Music plays a crucial role in book-to-film adaptations, shaping the tone, enhancing key moments, and deepening emotional resonance. While books rely heavily on descriptive language to evoke mood and atmosphere, films often use music to convey these elements more immediately. A well-crafted score or carefully curated soundtrack can capture the essence of a novel’s setting, character emotions, and key themes, translating the internal experience of reading into a visual and auditory immersion. By complementing or even enhancing the narrative, music ensures that the transition from page to screen retains the emotional depth and atmosphere of the original work, making it an essential component of successful adaptations.

Starting as early as 1899 with George Mieles 

, books have been adapted into films. Stuffed into six minutes, the fairytale of 

(1697) plays out on screen without any dialogue or color. Everything happens quickly, so some key details and scenes are left out. The entire beginning and background of Cinderella’s story is cut out; instead, Cinderella is already begging to go to the ball with her stepsisters but gets turned away. There is only one scene at the ball instead of two, and it moves rather fast into the Prince searching for whoever fits into the glass slipper and, once finding Cinderella, instantly into their wedding. There is no resolution to what happened with her stepsisters and stepmother and a grand finale. Even from the first book to the film adaptation, significant changes were made to the plot. Background music for films during this time was often performed by an orchestra, following along with the film in front of a live audience.

(1939) is one of the most notable book-to-film adaptations. Iconic and innovative for the time, 

 stands as a classic still to this day. Since movies can’t hold every detail the original book can, some scenes and parts are sacrificed. The original book series written by Frank L. Baum contains fourteen books. With only one film, plenty of details and new characters are missed. In the first book, Dorothy speaks with three of the four witches in Oz. She starts with The Witch of the North, then the Wicked Witch of the West, and finally, Glinda, The Witch of the South. In the film, we see Dorothy only interact with Glinda and the Wicked Witch. Her iconic ruby slippers are silver in the book, but both in the story and film, they contain powerful magic. The heartfelt story of Dorothy and her friends gaining what they yearn for the most is quite similar to the story, but we don’t see what happens to Scarecrow, Lion, and the Tin Man. In the book, they are spread out throughout Oz to use their newfound courage, brains, and heart to help those in the world. Although music is not included during the writing of a book, 

 had plenty of iconic musical moments that helped push the storyline forward, including “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain.”

In more recent times, the amount of book-to-film adaptations has increased. 

(2024), out in theaters now, is based on the book by Colleen Hoover. Before the movie was released, just off of set photos, fans of the book had harsh comments about the costuming and casting choices, which didn’t seem to match up with the descriptions in the book. A large change from the book comes from the proposal scene between Blake Lively and Justin Bladoni’s characters, Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid. In the book, Ryle proposes to Lily earlier on. In the film, it happens later and changes the end result of the hospital scene. Music plays a large part in the film process, especially for book-to-film adaptations, since it can portray the feelings readers feel while reading. “My Tears Ricochet” by Taylor Swift is featured in the trailer for 

. Blake Lively and Taylor Swift are known to be close friends, and Swift's deep-meaning lyrics help portray the feeling of the movie.

(2013), directed by Richard LaGravenese also had many pivotal points changed through the duration of the film. The book series has four books, which are all shoved into one film. After missing many trials and tribulations that Ethan and Lena go through, their relationship feels rushed, and the same goes for the ending decision that readers don’t learn about until the fourth book. Ethan, played by Alden Ehrenreich, and Lena, played by Alice Englert, fight together for Lena to choose the light side instead of succumbing to her family curse and being forced to the dark side of the caster world. Viewers only saw a snippet of this in the film and a completely different end battle scene from the books. Along with a change of relationship dynamic, the sibling dynamic between Lena and Ripley (played by Emmy Rossum) is quite different as well since there isn’t much character development for Ripley as there is in the books that lead to her having two spin-off books of her own. Almost entirely different from the book series, the movie and books should be enjoyed separately for a more enjoyable experience.

The film's soundtrack is notable as it delves into the Southern Gothic vibe the book and movie give viewers. Composed by Thenewno2, Dhani Harrison, and Paul Hicks, each song helps develop the scenes in which they are heard. The final song at the end of the movie, where everything changes, elicits a feeling of hope and loss as both feelings intermingle between our two main characters.

Many viewers believe that books should be turned into TV shows/series rather than movies. Some books that have been turned into TV series include 

has taken the creative spin and uses modern songs to perform timeless classics throughout the series. 

 has a popular scene built for the fans. The scene uses “War of Hearts” by Ruelle during a dramatic wedding scene where two opposing characters finally get together. The anxious tempo of the song and slight pauses help move the scene. Finally, 

 is well known for its use of songs by Taylor Swift. While Swift re-recorded her albums, fans of both the show and her would catch snippets of unreleased Taylor’s Versions throughout the series. Although changes are inevitable in shows as well, the length and chance of multiple seasons for each book allow for the smaller details and prominent scenes to get their moments to shine.

