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davidlevithan

David Levithan


Last Updated: 11/17/2009

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Gender: Male
Status: Single
Age: 37
Sign: Virgo

City: HOBOKEN
State: NEW JERSEY
Country: US
Signup Date: 12/11/2005
Friday, October 03, 2008 

Happy Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist premiere day to everyone!

I just wanted to take a moment to tell everyone how completely happy I am with the Nick & Norah movie.  I mean, ecstatically happy.  When Rachel and I first saw it in July, the lights in the screening room went up, we turned to each other, and all we could say was "Wow."  And it was a very, very good "Wow."  There is never any guarantee that an author will love a movie based on his or her book -- I know quite a few who don't -- but we got extremely lucky, because everyone involved in the movie -- from the producers to the screenwriter to the director to the actors -- has always understood what the book is about.  And it helps that all of them are amazing at what they do.

The movie is different from the book, and I'm happy that it is.  So much of the book is about what Nick & Norah are thinking, and there's no way to really convey that in a movie without a whole lot of intrusive voice over.  In this way, I think the book and the movie complement each other nicely, because the movie opens up Nick & Norah's story in ways that a book never could.  I am honestly pleased with every choice they made, because they all make sense within the movie.  Are there parts of the book that I wish had made it to screen?  Sure -- but then the movie would have been three hours long.  And Nick & Norah is NOT a movie that should be three hours long.  I know devoted readers will be thrown a little by the things that are different, but the wonderful thing is that Rachel and I aren't changing one sentence in the book to match the movie.  The book will always be what it is.  And a lot more people are going to read it now.

This is the first book I've ever let me optioned for a movie (or anything else).  And from the beginning, the most important thing to me was that the movie would keep the spirit of the book.  Even though some of the details have changed, I think the movie does an amazing job in staying true to the book's heart -- the tikkun olam of two people coming together, helped along by friends and strangers. 

Just as I hope you love the book, I really hope you love the movie, too.  It's been a wonderment to be a part of it.

8:16 PM
 
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Previous Post: Nick & Norah movie trailer! | Back to Blog List
Teri

 
I already have my tickets to go see it after work! Exciting!
 
Posted by Teri on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 1:41 PM
[Reply to this] 
Renn

 
AS a booklover, I always struggled with the books turned into movies because 80% of the time I'm disappointed. I'm so glad I read you blog...

"I know devoted readers will be thrown a little by the things that are different, but the wonderful thing is that Rachel and I aren't changing one sentence in the book to match the movie. The book will always be what it is. "

Simple and true, but I don't know if it ever occured to me. Thanks for sharing the thought.
 
Posted by Renn on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 2:01 PM
[Reply to this] 
MC Razzle-Dazzle
Mardi Gauthier

 
Even though I've never met you, you've given me so much.

I hope this doesn't spoil you for me - and for yourself, really.

<3
 
Posted by MC Razzle-Dazzle on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 2:47 PM
[Reply to this] 
Claire

 
It's pretty awesome to see your journey develop, and seeing opportunities blossom. I can't believe about three or four summers ago, I was listening to you and Rachel read this book in Austin's Book People, using the word "frock" all over the place.
 
Posted by Claire on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 3:04 PM
[Reply to this] 
|| Jo ||

 
When does/is it coming out in the UK?

I mean, even not on general release, will it be in little cinema's like in London's Soho?

Fingers crossed eh?

x
 
Posted by || Jo || on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 3:31 PM
[Reply to this] 
davidlevithan
David Levithan

 
I believe it comes out in the UK in January or February -- plus it's showing in the London Film Festival.
 
Posted by davidlevithan on Sunday, October 12, 2008 - 3:51 AM
[Reply to this] 
Emily

 
I can't wait, David! This post really clinches my confidence in the movie. I heard your interview on Day to Day today (say that one out loud) and I was so excited to hear from the AUTHORS! When do they ever do that? Thanks for a great interview, and all of your awesome stuff! Emily (who gushed over you and your abecedarian poem at ALAN in Nashville)
 
Posted by Emily on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 6:07 PM
[Reply to this] 
jessica.
Jessica Bailey

 
what upsets me most is that most of the people i know who are going to see the movie don't even know there's a book. the book was absolutely amazing, and i think everyone should read it before seeing the movie. i'm sure the movie is great for what it is - i haven't seen it. i just think people should at least be able to compare the book to the movie. because of course, everyone knows the book is always better than the movie.

congratulations, and i can't wait for whatever you write next. i look forward to your books more than any other books :]
 
Posted by jessica. on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 6:19 PM
[Reply to this] 
AlienAntidote [BBQ Orange!]
Rachel Clare

 
I have to agree on this bit, about so many people going to see the movie without having read the book. Or rather, so many people going to the movie without having any idea that it is based on a book. That's a bit disappointing to me in general that a lot of people don't read anymore, because they figure everything gets turned into a movie anyway. But I hope it inspires them to go pick up the book and really get into reading, because it's such a wonderful experience of escape. Something that a movie can never quite compare to.
 
