John Green’s novel “The Fault in Our Stars” struck a chord with millions of readers when it was released in 2012, telling a poignant story of love, loss, and resilience in the face of terminal illness. The novel centers on Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenage girl battling cancer, who falls in love with Augustus Waters, a fellow cancer patient. Their relationship is tender, raw, and ultimately heartbreaking, and Green’s portrayal of their journey resonated deeply with readers. Given the book’s popularity, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood turned it into a movie. The 2014 film adaptation, directed by Josh Boone, brought Hazel and Augustus’s story to life on the big screen, with Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort taking on the roles of the star-crossed lovers. But as is always the case with adaptations, there are differences between the book and the movie that affect how the story is experienced.
The Emotional Depth of Hazel’s Voice
One of the defining elements of “The Fault in Our Stars” as a novel is the first-person narration provided by Hazel Grace Lancaster. John Green writes with a unique blend of humor and sensitivity, allowing readers to connect intimately with Hazel’s thoughts, fears, and desires. Through her voice, readers gain a deep understanding of her struggle with cancer and her contemplation of life and death. Hazel’s narrative is filled with a kind of wry humor that balances the gravity of her situation, making her both relatable and inspiring.
In the film adaptation, Hazel’s first-person narrative is translated through voiceovers, with Shailene Woodley providing some of Hazel’s introspective thoughts. However, the nature of film as a medium means that much of the depth provided by Hazel’s internal monologue is lost. While Woodley delivers a compelling performance, her portrayal is necessarily external, relying on facial expressions and dialogue to convey Hazel’s emotional journey. The voiceovers help to maintain some of Hazel’s unique perspective, but they cannot fully capture the intricacies of her thoughts in the same way that the book does. As a result, the film provides a more visual and less introspective portrayal of Hazel’s experience.
Augustus Waters: Charm and Complexity
In both the book and the film, Augustus Waters is a charismatic character whose charm and optimism are infectious. In the novel, Augustus is portrayed as a young man who refuses to be defined by his illness. He is confident, witty, and has a flair for the dramatic—qualities that immediately draw Hazel to him. Green’s writing allows readers to get a sense of Augustus’s vulnerability beneath his confident exterior, particularly as the story progresses and his own battle with cancer becomes more dire. His grand gestures, such as arranging a trip to Amsterdam for Hazel, are tinged with both romance and the underlying fear of running out of time.
In the film, Ansel Elgort captures much of Augustus’s charm, delivering his lines with the same wit and confidence that made the character so beloved in the book. Elgort’s portrayal emphasizes Augustus’s humor and charisma, and his chemistry with Shailene Woodley brings their relationship to life on screen. However, the film’s faster pacing means that some of the subtler aspects of Augustus’s character are less pronounced. The internal struggle that Augustus faces—his fear of oblivion and his desire to leave a lasting mark on the world—is present, but it is not explored in as much depth as it is in the book. The film leans more heavily on the romantic elements of Augustus and Hazel’s relationship, while the novel provides a more nuanced exploration of Augustus’s fears and vulnerabilities.
The Amsterdam Trip: A Highlight in Both Mediums
The trip to Amsterdam is one of the most memorable parts of “The Fault in Our Stars,” both in the book and the film. In the novel, the trip represents a turning point in Hazel and Augustus’s relationship, as they share moments of joy and connection, despite the uncertainty of their future. The scenes in Amsterdam are filled with romance, wonder, and the bittersweet realization that their time together is limited. Green’s descriptions of the city, the canals, and the intimate dinner at Oranjee allow readers to feel as though they are experiencing the trip alongside Hazel and Augustus.
The film adaptation brings the Amsterdam trip to life with beautiful visuals and heartfelt performances. The picturesque scenes of the canals and the romantic dinner at Oranjee are depicted with a sense of magic that captures the essence of the book. The actors’ performances add an extra layer of emotion, particularly in the scene at the Anne Frank House, where Hazel struggles to climb the stairs but ultimately makes it to the top, where she and Augustus share a tender kiss. This moment, set against the backdrop of the Anne Frank House, is both powerful and poignant, highlighting the themes of resilience and love in the face of adversity.
However, some details from the book are either altered or omitted in the film. For instance, in the book, the author Peter Van Houten is depicted as a deeply flawed, alcoholic man who shatters Hazel and Augustus’s expectations when they meet him. While the film maintains this portrayal, the interaction is somewhat condensed, and the emotional impact of their disillusionment is not as fully developed as in the book. The novel delves deeper into Hazel’s disappointment and the realization that her idol is not the person she imagined, adding a layer of complexity to her journey.
