A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS: A Tale of Two Adaptations

Both adaptations of A Series of Unfortunate events turned out very differently, a phrase which here means that one was much better than the other. But why is that? Let's take a look!
/ sarahz

[@kellerica8005]

.. okay I haven't even gotten past the one-minute mark of the video, but "I have scotch-taped my phone to the wall on flashlight-mode and that's where I'm at as a person right now" speaks to me on a very personal level

[@theladynim2]

While I think that A Series of Unfortunate Events definitely works better as a TV series and the Netflix show is definitely and improvement, I really loved the film as a kid and I still have a soft spot for it.

[@TheArtkaw]

@H L i didn't finish the Netflix series, but I could never buy into Doogie Howser being a bad guy.

[@izzyr9590]

@H L Yeah... the film was somewhat more consistent on the tone. Dark and eerie. and personally I think putting that tone in a film works better, becuase TV series would be too long. The TV series version of Count Olaf went from bad and evil to being just plain stupid and obnoxious... Kind of like a less funny Tom and Jerry episode. The ending was cool tho, I love the message of no really noble.

[@Padmepotter4986]

@H L I couldn't stand Jim Carrey as County Olaf. I only ever saw Jim Carrey. I enjoyed the edge Neil Patrick Harris brought to the role but you're correct that it delved into over the top melodrama far too often. The best adaption of Olaf, for me, will be Tim Curry in the audiobooks. I read the books as a kid but recently got all of the audiobooks when I learned Curry read the part. He is truly sinister and melodramatic as only Tim Curry can be.

[@wariolandgoldpiramid]

I completly agree with tue original post. But I haven't read the books. I've tried reading them recently, but, after already watching the series, I just cant get into the books.

[@shadow_shine3578]

I liked it, but I didn't like how it just had a happy ending. Like just, everything perfect. That kinda just felt weird.

[@hachikoshana1]

*gasp* How dare you tell me lemony snicket's real name

[@MiniMeags]

AHHHHHHH NOOOOOOO

[@michaelmullan792]

Lemony Snicket is not real!?

[@sadicalradness6927]

I KNOW

[@alyxmcarthur7911]

Haha I forgot it already GET WRECKED

[@Tamramsy]

Michael Mullan it’s a pen name

[@justcallmeteacup4711]

"A phrase which here means it was very popular." YES. I wish I could subscribe twice.

[@rookm1270]

Just Call Me Teacup *Y E S* ExAcTlY

[@somedumbass3307]

tag yourself I'm the phone taped to the wall

[@trinaq]

I'm the shelf of china plates on the wall!

[@augustwilson9633]

I'm the water bottle on the night stand because I'm empty inside

[@the5002ndpanda]

I'm the lamp on the nightstand

[@hayleerodriguez2711]

I’m the blanket on the mirror

[@justcallmeteacup4711]

I'm the slumped pillow against the wall

[@lillianbradshaw3277]

when me and my sister watched the movie for the first time it was on dvd, the next sentence is no joke, we put the disc in and pressed play, we literally took the disc out two minutes later because we wanted to check if we put the right disc in, and we were both confused over the happy elf at the start and thought that the disc was burned with another movie, not realizing that the happy elf thing was a joke until we watched the movie until it went past that part.

[@kozhedub]

Lmao my copy of Fight Club pops up the menu for Never Been Kissed for a little while which prompted my friend to say "uhhhh I think you put in the wrong movie.."

[@theblackswordsman9951]

BRUH i think i did this the first time too. Would have been years ago now.

[@tristonanan]

I love the costume design in the Netflix show. The fact that each story has a different setting really changes how you are made to feel about the events at hand, and this is really relevant in The Ersatz Elevator. The way that Esmé is dressed makes her look like a wealthy woman in the 30's and 40's, which really emphasizes her love for all things glamorous while others are not as privileged as her. It's something that we knew in the books but is even more obvious on the screen. The show has some problems, but it is one of the better book-to-screen adaptions I have seen in a long time.

[@abbeyburch4921]

"the sorting hat is trans" tweet in 4:44 is so relevant today oml

[@JazzyWaffles]

Oof yeah it's ironically the last thing Rowling would say given she's a TERF lol

[@arisokolova5547]

Your video essays are so well done oh my god

[@chazzwozzio]

She is like a younger Canadian Lindsay Ellis

[@rosebudsavesacat]

Ik the film has issues but I gotta say I actually love the costume and production design. I love violets dresses, and the gothic illustrated look of aunt Jo’s house.