From Book to Film - Beautiful Creatures

Dumped by her long-term boyfriend, Jenny Young (played by Gina Rodriguez), a music journalist goes on one last journey with her two friends by her side before she moves to San Francisco in a week to move up in her career. Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, 

 premiered in 2019 and tells the story of friendship and personal growth with a stellar playlist behind it to mimic the emotions and thoughts of the characters throughout the film. Below are some of the most pivotal scenes and the songs to match.

“Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” - UGK featuring Outkast

The hip-hop tune introduces us to the film as Jenny and Nate(played by LaKeith Stanfield) leave Neon Classic, the underground music show they attend. Giving some background to their love story, the song sets up an enjoyable moment between the two as we begin to learn from the introduction that the two have broken up after nine years together. 

A fitting song for the cut-up scenes showcasing Jenny and Nate’s relationship through the good and bad times. It's almost as if viewers are watching a visual scrapbook. By now, viewers know that Jenny and Nate have broken up, and Jenny is going through tough emotions. “Supercut” tells the story of being confused about the failure of a romantic relationship. The alternative hit tells exactly what Jenny feels in her most vulnerable moments as she figures out her next steps.

Only in the movie, for a brief moment, do the notable first notes of the song drift through the air as Erin and Leah are in bed together. Trying to push their relationship forward, Leah asks Erin to meet her friends. Erin (played by DeWanda Wise) doesn’t say anything back, reflecting that Erin isn’t one for a serious relationship. Later in the film, it’s revealed that Erin has past relationship problems that still haunt her. “Motion Sickness” encapsulates Erin's feelings running through her mind as she navigates what she wants in the brief moment and what she once felt in her past. The song's first line says, “I hate you for what you did,” which mirrors Erin’s feelings about her past relationship.

Jenny is now trying to push past her feelings and mask them with happiness. The uplifting break-up song plays in the background as Erin comes in to help cheer Jenny up. Together, the two sing along and have a bonding moment together before they embark on their adventure for the day. The music ends when Jenny falls into a flashback of her and Nate’s first interaction together. 

“Mansard Roof” is playing at the house party, which sets up a completely different vibe from the scene that started—a more chill feeling of hope instead of the uplifting lyrics of a post-breakup moment. 

A slow buildup of the song plays behind the scene where Jenny is polishing up her article to send off to what will be her first freelance writing job. At first, the song is quiet, showing Jenny’s nerves as she hands Nate her article to read. The song becomes louder and more fast-paced as Nate encourages Jenny and her skills. It finally crescendos with the two of them marking the fountain as “their spot” in celebration of where their lives are moving towards next.

A change of pace for the trio, Erin, Blaire (played by Brittany Snow), and Jenny, comes as they all get ready in a classic outfit change montage. The girls dance around in bliss to the upbeat song as they try on different outfits for Neon Classic. The song comes from their old college-get-ready playlist, so for them, it transports them back to their good old days.

Following the previous scene, Jenny is transported back in another quick flashback of her and Nate. The flashbacks allow the viewers to get a glimpse into their relationship and connect with their characters. “Dreaming of You” plays in the bodega as Jenny, Blaire, and Erin collect snacks to purchase. Trying to give Jenny her space, the girls try to leave and buy their things, but Jenny pulls them back, and together, the girls sing the heartfelt song.

“DOPE” and “Great One” - Jessie Reyez

After a long day, the girls finally walk into Neon Classic. The music is spunky and fast-paced as the girls filter through the crowd, dancing and finding their spot for the night. As they dance, Jenny sees Nate in the back near the bar, her first time seeing him since they broke up. She tries to go and speak to him, but Erin doesn’t let her as she feels it’s the wrong move. Conflict arises between the girls as Jenny heads to the bathroom, trying to get away from them. The song fades, and Jenny heads back out into the crowd after finally being alone. Viewers finally see what happened between Nate and Jenny as he broke up with her; back in the present, Jenny mouths to Nate from across the crowd, saying that she loves him. He responds back with “forever,” their old response to each other. The music slows and is full of feeling as Jenny gets her closure. What she’s been searching for this whole time.

One of the most heartbreaking scenes, if not the most, is when Jenny writes her poem on the subway. The light piano notes perfectly accentuate Jenny’s emotions as she looks back on the good times she had with Nate. The song has no lyrics throughout this scene, but Jenny’s words, paired with the music, are all the viewers need to hear to understand what Jenny is feeling in this moment.