Posted by AlienAntidote [BBQ Orange!] on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 6:41 PM
[Reply to this] 
ashbomb
Ashley LeBlanc

 
Nick and Norah's is my favorite book (after The Realm of course) and i am SO excited to go see it tonight!
you are my favorite author ever. :))
 
Posted by ashbomb on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 6:28 PM
[Reply to this] 
ashbomb
Ashley LeBlanc

 
oh and i agree with je[skaa]mo. :)
 
Posted by ashbomb on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 6:32 PM
[Reply to this] 
Genny
Genny Toddy

 
I've preordered my tickets for tonight. I'm so excited, even if it is different from the book.

I can't wait!
 
Posted by Genny on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 7:31 PM
[Reply to this] 
Frisco
Francisco Ibarra

 
I am totally pumped to see this movie. I have been dying with anticipation!
 
Posted by Frisco on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 8:33 PM
[Reply to this] 
benjamin (kissell)
Benjamin Kissell

 
i adored the book (adore everything you do, to be honest) and am loving everything about the movie!


Mazol Tov!
 
Posted by benjamin (kissell) on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 12:09 AM
[Reply to this] 
Katibeth Woodencloak

 
Despite the differences, I thought the movies stayed very true to the spirit of the book as well. The gum thing was a nice touch. ; )

What are the chances that Boy Meets Boy will be a movie in the future?
 
Posted by Katibeth Woodencloak on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 12:52 AM
[Reply to this] 
not so constant gardner

 
I loved it too.
 
Posted by not so constant gardner on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 2:21 AM
[Reply to this] 
Like a Cast Shadow, Esq.
Jesse Richman

 
Tikkun olam, in the middle of the high holidays no less, couldn't have been timed more perfectly.

Saw it tonight, and I wasn't disappointed!
 
Posted by Like a Cast Shadow, Esq. on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 2:30 AM
[Reply to this] 
Peanut Butter and Jynelle-y

 
It's a book?!

Whoa. I feel so uninformed.
 
Posted by Peanut Butter and Jynelle-y on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 2:46 AM
[Reply to this] 
junebug

 
I saw it tonight and I'm really happy with how it ended up. Even with the big changes the film lived up to my expectations and exceeded them!! I'm really glad the humor that was in the book wasn't lost in the movie, or else I don't think it would have flown.

Great job!
 
Posted by junebug on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 3:51 AM
[Reply to this] 
Kelly Bones
Nono Nonon

 
you are SO awesome. i loved it too!
 
Posted by Kelly Bones on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 4:35 AM
[Reply to this] 
Little Willow
Little Willow

 
Congratulations again to you and Rachel. May the film be well-received and garner you new readers. I'm sure that it will.

I enjoyed the film. I - spoilers here, gentle readers! - was most delighted by the moments which they retained from the book, such as Norah quoting the lyrics, and the two discussing tikkun olam.
 
Posted by Little Willow on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 5:16 AM
[Reply to this] 
Claire Mysko
Claire Mysko

 
I loved the movie! It was clear from the opening scene that the filmmakers understood what makes this story so special. Congratulation to you and Rachel!
 
Posted by Claire Mysko on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 2:12 PM
[Reply to this] 
Khy

 
Congrats! I cannot wait to see the movie, but alas, I have to wait a week. My mother insists that I can wait to see it with my friends for my birthday next week, but that is nearly impossible. I'll be counting the days down.
 
Posted by Khy on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 5:17 PM
[Reply to this] 
Water Walker
Kelsey Eghdami

 
I took my dad to see this movie last night when it first came out, skipping my old high school's homecoming football game to do so. xD

It was AMAZING. I was kinda sad about the scene not being in there with them in the cooler at the hotel, but not as sad as I thought I would be because the movie was really good. Even my dad, who isn't exactly a gay supporter and I've yet to come out to him and tell him I'm bi, said he loved the movie and liked Caroline. *laughs*

I was really pleased about the scene with 'I wanna hold you hand' because that was such a big thing for me in the book and was the only thing that I talked about when I heard there was gonna be a movie.