[@bees10]

i always watch your videos when i get anxiety cause ur voice is so calming lol. you could actually sneak into my room at night, softly talk shit about me and then rob me of all my worldly possessions and id literally be none the wiser

[@SarahZ]

thank you! also, on a completely unrelated topic, what's your address and precise location of all your valuables asking for a friend

[@bees10]

Sarah Z i live in a constant state of anxiety😎 it took me three weeks to come up with that *jeb bush voice* please laugh

[@lamalova6681]

It’s probably just nostalgia, but I actually preferred the overall atmosphere of the film adaption. Contrary to what was said in the video, I think the film’s gothic costume and set designs, as well as the music and narration, really solidified that wonderfully eerie vibe. I grew up with the book series, and while the show may be more faithful to the actual story, I still think the movie captured the essence of the books’ dark tone slightly better. I don’t think the movie’s objectively better, in fact I admit that the series is much more polished as a whole, but I just feel like the film achieved a great balance of comedy and chilling atmosphere. And I know it’s subjective but I also really preferred the film’s cast and their performances. They just felt much more natural IMO.

[@VioletEmerald]

I agree with this. However, Count Olaf's performance felt all wrong to me in the film.

[@ColorsOfOrion]

@@VioletEmerald Really? For me it's the exact opposite In the film, when count Olaf appeared in disguise, it was obvious, but there was some work behind, that could truly fool some people. Both you and the kids knew it was him, but the interpretations of all him, the kids, and the other adults was in such synchrony, I constantly had a feeling of anxiety of "look! look! It's him! Can't you see it! Listen to the kids! Why can't you see it!?" In the show, it was more like "yeeeeeeah... you're all just doing it on purpose...". It felt more like a joke, like... it was absolutely impossible that they didn't notice, and they were just ignoring it on purpose

[@VioletEmerald]

@@ColorsOfOrion hmm i definitely don't feel like any adult is purposefully ignoring that it's Count Olaf in the show. I feel that they are just unable to see what's in front of them. They're good hearted souls missing the obvious. The kids are smarter than everyone.

[@nazlyra]

10000% Agree

[@GeffenAvraham]

@@ColorsOfOrion Honestly though I think Sacha Baron Cohen demonstrates how Count Olaf-style disguises and ridiculous personas can and do work in real life - and they fool not just common idiots, but powerful men like Bernie Sanders, Dick Cheney, and Donald Trump. I wonder if Cohen would have been a good actor for Olaf...

[@LostCommenter7]

One issue I had with the TV show (and I know this solely due to it needing a more immediate plot) was the fact the search for VFD and such kinda replaced the idea the Baudelaire's trying to find a new home to call their own. Like up until really the 5th, but really the 7th book they seem to legitimately want a new home and this it makes the impact of losing the newest one far more painful. Love your videos by the way Sarah!

[@jumpingjoy20]

I think medium plays into this too. A book series more generally lends itself to adaptation by TV series than a movie. Chapters correlate to episodes and the audience doesn't need a major arc done with each installment.

[@carriem2434]

PLEASE do a video on JK Rowling’s tweets!

[@sorcerersapprentice]

Yes, please! Because it's an interesting video topic.

[@gangurobitch]

Anthony Goldstein was in the books yho

[@catlover-fp5ig]

Just to clarify the whole JK Rowling tweets issue, a lot of them are fake. College humour published a bunch of fake tweets discussing things from Cho Chang's 'monster shits' to Lupin's enormous testicles to Hufflepuff's group masturbation . . . Yeah Although the Anthony Goldstein one appears to be real (with the names changed however), all of the others are entirely made up for comedic purposes. www.collegehumor.com/post/7020700/jk-rowling-knows-way-too-much-about-her-characters

[@frickyou1045]

Yeah, she should talk about her TERFy tweets as well

[@user-xb5bz4fu9o]

Yes

[@Ellieescent]

I don't know if I love the expansion on the VFD storyline. It's cool that they're expanding the world rather than recreating it, but it almost takes away from the mysteries of the books. That said, every iteration of Series has brought something different and interesting.

[@cadyfitzgerald3273]

"A phrase which here means it was very popular" Not even a minute in and I'm already loving this. The effort and detail that goes into these videos is so amazing.

[@BringMeSummer]

Right on! My only issue w/the Netflix adaption is the way they handle Mr. Poe’s character. He’s supposed to be oblivious but, in the books he isn’t in as many of the stories so it makes sense. In the show he always ends up being there while the children are being harmed and totally dismisses them. It gets kinda cruel.....and, that may be the characterization their going for but, I never really got that. I hope they take that somewhere interesting or else it just feels unnecessary.

[@thadboy3267]

I think it contributes to the themes and tone of the series. The entire series is very uncanny, and the fact that most of the adults in the series don't really act like normal humans is part of that, it also emphasizes how alone the very intelligent and well-educated orphans feel in a world of impossibly dumb, poorly-read adults.

[@clairekim2525]

An update from a year in the future: they did take it somewhere interesting! Yay! I feel like having Poe (among others) be a recurring character finally paid off with Olaf's "nobody is purely wicked or noble" speech in the last season. And generally, I do feel that the characters were more cartoony than in the book, but I think it works in the show's favor becasue it helps us suspend belief. It's easier to suspend belief when reading a novel, because that world is entirely made-up, but in a visual medium like TV, they have to use elements like painted backdrops and uncanny characterizations to achieve the same effect as the books, thereby allowing us to believe that a baby will be hired as a secretary or something.

