a young doctor, probes the mysterious suicide of an elderly woman, uncovering a dark obsession linked to his missing son.

Meredith notes, "This is a terrifying tale…" [00:48], setting the stage for the deep dive into the adaptation's fidelity to the source material.

The Cutting Room: Comparing Book and Movie [08:05 - 24:17]

Pivotal Scenes and Changes [08:05 - 13:46]

Meredith and Kaytee examine key scenes from both the book and the movie, highlighting significant differences:

• Building Collapse: While both mediums depict a building collapse, the movie diverges from the novel in execution. Meredith appreciates the movie's tension-building despite deviations, saying, "It felt very closed in. It felt very creepy" [08:35].

• Discovery of the Body: The finding of Bernardus's body is a crucial plot point in both versions. Meredith comments, "…they did a good job building tension there." [08:35]

However, numerous alterations exist:

• Character Dynamics: The trio in the book differ significantly from their cinematic counterparts. For instance, the movie omits the previous house owner, altering the group's motivations and relationships.

• Setting and Plot Points: The movie replaces key locations and events, such as the vandalized church instead of the primary school, and modifies character backstories, leading to a disjointed narrative.

Impact of Changes [13:46 - 24:17]

The hosts discuss how these changes affect the story's integrity:

• Character Omissions: Important characters like Pooty the dog and Bernardus's brother are absent in the movie, stripping away layers of loyalty and familial tension present in the book.

• Plot Holes: Meredith points out inconsistencies, such as Bernardus targeting the trio without clear motivation, labeling it "a plot hole for sure" [21:25].

• Title Significance: The translation of the Icelandic title "en man pig" to "I Remember You" sparks confusion, as the hosts struggle to connect it to the story's themes of memory and loss.

Casting: Bridging Icelandic and Hollywood Talent [24:25 - 35:30]

Meredith and Kaytee critique the film's casting choices, especially when considering a Hollywood remake:

• Johannes Hauker Johannesson as Freyr: Praised for his dramatic portrayal, Kaytee states, "He was phenomenal… he is my favorite" [26:07].

• Leaf's Actress Evaluation: Both hosts express dissatisfaction with Leaf's portrayal, feeling she lacked the charisma to convincingly seduce multiple characters. Meredith remarks, "I don't like it... she just crawled into the house and gave up" [14:02].

• Alternative Casting Suggestions: The hosts propose a list of Hollywood actors who could better embody the characters, emphasizing the importance of visual and behavioral alignment with the roles.

Problematic Aspects: Diversity and Narrative Shortcomings [33:02 - 35:27]

Addressing the film's shortcomings, Meredith and Kaytee highlight:

• Lack of Diversity: "Everyone in Iceland is white and straight" [33:24], pointing out the absence of diverse characters, which limits the story's relatability and depth.

• Forced Romance and Male Gaze: The adaptation introduces additional romantic tensions that feel unnatural and detract from the core narrative, influenced by the male perspective.

• Omission of Critical Backstories: Key character motivations and histories are glossed over, leading to a superficial portrayal lacking the book’s complexity.

Best and Worst Parts of the Adaptation [35:54 - 44:44]

Worst Elements:

• Character Arcs: Both hosts lament the underdevelopment and abrupt conclusions of pivotal characters like Catrin, who "succumbed to her fate" without sufficient narrative justification [35:54].

• Lack of Atmosphere: Meredith critiques the movie for not fully capturing the book’s eerie ambiance, stating, "It wasn't that propulsive to me… it still felt kind of disjointed" [36:26].

• Reduction of Creep Factor: The omission of elements like Pooty the dog and the streamlined plot reduce the story’s horror impact.

Best Elements:

• Cinematography and Setting: Meredith praises the visual portrayal of the Icelandic landscape, describing it as "very evocative" and commendable in setting the film's dark tone [38:19].

• Sound Design: Despite minimal use of a traditional soundtrack, the strategic implementation of ominous tones enhances suspense, with Meredith noting, "They did a good job there… building the suspense to have the silence" [38:12].

Ratings and Final Thoughts [46:17 - 53:19]

Book Ratings:

• Goodreads: I Remember You holds a 3.83/5 rating based on 12,000 reviews.

• Hosts’ Scores: Kaytee awards the book a 3.5, citing its well-written segments but predictable elements [48:20]. Meredith assigns a 4, appreciating its creep factor despite feeling rushed towards the end [49:19].

Movie Ratings:

• Rotten Tomatoes: Critic approval at 89%, audience score—termed the "Popcorn Meter"—at 53%.

• IMDb: A 6.1/10 average based on 5,400 ratings.

• Hosts’ Scores: Kaytee rates the movie a 6/10, feeling certain changes hindered its effectiveness. Meredith gives it a 5/10, noting the lack of sustained creepiness and a disjointed narrative [51:14].

Final Q&A: Ghosts and Scary Airbnbs [53:30 - 60:36]

In a lighthearted conclusion, Meredith and Kaytee engage in a Q&A segment discussing supernatural beliefs and scenarios that could make an Airbnb experience terrifying:

• Belief in Ghosts: Meredith shares personal anecdotes and remains skeptical, whereas Kaytee affirms belief in ghosts, citing family experiences [54:22].

• Scary Airbnb Scenarios: Discussing hypothetical situations that would compel them to leave an Airbnb in the middle of the night, the hosts agree on physical manifestations like secret rooms, disturbing discoveries, or malevolent presences as key factors [57:19].

Conclusion

Meredith and Kaytee wrap up the episode by reflecting on the challenges of adapting I Remember You from page to screen. While the film shines in its visual representation of Iceland and strategic sound design, significant deviations from the novel's intricate plot and character development dilute its horror impact. The hosts express a desire for more faithful adaptations that preserve the source material's depth and suspense.

For enthusiasts seeking to explore the intersection of literature and film, this episode offers valuable insights into the nuances of adaptation, the importance of character fidelity, and the impact of narrative changes on the overall story experience.

Notable Quotes

• Meredith: "We're gonna have a lot of fun speaking poor Icelandic preference." [01:23]

• Kaytee: "I do believe in ghosts." [56:50]

• Meredith: "This is our discussion of I Remember You. We're all done now." [60:36]

Stay Connected

For more in-depth analyses and bookish conversations, tune into the Popcorn in the Pages podcast and join Meredith and Kaytee every Monday on the Currently Reading Podcast. Follow them on Instagram and their respective social media platforms for updates and more engaging content.

May your popcorn be hot and your books even better than their movie counterparts!