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Like most novels which can take hours to read, and a movie which is condensed to an approximate 2 hour (or even less) time frame, there are always differences between the novel as written and the movie.
Ordinary People was the directorial debut of Robert Redford and what a debut it was!
As much as I enjoyed the movie (it has always been one of my favorites), the novel by Judith Guest is even better (though I recommend seeing the movie first) so you can picture the actors when you then read the book.
The major differences of course is in the details of the story lines. The book goes into much more details in regards to Conrad's struggles and feelings from being in the hospital and also the interrelationships of his friends and family.
The biggest difference that I saw was the movie kept Conrad's relationship with Jeannie Pratt at a casual, platonic relationship while the book detailed a much more serious and intimate one.
The movie also does not cover the Epilogue in the book nor cover the fact that Cal (Donald Sutherland) Jarrett rented an apartment after his wife Beth (Mary Tyler Moore) in the movie left the family home.
From the movie perspective, one thing I liked better is that the classic Pachelbel's Canon in D was used in the film during a chorus scene in the movie and also in the opening and closing credits.
Regardless of whether you prefer the book or the movie, this is certainly one instance where BOTH are excellent!
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Who produced the film Ordinary people?
Ronald L. Schwary produced the film Ordinary People.
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