[@BaneHydra]

I thought it was good. It was frustrating to watch sometimes, but on purpose. It's a big theme that no adult every really listens to the Baudelaires and it adds to the general uncomfortable tone of the show. Basically, if Mr Poe, or anyone else for that matter, ever took the Baudelaire children seriously, Count Olaf would've been behind bars in within the first 2 episodes.

[@DrRidiculous100]

you articulate my love for the show PERFECTLY. not to mention how well you compare the two from a production standpoint / handler’s proximity to the production itself. superb. btw, have you ever checked out Lindsay Ellis’ work? she’s also a video essayist-media literacy kinda gal and you two are probably my favourites on this whole website ♡ keep up the good work!!!

[@SarahZ]

yess, i love lindsay ellis’ stuff! it is very flattering to be compared to her. thank you so much btw!

[@timetot]

While I'm critical of plenty of JKR's post-books additions, Anthony Goldstein was a member of Dumbledore's Army explicitly introduced in the books themselves, so not the best example. And as a Jewish kid reading the books, I had already assumed he was Jewish based on his name.

[@beaubatten2475]

Also, am I crazy or are "clear his conscious" and "expiate his own guilt" the same thing? I don't think this was an actual example of her contradicting herself

[@Erikari]

@@beaubatten2475 Came here to say this. Honestly, she can make interesting arguments, and then she doesn't bother to check facts or... understand English apparently. It makes me doubt the rest of the content she puts out.

[@beaubatten2475]

@@Erikari Yeah, I had the exact same thought. I watched her video on doomers just before this one and was pretty into it, but when I saw this it instantly cast doubt over it and made me wonder if I'd missed mistakes she made in that too

[@beaubatten2475]

@@Erikari It also seems kind of ironic that she's criticising JKR while making almost the same mistake herself, and also failing to make the point she was making too

[@kerriyund6760]

@@beaubatten2475 did you see the first screenshot she showed? It's JKR saying Snape died to save the wizarding world. That's what is contradictory to her other statement that it was for his own guilt

[@drmaniac5763]

I love that you recognise the reasons why the creators changed different things depending on their medium. While you brought up the technical reasons in your other video on this topic, the fact that you researched things like the film's heavier focus on action setpieces is above and beyond the whining that a lot of people have over changes to source material, so thankyou for that

[@love_tammy]

another example of an author having too much control of the book adaption: Folding Ideas pointed out in his super long and super amazing videos about 50 Shades of Grey that E.L. James had a lot of say concerning her adaptions and while the screen writer and director (of the first movie) were really trying to make the movie better than the source material James had so much creative control that she did not allow a lot of these changes and her involvement later lead to the firing of both the screen writer and the director of 50 Shades. Yay.

[@vegangurly]

tami lovessomuch ironic that she wanted so much control considering her books are over glorified Twilight fan-fiction

[@crystalwolcott4744]

So the person who wrote a book about a control freak is herself, a control freak?

[@TissueCat]

The movie's audio commentary with Handler is the best part of the movie. Also, if we're talking about casting, I think NPH was a better choice than Jim Carrey, but neither of them are perfect. I'd love to see Tim Curry as Count Olaf. I know for a fact he can be both creepy and funny.

[@willchalloner6643]

About Violet losing a few moments making her a bit of a damsel , I think that is negated by the added train scene , and the changed aunt Josephine’s house being destroyed scene In those scenes Violet practically singlehandedly saved everyone

[@clarissacota2047]

Here's my two cents in a nutshell: The movie got the atmosphere right and the accuracy wrong, whereas the show is literally the other way around. I absolutely loved the Burton-esque feel of the film, since the set designer worked a lot with him actually, as well as the brilliant musical score by Thomas Newman and the gorgeous cinematography. The show lacks artistic merit, but it is very accurate to the series. I personally love both adaptations equally, for different reasons. They both have their really high highs, and their really low lows. At the end of the day, the books are always better. It is my literal childhood, and even now as an adult, I still read them. They mean a lot to me, and they always will. :)

[@katekursive1370]

NPH is having so much fun in his role, it's nice to see.

[@thicxcsticcy8570]

My day is instantly perfect now that Sarah has uploaded 😂

[@johnthedork723]

I watched the movie when I was pretty young (like 6 or 7) and for a long time I just remembered it was that one weird movie with strange, unsettling aesthetic. For a long time I’d forgotten what it was even called. All I remembered was the eyeball imagery and two children locked in a car as a train approaches.

[@tati3861]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO SIERRA IS A LOSER I NEED YOU TO BURN IT TO GROUND (if u want to of course it's totally up to you but I'd really like it :)

[@gingerkatherina]

Nothing can ever dimm my love for Count Olaf played by Jim Carey. I would naturally give any other actor a hard time following his footsteps 😅 (I watched the outtakes and deleted scenes on a daily bases, which made me love his portrayal even more) Also I've always been impressed by the aestetic they came up with for the movie. So original. It sucked me into a whole different world. I haven't watched the Netflix show until now because I wasn't interested in the trailer. I think my childhood self isn't ready for different faces portraying my favorite characters yet.