The last scene of the movie is narrated by “Moon River,” as Jenny dreams of Nate taking back what he said and wanting to make the relationship work. Frank Ocean’s voice creates a dreamlike environment, but when Blaire and Erin wake Jenny, his voice fades away. They reflect on their beautiful friendship and where it will go in the future. Jenny finally chooses herself, and the girls realize it’s time for change. 

The Best Music Moments from Someone Great

Swift’s shifts in genre throughout her years in the music business can be heard throughout her discography in film. Starting off as a young country star, eventually testing out indie music and always going back to hit pop tunes, Swift is a flexible artist who can match her music to celluloid.

“Crazier” - Hannah Montana: The Movie

A country ballad that perfectly reflects Miley and Travis’ love story as it flashes in the background of the scene. Swift makes a cameo during this part of the film and performs the song during a fundraiser to save the small town’s park from developers. Although the song wasn’t explicitly written for the film, Swift sent it in as an option, and the filmmakers felt it was the perfect fit. The country tune enhances the rustic/country setting of the film and Miley’s love story with cowboy Travis as she navigates a new world where everyone knows she is Hannah Montana. 

“Safe & Sound feat. The Civil Wars” - The Hunger Games

 film contains many powerful songs that reflect the nature of the film. Although “Safe & Sound” wasn’t featured in the film, viewers hear it as the second song during the credits at the end. A slow, heart-wrenching song like “Safe & Sound”

. The sad beat, backed by higher vocals and intense lyrics, gives the viewers a look into what Katniss felt during her time in District 12. The song being placed at the end helps the viewers reflect on what they felt during the film and what may be coming next for Katniss and Peta.

“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever feat. Zayn Malik” - Fifty Shades Darker

I Don't Wanna Live Forever feat. Zayn Malik

 saga delves into a complicated relationship between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele as they work through their power dynamic. 

 is the second movie in the trilogy. The main couple tries to rekindle their relationship under new terms, as it didn’t work the first time. The “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” duet between Swift and Malik gives a musical take on the film's premise. The lyrics talk of a troubled relationship that didn’t work out in the past. Listeners and viewers can hear the two different perspectives while listening to the song, which shows the back and forth of the couple. This synth-pop tune comes just before Taylor Swift was to release her Reputation album after being on hiatus.

A look into the intimate parts of the singer’s life, Swift shares moments from her personal and public life. The documentary on the star’s life gives viewers and fans an insight into who Taylor Swift believes herself to be and what she has wanted to change about herself over the years. This gives viewers a chance to see Swift as a human being, not just a pop star that they only see through their screens. “Only the Young” is featured at the end of the documentary. It gives an insight into Swift’s views and how she feels about the younger generations growing up in this world. The documentary represents Taylor Swift's voice, and “Only the Young” describes how she views the world.

“False God, August, Back to December, Invisible String, Exile feat. Bon Iver” - The Summer I Turned Pretty

Swift was essential to Jenny Han’s writing process during her time with 

 book series. This love and influence made its way into the series on Prime. With many Swift songs featured in the series, some of the most critical scenes include them. “False God” sets the tone as Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) and Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney) almost kiss for the first time. Interrupted by his jealous brother, Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno) shoots fireworks at them to break up the tension. 

“False God” adds to the scene's tension as the euphoric jazz and sensual lyrics add in romantic queues for the budding couple. “August” and “Back to December”

were featured in the trailer for season two, setting the tone for the upcoming more conflicting season. 

“Invisible String,” during the iconic beach and fire scene in season two, describes Belly and Conrad as meant to be together throughout their lives. Constantly being pulled together by what seems to be an invisible string. 

Season 2 features plenty of songs from “Folklore,” one of Swift’s more alternative and indie albums. “Exile feat. Bon Iver” is heard near the end of season 2 as Conrad and Belly call it quits indefinitely. Another duet describes conflicting feelings between the couple. Since Swift’s music played such an essential role in the series, some cast members even went to see her perform during The Eras Tour.

With a southern twang, “Carolina” is the title track for 

. The film is about a girl raising herself in the marshlands of North Carolina. After meeting two boys from town, she opens herself up to the idea of more social experiences. When one is found dead, Kya (Daisy Edgar-Jones) becomes the main suspect. As described in the song, loneliness, secrets, and the truth are hidden in the marshlands of North Carolina.

“My Tears Ricochet” - It Ends with Us

Swift’s most recent film feature is in the 

trailer, which features Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Marketed as a romance and based on the book by Colleen Hoover, the film takes on heavy topics of tough relationship choices and domestic violence. The title itself gives a hint about the film and how the cycle of domestic violence ends with you. “My Tears Ricochet” delves into the feeling of being hurt emotionally and wondering if all the pain was worth it. The sorrowful song fits the meaning behind the movie and suits the trailer by giving potential viewers a look into what the film holds.

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