Movie v. Book: City of Ember

The City of Ember, the popular first novel in the Ember series, is the story of Lina Mayfleet and the mysterious origins of her city. Lina’s home, Ember, is slowly darkening. Ember’s only light is supplied by an enormous amount of light bulbs but the bulbs are running out as are all of other supplies. Lina can’t figure out why Ember’s builders would leave its people in such dire need. Her friend Doon happens to be pondering the same question. Together Lina and Doon work to decipher an old document, a document that gives clues to a way out of Ember!

The novel reads as a mystery and readers must accept the fact that Ember’s citizens do not possess common knowledge of items like flashlights or of nature in general (sun, animals, etc.) In fact, the “feel” of the book reminded me of The Giver. In both books, the protagonists are given jobs at the age of 12, Messenger instead of Receiver, and then they begin to learn their home is not as it appears. In fact, the protagonists of each city wish to escape their home once they learn there is more to the world than they’ve been taught.

Both books allude to a brain-washing of the people by their government but The City of Ember takes this a step further. Ember residents have a religion based around the creators of their city plus a religious text written by the builders that children memorize. DuPrau doesn’t necessarily encourage readers to question the beliefs passed onto them by their parents but her characters would not have escaped the city if they blindly followed the words of the builders (creators). Young readers, at least the majority of them, will not make the connection between the worship of the builders and the worship of God but thinking adults certainly will. I’m not sure all parents will appreciate this subtle message.

As far as the story goes, readers can actively solve the mystery with Lina and Doon but will probably be somewhat frustrated with the slow pacing of the novel. The prologue entitled, “The Instructions” is sure to capture any reader’s attention and is a perfect set-up for the complicated history of Ember. Once Lina and Doon find the Instructions and begin working through the clues, the story’s pace quickens considerably. The book ends with the children solving the mystery completely and embarking into a new world, one they were not prepared for by the builders. This novel is a great all-around read.

The film based on this book was released in 2008 and was considered a flop by students at my school. I couldn’t comment until now but I wholeheartedly agree. The atmosphere of Ember, tatters and desperation, is dead-on. Inclusion of machines that no longer work like telephones and washing machines is a great addition to the feel of dilapidation. The special effects, especially during the river ride, were well-done as well. My problems with the movie begin with the actors.

The actors playing Lina and Doon were too old, definitely teenagers or older, not preteens. The mayor was escalated from a greedy, old-man to a super-villain. The addition of the mole monster was outrageously unnecessary and the fact that it eats the evil mayor is even worse! How can the mayor be held accountable by the citizens of Ember now?

The movie, though, isn’t too long or too violent—both pluses and the language is quite appropriate. I might have enjoyed the movie if I had not read the book first. I yelled at the television the entire time I watched it and was astounded by the ending. When Lina and Doon throw their message into Ember, Ms. Murdo (a woman who desperately needs to redeem herself) doesn’t find it but rather Doon’s father! The changes from book to movie to make it “cooler” only serve to weaken the plot. Invest your money in the book, not the movie!

DuPrau, J. (2004). The city of Ember. New York: Random House.

Kenan, G. (Producer & Director). (2008). The city of ember. [Motion Picture]. United States:
Walden Media & Playtone.