The process of changing books into movies has a dubious reputation. A successful film version of a beloved book is a rare occurrence, and even then, fans of the books have major criticisms. On the other hand, these films often turn out to be enjoyable for movie-goers who haven't read the book. What do you think? Should Hollywood transform beloved books into film? Or just comes up with their own ideas? Or should books lovers get some perspective? Realize the inherent differences in filmic form?
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Books to Movies?
- Thread starter Violanthe
- Start date
scooter13
Member
I was just complaining about this on my blog a few weeks ago. Though I was more upset at how Hollywood has been remaking films. I said that it was probably better to do movie versions of books instead, because at least they are giving audiences something new/original. But then I got to thinking about it, and the answer is, no. Stick with new scripts. I would hate to see the books that I love get turned into a crappy movie with actors that I don't like. Sure, the LOtR turned out quite good. But it is the exception by far. And other then the horrid reviews I read about the book that "Field of Dreams" is based on, there is hardly an instance where the book may actually do better.
One thing though I have noticed though is Hollywood making movies based on short stories. Not being a short story reader, this does not bother me. But it gives the scriptwriter/producer/director a better chance at keeping the spirit of the story intact.
One thing though I have noticed though is Hollywood making movies based on short stories. Not being a short story reader, this does not bother me. But it gives the scriptwriter/producer/director a better chance at keeping the spirit of the story intact.
abecedarian
Well-Known Member
I can see both sides of the argument. So often as I'm reading, I'll think, oh this would make a great film..and start wondering how it might "look". Then I'll see the film, and be ready to throw popcorn at the screen because "they" ruined it. I'm still scarred by the dissapointment I felt when I saw Gone With the Wind and found "they" had left out so many important details! And I hated the actor playing Ashley Wilkes!! I was in the 6th grade, and didn't know much about how characterization or acting, so I suppose I should get over it 
I have seen some wonderful movie adaptations of books, To Kill A Mockingbird and Anne of Green Gables, for examples. I know it can be done. The problem for film makers is reading a novel is so different from watching someone else's interpretation of that book. We readers all create images in our minds of what the dashing hero looks like, and when some producer casts actor B instead of actor A like we'd pictured, we get ugly!
I have seen some wonderful movie adaptations of books, To Kill A Mockingbird and Anne of Green Gables, for examples. I know it can be done. The problem for film makers is reading a novel is so different from watching someone else's interpretation of that book. We readers all create images in our minds of what the dashing hero looks like, and when some producer casts actor B instead of actor A like we'd pictured, we get ugly!
MonkeyCatcher
New Member
I think that they should continue turning books into movies. Even though there are more than a few duds produced by doing this, there are still some brilliant movies which have been adapted from books including The Lord of the Rings, A Clockwork Orange, The Shawshank Redemption (a novella, but still...) and the earlier version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (I havn't seen the new one). I always enjoy seeing books being turned into movies, mainly because I like seeing how the image I had of the setting and such in the book corresponded to the one used in the movie. I see no reason for it to stop happening just because there are a few dud movies - there are many movies which are entirely original which also flop, but that doesn't mean that people should stop coming up with original movies.
Twilite
Member
The trouble, as abecedarian said, is that everyone sees a book differently, and it's impossible to please everyone. Admittedly, a lot of the book to movie (or TV) conversions I've seen haven't been much to my taste but I understand they can't just tailor them to my wants, or even book readers in general. A movie is aimed at a (slightly?) different audience to a book so things have to change. Sometimes that's a piece that someone sees as hugely important, but that's the way it has to be.
But then some are very good. LOTR was surprisingly well done and satisfied both book readers and movie goers alike as far as I've seen. There is a lot of good that comes out of it as long as you see one as a book, the other as a movie and don't try to pair them off against each other; they are for different occassions/moods.
Still need to get round to reading Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy so my girlfriend can see the film!
But then some are very good. LOTR was surprisingly well done and satisfied both book readers and movie goers alike as far as I've seen. There is a lot of good that comes out of it as long as you see one as a book, the other as a movie and don't try to pair them off against each other; they are for different occassions/moods.
Still need to get round to reading Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy so my girlfriend can see the film!