The Theme of Mortality and the Fear of Oblivion
At its core, “The Fault in Our Stars” is a story about mortality, love, and the fear of being forgotten. Both the book and the film explore these themes, but they do so in different ways. In the novel, Hazel frequently contemplates her own mortality, expressing her fear of being a “grenade” that will eventually hurt those she loves. Her relationship with Augustus helps her navigate these fears, as they both come to terms with the reality of their illnesses. Augustus, on the other hand, fears oblivion—he wants to leave a mark on the world and be remembered. These themes are woven throughout the book, creating a poignant reflection on the nature of life and death.
The film touches on these themes, but the limitations of the medium mean that they are not explored in as much depth. Hazel’s fear of being a burden is present, but it is more subtly conveyed through her interactions with her parents and Augustus. Similarly, Augustus’s fear of oblivion is mentioned, but it is not as central to his character as it is in the book. The film focuses more on the romantic aspects of their relationship, which, while still powerful, means that some of the philosophical reflections that make the book so impactful are less prominent. The result is a film that is emotionally moving but less introspective than the novel.
Supporting Characters: Isaac and Hazel’s Parents
The supporting characters in “The Fault in Our Stars” play an important role in both the book and the film, adding depth to Hazel and Augustus’s story. In the novel, Isaac, Augustus’s best friend, provides comic relief and a different perspective on dealing with illness. His relationship with his girlfriend, Monica, and his subsequent heartbreak add another layer to the story, highlighting the challenges of love in the face of loss. Hazel’s parents, particularly her mother, are also given significant attention in the book, with Green portraying the sacrifices they make to care for Hazel and their determination to ensure she lives a full life.
In the film, Isaac, played by Nat Wolff, is a standout character who brings humor and heart to the story. His scenes with Augustus and Hazel are touching and provide some much-needed levity amidst the heavier moments. However, the film condenses some of Isaac’s storyline, particularly his relationship with Monica, which is given more attention in the book. Hazel’s parents, played by Laura Dern and Sam Trammell, are portrayed with warmth and compassion, and their relationship with Hazel is one of the most touching aspects of the film. While the movie captures the essence of their love for Hazel, the book provides a deeper exploration of their fears and hopes for their daughter, adding another layer of emotional complexity to the story.
The Ending: Love and Loss
The ending of “The Fault in Our Stars” is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and both the book and the film handle it with care. In the novel, Augustus’s decline is depicted in unflinching detail, with Hazel witnessing the gradual deterioration of the boy she loves. Green’s writing is raw and honest, capturing the pain of losing someone to illness and the helplessness that comes with it. Hazel’s eulogy for Augustus, delivered at his pre-funeral, is one of the most moving parts of the book, as she expresses her love for him and her gratitude for the time they had together.
The film adaptation remains faithful to the book’s ending, with Ansel Elgort delivering a powerful performance as Augustus in his final days. The scenes of his decline are difficult to watch, but they are handled with sensitivity, capturing the emotional weight of the story. Shailene Woodley’s portrayal of Hazel in these moments is equally powerful, conveying her pain and her love for Augustus with raw emotion. The film’s final scene, in which Hazel reads Augustus’s letter, is a fitting conclusion that mirrors the book’s ending, leaving viewers with a sense of both sorrow and hope.
However, the book’s ending offers a deeper reflection on the impact that Augustus has had on Hazel’s life. Green’s writing allows readers to fully appreciate the transformation that Hazel undergoes as a result of her relationship with Augustus, and her understanding of what it means to live a meaningful life. The film, while touching, cannot fully capture the depth of Hazel’s introspection, leaving viewers with a slightly different emotional experience compared to the book.
The Strengths of Each Version
“The Fault in Our Stars” is a story that shines in both its written and cinematic forms, but each version brings something unique to the table. The book’s greatest strength lies in its narrative voice—John Green’s writing allows readers to connect deeply with Hazel’s thoughts and emotions, creating an intimate and introspective experience. The themes of mortality, love, and the fear of being forgotten are explored with nuance, making the novel a powerful reflection on what it means to live and love in the face of illness.
The film, on the other hand, brings the story to life with beautiful visuals, strong performances, and a sense of immediacy that only a movie can provide. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort’s chemistry brings Hazel and Augustus’s relationship to life, and the film’s depiction of key moments, such as the trip to Amsterdam and Augustus’s decline, adds an emotional impact that complements the book. While the film may lack some of the introspective depth of the novel, it succeeds in capturing the essence of Hazel and Augustus’s love story and the resilience of the human spirit.