[@emilychertos5055]

I read the whole series and “The Slippery Slope” made me cry!! Also I really wish I knew what became of the Baudelaire kids after “The End”

[@mirak7470]

The series does help remind you of the events of the book, but I remember loving the movie, even though it was flawed. Sunny in the movie was more realistically portrayed imo, and Neil's performance put me off in the first season, but he grew on me later on. I like Klaus in the show best, and I thought Violet in both the show and the movie wasn't that well portrayed. I love the books and I can't wait to read them again.

[@Liggliluff]

(6:50) His vision becomes poor and he needs glasses. He goes there to have his eyes checked and judged that he needs glasses. There you go.

[@HannahLLeonard]

Also it’s a lumber mill. It wouldn’t be hard to come up with a scenario where Klaus gets a splinter or something in his eye from an “accident” and has to go the optometrist.

[@napoleonbonapartethefirst9911]

While this does work, it seems to accidental and lucky for Olaf, whereas having Olaf’s henchmen directly breaking the glasses make it seem more planned and evil

[@angelofpurity1992]

I've read the entire book series but I still prefer the film adaptation to the Netflix adaptation.

[@DarkHarpuia]

I was absolutely in love with the Netflix series. The various additions to it that further fleshed out the series' universe just made me appreciate this entire series SO much more.

[@Teebiscuit12345]

I really like the movie's Victorian Gothic style (especially the set and costume design) and memorable soundtrack...but that's not how the story goes.

[@ninashah1252]

one thing I didn't like about the show was how Violet liked Duncan and then Quigley and same with Klaus liking Isadora and Fiona. It wasn't in the books and I just found it completely unnecessary(and in the books Isadora gave me more vibes of her liking Violet than liking Klaus)

[@carysbebard3690]

For me I don't think I'll ever like an adaptation of A Series Of Unfortunate Events, the major reasons it's so great are tied to it being a book series so long, slow explanations of things are the narrative rather than pausing the narrative for someone to talk to the camera. I didn't realise the children were Jewish though, neat. Three reasons I personally dislike the netflix series that aren't brought up here: 1. The children's roles in the narrative are severely downplayed. Notably in Wide Window, they are literally just told by the Salmon Man to go back to the house and investigate, rather than showing the children actually figure anything out for themselves that isn't spoonfed 2. It is....viscerally upsetting with the changes made to have VFD members who are allegedly concerned for these children and know exactly what's going on with Count Olaf to watch them goof around in spy gear and not make any real moves against Count Olaf and get these children safe. The children are in tv canon, surrounded by adults who are mildly competent and not afraid to rock the boat (a phrase used here to mean: directly stand up to Count Olaf and take these unfortunate children to a safe house which they could clearly do given the scope of their operation) whereas in the book there is no secret spy safety net, it's just the children on their own trying to save themselves from impossible situations. It may be because I work in care, but seeing these adults stand back is repulsive. 3. They didn't include the line "the only thing under my nose is my mouth, and it's telling you to leave", aka the best line in the series lol

[@sugarveins]

I agree with number 2, I LOVED the show, I still do, & i even prefer it over the film which I felt was all over the place, but I felt the reveal of the members too early in the series ruined the immersion of the mystery surrounding VFD in the first place. I get why they had to do it though, especially in the second season, due to all the "room" they had to work with now, but I found that was really my only issue with the show so far.

[@chuckbatman5]

While I agree that showing so much more of the VFD operatives cheapens the effectiveness of the mystery and makes the adults look even more shitty, I also think the show makes an interesting point with that. By de-mistifying VFD and showing you these characters try and fail to solve their problems, it paints a great parallel between Count Olaf and the others who turned against VFD, and those who are still part of the organization, revealing them as two sides of the same coin, two ineffective groups of adults caught in a petty war which the Baudelaires become the victims of. This makes the final season arc of the show more satisfying, as you get a more visceral sense of how VFD is crumbling from the inside, and it fuels Olaf's psuedo-redemption as a character by showing how he was molded by the organization, for better and for worse, and showing how he breaks free from that mold.

[@oisinoneill7990]

I'm not a big fan of Jim Carey but I think his Olaf is unparalleled. Neil Patrick Harris had a lot of work to do to match it for me and almost hit that mark but Carey still blows it away

[@daniellescoble9911]

What I love about the netflix adaptation is that it was just as appealing for me even though I'd never read any of the books

[@lilkitkat2420]

I never read the books when I was little, (though I did play the board game) but the Netflix series convinced me to look into the book series and I've almost read the whole thing!

