When You Wish Upon A Star

There are several differences between Stardust and the movie adapted from it.  For example, Tristran’s excellent sense of direction was not included in the movie.  The hairy little man made no appearance, and the scene in which the climax took place was dramatically different.  After watching the movie, it seems as if the climax never even happened in the book. (Although, that could be expected; the movie had both drama and music on its side.)

Generally, I would prefer the book to the movie.  The book often offers explanation in greater detail than a film could ever, and it has the benefit of allowing the use of one’s imagination to a greater extent.  However, in this case, I prefer the motion picture adaption. 

First of all, there are no explicit intimate scenes.  They are not removed from the story; the viewer is very aware of what would happen.  It simply did not go into detail.  For things of that nature, I really think it is unnecessary to go into detail.  The meaning can be understood just as well without it. 

But mostly, I prefer the ending.  I am aware that it is very different, and not really at all like the book, but it does fit with the book and makes the audience happy in the end, not sad.  (Do not misunderstand me – I love tragedy.)  The difference is Y’vaine is not the only one to live forever, and she does not live eternity in Stormhold.  Rather, she and Tristran both live for eternity, and after their natural life time has passed, they move to the sky to live as stars. 

This is possible because, as seen in the conversation between Y’vaine and the witch queen, Y’vaine’s heart is no longer her own.  It is Tristran’s.  And we know throughout the book that the reason the witches want her heart is so they can live forever.  Because to have a star’s heart is to live forever.  And if Y’vaine has given Tristran her heart, he could live forever.  They lived a long life and had children, and when their time had passed, they used the candle to transport back to the heavens. 

I understand that Stardust is intended for a mature audience, and mature audiences do not always need happy endings.  I did enjoy the book.  There were, however, things I was not crazy about in the book and things I preferred in the film adaption.  It is much more stereotypically fairytale-ish, and every once in a while, I prefer happily ever afters instead of depressing never-endings.