"Paint it Black: A Novel" by Janet Fitch was the first book I ever read and fell in love with. I was 18 at the time so you could imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon this movie, which was released 10 years after the novel was published. I felt like the image I had in my head for these characters and the ones chosen for the roles were polar opposite. If you're looking to be moved, read the book. If you're looking for a short stale version of the book, watch the movie.