[@elelonger4409]

I loved your nod to the narrative style at the begining

[@HectorGonzalez-qx9nk]

I issue I’ve had with the series as a whole is that Daniel Handler doesn’t have a firm grasp on where he wants to the story to go, leading to retcons and strange shifts, mainly 1/3 into the story. The first 3 books feel different to the rest while the 4th feels like filler, trying to be like the first 3 books, and trying to hint at the ideas Handler would later use. But even then, things are left unexplained which was the point of the ending with the Great Unknown, how interconnected things are and that we can never truly understand something, but it also feels like Handler was too lazy to think of something or couldn’t figure it out yet. He makes it seem like you need to read the books, watch the movie, and the Netflix series to get it all when most people always view books as the end all be all. Plus, i think he kinda wasn’t sure if he wanted to flesh out his in character Snicket with the Unauthorized Biography and the Beatrice Letters.

[@KookiesNolly]

Do you remember when A series of unfortunate events was just a book and not your life ? 😞

[@sofiagil7804]

wait until you hear about 2020!

[@RockinRobyn]

Off topic but do you have the link to the picrew you used to make the picture? Or is it just a pfp you found?

[@wolfkitty42]

Okay but can we agree that the books were all the true masterpiece?

[@dommiesgrl]

My biggest disappointment with the Netflix series is how forgettable the music was compared to the movie. The movie soundtrack was an absolute MASTERPIECE and it's an absolute crime how milquetoast the series soundtrack was.

[@Amsayy]

It’s pretty hard to top Thomas Newman. He’s such a distinctive composer.

[@rainecolubio]

The movie was like a book trailer for me. I really loved Jim Carrey's Olaf. I always found him a bit odd and creepy... So his portrayal made so much sense to me. Of course, the count olaf in my head when I read/listen to the books is definitely more sinister but still funny. Idk. I never felt truly scared of Neil's Olaf. Maybe it's just me. Of course, my favorite Olaf will always be Tim Curry in the audio book. Haha I'll rewatch the movie again and again... But i don't feel that way about the netflix series. I didn't like how they explained so many things that were left as mysteries in the book... Like what was inside the sugarbowl. I didn't wanna know what's in there. The mysteries were such big parts of the book for me. I'd rather read Snicket Sleuth's theories on Tumblr than the Netflix series. I don't think the Netflix series is trash.. no i enjoyed the 2ish times i watched it... But it's just not my cup of tea.

[@Giddleford]

Even though the show wasn't made to bring in new viewers it 100% brought me in. I'm now in the VFDiscord and I'm a proud member, even if I don't participate much. And really enticing a new viewer to watch a story like this is quite hard. It's such a tragic story but yet it's still a comedy and for kids, and that baffles people and doesn't give them any desire to watch or read any related content. I binge-read the whole collection in a span of a few months giving me time to watch the last season with a knowing eye, both metaphorically and as a drawing in my ankle. So I find it funny how I had actually watched the movie before but didn't have any interest but when the Netflix show came along I became a full-fledged fan. This is not to say that the movie is necessarily bad, it does give us some gems but that that didn't seek out to make new viewers is what made them.

[@liv97497]

You are spot on! I loved the movie growing up, and picked up the books after I watched it. I was always sad that they never got a sequel and I was SO excited when the show was announced. I feel like the fact that Daniel handler was so involved definitely made it what it was - and I loved how it felt like the same thing. I also agree with you on Count Olaf's character. The series does feel like he's an actual villain, and not just a silly, comical obstacle. I do think that the fact that NPH obviously loved and respected the series played a big part in that. The sheer number of musical performances in the series does annoy me, but I really loved how they expanded the story, first with the Quagmire parents (it was SO fun to watch my sister be genuinely sad and disappointed by the twist) and then with solving the mystery of the sugar bowl and the flashbacks. There's so many good things about the show I really do feel like it outweighs the bad. I have to give the movie credit, though, because it's what got me interested in the series in the first place. I still love it as a film, just not so much as an adaptation.

[@lokithegamer7462]

‘Count Olaf is an actor’ Don’t you mean an Actoooorrreeeee!

[@terminal2313]

exactly.. which is probably why Jims Olaf was rehearsing plays rather than Musicals in the movie but she didn't feel like mentioning that.. in fact most of what she said about what actually happened in the movie was false, it's only the stuff she mentioned about it's troubling kick start that was correct... Tone wise the movie was perfect, Violet clearly was the vocal point of the orphans and used her genius quite a lot and also the Count was scary as fuck in this movie. You were always wondering what he was doing sure Jim made it his own with the comedy but when it came down to scary he did that perfectly too... he wasn't so blatant with it.. he didn't have to announce what he wanted to do to the kids, he just had to hold a knife and ask for your hall pass...