I'm glad you and Rachel loved it -- I know I did, too! :D
 
Posted by Water Walker on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 7:40 PM
[Reply to this] 
Silly Duck!
Nangie Silly Duck

 
I will always love the book more than the movie no matter how good the movie is <3.
 
Posted by Silly Duck! on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 8:32 PM
[Reply to this] 
hannaH
hannah ferryman

 
I saw the movie today and loved every minute of it! I must say that I may NEVER chew red gum again, nor will many people after the restroom scene. I agree that the movie wasn't exactly like the book but I also agree that they captivated the meaning of the book perfectly onto film. I will be purchasing the movie as soon as it goes onto DVD. Thank you David for letting your work go into movie form!
~Hannah~
 
Posted by hannaH on Monday, October 06, 2008 - 3:17 AM
[Reply to this] 
vicky shaz▲m.
Vicky Escargots

 
Honestly, that is all i ever really was curious about.
i was hoping that you yourself would completely love the movie.
and i was hoping it does your book justice.

i have not been able to see it yet, but i know that i will soon.

as i am one of your many devoted readers.

:D

and i'm sure kat dennings and michael cera really brought the characters of nick and norah to life. from what i was able to hear about, they seem to have done a spectacular job.

<3333
 
Posted by vicky shaz▲m. on Tuesday, October 07, 2008 - 7:14 PM
[Reply to this] 
Contemporary Joe®[[indigo at high tide]]
Joey Poole

 
Oh. My. God.

I just wanted to let you know that I went to see the movie Monday night, and the only reason I waited that long was because I had a hectic weekend beforehand and couldnt get to the theaters sooner. The movie was fantastic (for lack of a better word) and I was not disappointed in any way with the changes that were made. The people who produced the movie did a wonderful job of bringing the book to life and bringing back my favorite memories from it. I do plan to go back to re-read it once I finish The Scarlet Letter for my English class. :] Seeing this movie reminded me just how much I love your writing. And its not just that I love your writing- I love the fact that it's even here. It helps me get through hard stuff and lets me believe things like that can really happen. I do hope you publish another book soon! I'll be the first one at the book store for a copy.

Best wishes,
Joey.
 
Posted by Contemporary Joe®[[indigo at high tide]] on Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 9:06 AM
[Reply to this] 
thee victoria :]

 
The movie is different from the book, and I'm happy that it is. So much of the book is about what Nick & Norah are thinking, and there's no way to really convey that in a movie without a whole lot of intrusive voice over.
I just saw the movie and have to agree whole-heartedly. At first, I complained about too many differences from the book, but if you let it go, you see that the movie is as faithful it can be to a book w/o being tedious. I'm going to the library asap to reread it anyway :]
 
Posted by thee victoria :] on Sunday, October 12, 2008 - 4:26 AM
[Reply to this] 
Casper MilkyToast

 
I adore it! I've seen it three times already.

It's different but in that good way. It kept it's spirit and it's ideas, and gave a new twist to a story I know by heart.
Wonderful! I hope the popularity of this movie will make more people read your books, and Rachel's as well!
And I hope that you'll have another movie adaption sometime soon!
 
Posted by Casper MilkyToast on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 7:19 PM
[Reply to this] 
Where is my master rebel prince?
richard robilotto

 
the only thing i didn't like about the movie, was they made all the gay characters asexual in order to make it more marketable. dev (was that his name?) was this whore, and thom had his uber emo boyfriend. i mean, come on. they could've at least give thom his boyfriend

with that aside, it was a really good movie. they rewrote some parts, but it was like you guys made the rewrites yourselves. it was still in that same style. and i love the sound system studio part, at first i was all "this wasn't in the book, i hate it!" but once it went on, i just thought it was both amazing and fitting.
 
Posted by Where is my master rebel prince? on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 - 7:47 AM
[Reply to this] 
tayluh [jemainiac!]

 
gosh i loved it! i was surprised at the changes made for the movie, but somehow it was just as wonderful as the book! i was soo excited, because i read the book waaaay before the movie was even thought up. i even bought the soundtrack a week in advance! (too bad the where's fluffy shirt that came with it wont even fit my big toe...)
yay rachel and david!!!! i love you<3
 
Posted by tayluh [jemainiac!] on Tuesday, November 04, 2008 - 3:08 AM
[Reply to this] 
cindi ho.

 
LOVE IT TOOOOO. WATCHING IT RIGHT NOW! <3

 
Posted by cindi ho. on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 5:55 AM
[Reply to this]