Where to start
Blindness
2 versions · originally a book, 1999
José Saramago’s harrowing exploration of human fragility unfolds when a sudden, inexplicable epidemic of sightlessness collapses societal order.
✦ Most fans start here
Blindness (1999)
The original novel
✦ Start hereBlindness
José Saramago · Book · 1999
Blindness (1999) is the definitive original text, offering a dense, unsparing narrative style that forces readers to confront the psychological disintegration of humanity trapped in a brutal quarantine.
2008 film
Blindness
Fernando Meirelles · Film · 2008
Blindness (2008) provides a visceral, cinematic translation of the plague, utilizing stark visual storytelling to capture the claustrophobic terror and physical squalor of the characters' confinement within the asylum.
Common questions
Should I read the book Blindness before watching the 2008 movie?
Yes, reading the 1999 book Blindness before watching the 2008 film adaptation is recommended. The source material provides the original context for the narrative, allowing you to compare the cinematic choices made in the movie against the author's initial vision for the story.
Is the 2008 movie Blindness a direct adaptation of the 1999 book?
Yes, the 2008 film Blindness is a direct adaptation of the 1999 book of the same name. The movie translates the events and themes established in the novel into a visual format, following the core narrative arc presented in the original source material.
What order should I consume the book and movie for Blindness?
It is standard to consume the 1999 book Blindness first, followed by the 2008 movie adaptation. Starting with the book ensures you experience the story as it was originally written, providing a foundation for understanding the creative direction taken in the film version.
How long is the movie Blindness compared to reading the book?
The 2008 movie Blindness offers a condensed viewing experience of the 1999 book. While the film runs for approximately two hours, reading the book Blindness requires more time, as it contains the full scope of the narrative and descriptive prose that the movie condenses.