[@gnalkhere]

I rewatched the film version thrice in three different points in my life after watching it ad nauseam upon its initial DvD release; the first time was when I was 13 (the Dvd came out when I was 10), the 2nd was when the Netflix adaptation first came out, and the 3rd time was this past November. I was initially confused and unhappy with the film while still admitting that it's a compelling reworking of the first 3 books, but when I rewatched it by chance on TV when I was 13 I found it hilarious, despite its missteps. When the series was released I thought I'd give it a rewatch with my girlfriend and we both realised how much potential was wasted aesthetically in the netflix series (flat colours, a lacking of the stark practical imagery that was in the film) but we both overlooked the plot rearrangement entirely. I just watched the film again for a third time this past November, now having graduated college. It's a fun treat but it's pure proof at how on the surface the show is a treat but story-wise the purists have been done dirty for the longest time

[@Meowkid1000]

I could never get through the books past book 6 (I think) for some reason but I remember reading the reptile room and I stayed up reading it. It was my first all nighter and I cried

[@finpin2622]

I feel kind of robbed bc my dad and sister read the book series together when I was a bit too young for it and then didn't really like the end, so I never read the series because they told me it wasn't very good. I should read it someday but since I'm 19 now it'll probably not be as fun as reading it as a kid would've been....

[@kasinanaa4387]

Also hi! I'm finally on time with your uploads! I loooove your videos you speak very intellectuality and your reasonings for your claims have proper evidence. Your videos are essentially like a video argumentative essay lol. Can't wait for the next video!

[@beefy74]

OH MY GOD I really love the series! When I was younger I thought I was so cool when my mom read the books to me and I knew what some of the bigger words meant. It's one of the series that got me into reading and all that jazz. The Netflix version is super good in my opinion, but I'm probably biased because I got super attached to all the characters from episode 1...

[@amorrow271]

I think that Jim Carrey comes across darker than NPH. I think NPH had too many funny moments which kind of diminish his darker scenes and I don't think he commits fully.

[@NeptunII]

what I found interesting is that the netflix series also had an eye on fans who watched the movie but never bothered with the books. There's a scene with Uncle Monty right after they left the cinema and he said something along the lines of "oh, you must have so many questions after that movie. When I was a kid and watched that movie I had questions as well. But be happy, we're actually going to provide you with answers for a change", and I felt so spoken to.

[@NaReAs1250]

I really love the Netflix series, but the movie is one of my favorites as well, but I do like the show the most since I read all the 13 books and the majority of the mysteries are being solved; plus, the Netflix adaptation is beautifully made and its locations and settings are amazing.

[@BohemianScandalous]

I remember being excited for this movie even saving posters from magazines .......and then being horribly disappointed when I saw it. I arguably loved this book series more than Harry Potter (which says a lot because I LOVED HP), because even as a kid I loved dark humour. Violet felt so lifeless and even though I really liked Klaus in the books, I also loved his sisters too and wanted to see them shine as well. Doesn’t help that Emily Browning is known for being pretty and Literally Nothing Else. Poor girl gets nothing but roles of being damsels and it all started here imo. (Here’s looking at you Sleeping Beauty) Also the downplaying of the VFD mystery was a huge point against the movie because the reason why I loved the books so much was that it was these horror adventure stories that were narrated as a dark comedy, but in the end revolves around the central mystery as to what was the VFD and why did their parents die because of it. So lo and behold here comes the Netflix series, with their focus on the VFD mystery and the extra information about characters (and especially what they did with Aunt Josephine!) it truly is the adaptation I was waiting for for over a decade.

[@irisbutterfield5340]

Main question is why the two Violets look so similar

[@maggie-zr5ni]

I can’t explain it but the Netflix series just meets the vibe of the books

[@lauryngibson1871]

there is something about nph's performance of olaf IRKS ME TO DEATH. like, damn, if jim carey was olaf in that last episode of the series... i can only imagine. he has been great in dramatic works before & i already loved his old olaf.

[@mathildedlihtam382]

The film only "reduces" Violet to a damsel in distress if you don't count the times her inventions saved them all on like when they were stuck on the train tracks or when Aunt Josephine's house was collapsing.

[@hapichapi]

tbh i enjoy the movies tone more than the show

[@HemborgerChariot]

I haven't watched the video yet but I have positive feelings on both adaptations. In particular, I think I prefer the performance of Movie Uncle Monty and Klaus more than the Netflix show. I particularly love the photographic memory represented with the bookshelf that Klaus mentally browses when he thinks.

[@gracecaddick3279]

If I recall correctly, in the film they gave Klaus a monocle that he only needed to use when he was reading which implies that he is farsighted which would mean he wouldn’t wear glasses when he was doing anything other than reading. Obviously this doesn’t really fix the issue better than if they had just had him where glasses throughout the film but it does sort of explain why he doesn’t need to wear them all the time in the film.

[@qwertypieee]

what i love about your videos is that no matter what situation and tech you're working with you always make a fantastic and engaging video essay

[@Marauders4EVR]

"A series of unfortunate events is a very fascinating document..." *Instantly clicks 'like'*

[@ar1_r0sey]

I started this video 4 days ago, I paused it half way through and binge watched the series so I could watch this video knowing what both were like. That series was amazing.

[@star2705]

THE SHOW HAS MUSICAL ELEMENTS?! you've just convinced me to watch it

[@therealmrmago9077]

there both perfect examples of how to adapt something into other media

[@lemonace6695]

I liked all versions, but and I know it's nit pickimg I never understanted why the movie changed Lemony line on the introduction from "they have pleasant facial feutures" to "they were atractive" first cause they kids and that's just kindda wrong but mostly cause Lemony's weird way of describing things and ppls is just so iconic to me and I always felt like the "pleasant facial fetures" was the first example of it. Edit: english is not my first language (though I rewatched the movie in english recently and read the book/watched the Netflix series in English - the book was actually one of the things that helped me learn english ) so sorry for some rly bad spealling mistakes

[@dakotasveryoldaccount8787]

The only instance I know where the Netflix adaptation is better than the movie.

[@Max-zs7di]

George Washington A rare thing 😂

[@eloweez8798]

Me and my siblings were all offered the books at 7 yo by the same relative, and I am the only one who hasn't read them. I got the 2 first books and just didn't want to continue, it was to dark to interest me, too sad. But when my sister showed my the netflix version's theme, I knew I had to watch it. With this adaptation, I discovered the story from a new angle, it was dark-hilarious, intriguing, it had that dynamic in the dialogues, the atmosphere... It had showed me the master-piece and its tone I couldn't read from the books. It cracked me up, and I always wanted to watch the next episode. Honestly I think it is a series for the old fans and for the new ones who couldn't appreciate the books, and actually made the books deaths and tragedies not-so-horrible anymore because it has that such sarcastic tone and this way of telling the story. The character of Lemony Snicket is awesome, Sunny too (she is the most savage toddler I've ever seen). It's an absolute masterpiece, please if you haven't go watch it right now !

[@mollycorkeyflatters8639]

Completely unrelated: But I’m from Calgary and it was so cool to see your pillow in the background!

[@gabbs1001]

I can listen to you for HOURS :D I love your videos!

[@theneonchimpchannel9095]

Having seen both, but not read the books, I much preferred the movie. It was just more enjoyable. I also felt that the acting was much better in the film, but then they had Hollywood A-Listers, Oscar winners and theatre legends. I guess, as you said, the movie was aimed at a new audience while the show was aimed at fans of the books. The show got a bit repetitive after a while too. Also, I really don't like Neil Patrick Harris. His performance is a bit more pantomime (not that Jim Carrey's wasn't) but my main issue with him is external to the show as he has made some rather transphobic remarks. In this show, it just felt like he was trying too hard, but maybe I was judging him too harshly due to already not liking him.

[@aviendha1154]

I loved the series of unfortunate events movie, despite the massive shortening, and honestly I think that Jim Carey is a better villain, because I found him genuinely unlikable, despite his, and the framings, effort to make him likable. The best thing about the netflix version is Snicket. The actor is someone I've loved for ages as a voice actor *cough cough* Kronk.

[@StarWarsNerdyGuy]

I watched the film first, then read all the books, and then watched the show.

[@halfgodfairy8654]

I think i could watch your videos for daaaays, well done!

[@amm320]

I guess I’m an outlier but I liked the movie better, even as a fan of the books. The Netflix series is unbearable to me and all the musical numbers make it feel like an NPH vanity project

[@HannahLLeonard]

I feel the same way. The show feels much less mysterious because it explains too much of what every single person does at all times. It’s what I liked about the books. Because you only get to see the Baudelaire children’s perspective, you have no idea what is going on until they do. Showing what Olaf, the hench-people, the VFD and everyone else was doing just sucks a lot of the tension out.

[@deniseeliza1]

Thanks for this video! I love it when the analysis compares and contrasts different shows/movies, and when it's not all about stuff you hate. I really like the TV show and I liked the movie too. I think I'll have to go back and rewatch the movie. Thanks again Sarah!

[@sailormarciano]

i love you videos! i'm really curious about your opinion of: 'to all the boys i loved before' because i LOVED the hell out of that movie even tho it is a typical 'teen romance' movie! keep up the good work! greetings from the netherlands x.

[@SarahZ]

I thought it was a pretty cute movie! There were parts of it that I didn't like, but overall I found it really enjoyable to watch :)

[@gaz0428]

I watched the movie when it first came out. I didn't see anything wrong with it because I had not read the books. But I was not once scared of Jim carries Olaf. But watching the show I not only enjoy NPH and found him as a very horrifying. Also, strangley enough I really liked the passing and never had a problem with it.

[@drageonmusic6421]

This is a great video. But I'll never forgive you for telling me lemony snickets name lmao

[@theclawless1225]

I watched this while I was eating my lunch. Good vid + good food = good lunch. Thank you my friend. You are a savior of lunches everywhere.

[@Nortarachanges]

And that theme song(s) is just amazing ^_^

[@clotted6441]

I was hoping someone would make a video comparing the different adaptions. great video!!

[@lovve_buzz]

When she started talking about J.K. Rowling I forgot this was about asoue Edit: when I heard the the Baudelaires are Jewish I literally jumped on my bed and screamed “FINALLY!”

[@leilas5419]

you know in retrospect, the sorting hat tweet ribbing JK aged pretty poorly

[@deantethecouncilrevolution3468]

0:01 CANADIAN DETECTED

[@babyandtheblues]

you articulate yourself so well i am genuinely so impressed. you’re amazing at what you do. keep up the great work❤️❤️❤️

[@clarissacota2047]

Personally, I think this series deserved an animated adaptation. No worries about time constraints, actors, pacing, etc.

[@sophiajune546]

I've tried to watch the Netflix version three times but just can't get into it. I don't really like the acting and it feels cringey at times. However, I enjoyed the movie adaption. Should I still consider reading the books?

[@justcallmeteacup4711]

Sophia June Well the Netflix series is very true to the tone and style of the books. The humor is subtle, clever, and satirical. If you didn't like the narrator (Snicket) in the Netflix series who guides you through the story (for example, how he cuts in with definitions or seemingly unrelated antidotes that he takes quite a bit of time to explain) you may not like how you are guided in the book series because the delivery is similar. Though if it's just the acting you find cringey such as Count Olaf's more comedic persona, you'll probably enjoy the books just fine. He's a lot less goofy in the books and could be genuinely sinister (not in a gory way, just schem-y). You should definitely still read the books in any case. They are really good and maybe the style translates better through writing rather than watching. Personally, as someone who has read the books multiple times, I think that the movie isn't that great. It doesn't suck but the story is so much more than what you get from the movie.

[@user-xb5bz4fu9o]

Honestly I didn't like the first episode, but it definitely got better? You also get used to the tone and appreciate it over time

[@user-xb5bz4fu9o]

Also yes read the books they're great

[@selobee4831]

I think it's WELL worth it to check out the books, even if you didn't much care for the show. I've been reading the book series for about 13-15 years now (started when I was in 6th grade, now 26) and as much as I enjoy the idea of the show and it being so much like the actual books, I really truly cannot get into the show. The acting, the way they all talk so fast, NPH as Olaf, the way it's a bit *too* comedic, overshadowing the dark tones a lot of the time, I could only watch the first season, and even that was difficult. I've tried 3 different times to watch the second season, but I just can't, like you said, it's too cringy. Give the books a chance, maybe check them out from your local library, it's totally worth it.

[@nicolle2126]

yeah the books are 👌👌👌

[@wickedmusicalmad]

Ngl, I never read past the first book ( and I was 9) so my opinion might be void but I actually enjoyed the film. The Netflix series, on the other hand, made me feel levels of pain and cringe to a level I can’t explain. I don’t know if it was the acting or the dialogue but Jesus Christ did it hurt to watch (and I followed through with the entire thing). I really tried to like it but it just hurt my soul. Lol

[@gee2541]

Read the whole book series as a child and couldn't agree more. The cringe was real. I was really disappointed with it and surprised at all the praise for it.

[@Asphyxi_ation]

Interesting to see your point of view! I read all the books when I was younger, and despite the differences I actually liked the movie way way more than I liked the Netflix show. Maybe it just stems from pure nostalgia.

[@arvmeister9302]

I don't think Neil Patrick Harrison played the role of Olaf very well. He acted without rashingly, rushing in instead of slowly scheming. His acting was too comedic, with not enough places to be scary, probably becauss of the casting. And also, his accomplaces never really felt as much of threats as they did in the books, since they were used mostly for comedic relief in the show. Still a good show though.

[@justcallmeteacup4711]

I agree that his Olaf wasn't always as scary as he should've been. I loved that he could be hilarious because the Olaf in the books was kinda goofy too, but he was also terrifying, especially when I was younger reading the series. Moments like him plotting to cut Violet open in the hospital should've been less comedic. However, I do enjoy the henchmen. Out of all of them, only the hooked man seemed to be threatening in the book. The twin women with the painted faces are perfect in the series.

[@orion7217]

I prefer NPH over Jim Carey because I think the former plays the sinister moments better, but I do think that he's still too silly.

[@realmofdoors9605]

I feel like his best (olaf esk) acting came in The End when he actually started seeming like a threat and then died. He actually seemed frightening when he had the fungus and actually seemed like a fairly serious and complex character during his last scene before he passed. These were his best moments.

[@biglevian]

@Knut Hogervorst true, but I think it's not Carrey's fault. He can be a great actor. It feels more like the director said "stop acting and do an SNL skit"

[@snickerdoodling257]

8:34 YES THAT IS WHAT I'VE BEEN SAYING THIS WHOLE TIME!!! FINALLY SOMEONE POINTS IT OUT!!!

[@davidkonevky7372]

As much as I understand that it's not accurate to the books, I gotta praise the movie for the beautiful victorian aestethic it had. Like seriously, the outfits are so pretty

[@Teachntalk123]

Perks of Being a Wallflower the author has complete control. He is the screenwriter, the director, and the producer. This movie I will watch on repeat because you can tell that this is an amazing character driven story that also teaches audiences about mental health.