Books on Screen: Navigating Adaptations
24th January 2024
“Books and movies are like apples and oranges. They both are fruit but taste completely different.”
- Stephen King
Although as Stephen King rightfully said they are ”Apples and Oranges”, great books often make great movies (most of the time anyway). I have always loved a good story no matter the medium and have always been interested in cinema, So it was a no-brainer for me when I took on a media studies course at college. The course allowed me to study cinema from both a conceptual and practical point of view and I discovered that seeing someone’s vision realised on screen can be a gratifying experience when done right. The filmmaker has the challenging task to not only honour the source material by capturing the essence of the characters, narrative, and themes but also translate these things in a way that is suitable for a movie-viewing audience.
Many of the most beloved films of all time have been adapted from books; movies such as The Godfather, To Kill a Mockingbird, and of course the Harry Potter franchise. Let’s not forget television shows as well such as Game of Thrones, The Handmaid's Tale, and Dexter, as the small screen has proven to be just as engaging as the cinema over the years. When I find myself watching an adaptation of a novel, I always wonder how different the movie is to its source material, as filmmakers often take liberties with the narrative to align with their own vision. This is the subject of a long-running debate about which medium is better, book or film. I suppose I am somewhat of a floating voter when it comes to this topic. Many argue that a book has more depth in terms of content and development due to the lack of constraints that a movie production would have, allowing the storyteller more narrative freedom. This is often said for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy as all of J.R.R Tolkien’s rich lore from the original novels could not be fully explored in the movie adaptations, despite their long runtimes.
Then again, many would argue that a book lacks the excitement and awe that can be experienced at the cinema. Cinematography, a musical score, or an actor’s performance adds a layer of emotional depth and storytelling nuance, elevating a film from a mere visual narrative to an immersive experience. The classic Stephen Spielberg thriller Jaws employs cinematic conventions to enhance the enjoyment of the source material. The iconic score from composer John Williams as well as the use of practical effects brings the story of everyone’s favourite killer shark to life and as a result, has become a timeless classic.
Then again, adapting a book can also water down the atmosphere originally created by the author. H.P. Lovecraft's works of cosmic horror are revered for their exploration of the incomprehensible and otherworldly, leaving the horror to the imagination of the reader. This kind of atmosphere is incredibly difficult to recreate on screen, the atmospheric, slow-burning style of Lovecraft's horror contrasts with the jump-scare-driven conventions of filmmaking, posing a difficulty in capturing the essence of his unique brand of terror on screen. Although many have tried over the years, with varying degrees of success, I feel the strength of his work lies in the fear of the unknown and actually visually presenting us with his horror takes away what makes it so special in the first place.
I have to mention one of my favourite examples of a Movie adaptation of a novel (or in this case novella) is Stephen King's Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. This novella, about the wrongfully imprisoned banker Andy Dufresne, was turned into a feature-length film shortened to just The Shawshank Redemption in 1996 and is one of the best examples of a book-to-film adaptation ever made. It is a movie I never tire of watching, particularly for its incredibly rewarding and iconic final act. This to me is the ultimate example of elevating an author’s original work; interestingly. Stephen King did not believe it could be made into a feature-length film and has since become one of the highest-rated movies of all time, which is a testament to the quality of the adaptation.
Another cult classic is ‘Fight Club’. There is a good reason everyone still talks about Fight Club despite the famous first rule of Fight Club (which is to not talk about Fight Club). Chuck Palahniuk’s novel about consumerism and individuality took on a whole new visual aesthetic when it was adapted into a movie in 1999. In my opinion, the reason this adaptation works so well is the way it takes the thought-provoking themes from the novel and amplifies them. Despite being a mostly faithful adaptation, the Fight Club movie takes these ideas, polishes them, and presents them in a striking and stylish manner which sits with you a long time after experiencing it for the first time. The story as a whole only gets better with re-reads or rewatches due to its intricate storytelling, layered themes, and memorable twists. All of which have made me talk about Fight Club in this blog, which means I have broken the second rule of Fight Club as well (which is to also not talk about Fight Club)
Regardless of our individual preferences in consuming media, I think it’s important to acknowledge the privilege of having the option to enjoy two fantastic forms of entertainment. I have to thank some of my time spent at college for allowing me to appreciate the work that goes into writing a story including the intricacies of character development and creating immersive settings and meaningful dialogues. The filmmaker has to then turn this vision into a reality, and it is not something we as audiences should take for granted.
I could go on for days, writing about many of the fantastic films and TV shows that have spawned from literature but I will condense it to just a few of my personal favourites. The following books/DVDs have a special place in my heart and are some of the best examples of a successful book-to-film adaptation. Enjoy.
Dan, Marketing Team
No Country for Old Men
McCarthy, Cormac
Paperback / softback
Savage violence and cruel morality reign in the backwater deserts of Cormac McCarthy's No Country for Old Men, a tale of one man's dark opportunity – and the darker consequences that spiral forth. Adapted for the screen by the Coen Brothers (Fargo, True Grit), winner of four Academy Awards (including Best Picture). 'A fast, powerful read, steeped with a deep sorrow about the moral degradation of the legendary American West' – Financial Times1980. Llewelyn Moss, a Vietnam veteran, is hunting antelope near the Rio Grande when he stumbles upon a transaction gone horribly wrong. Finding bullet-ridden bodies, several kilos of heroin, and a caseload of cash, he faces a choice – leave the scene as he found it, or cut the money and run. Choosing the latter, he knows, will change everything. And so begins a terrifying chain of events, in which each participant seems determined to answer the question that one asks another: how does a man decide in what order to abandon his life?'It's hard to think of a contemporary writer more worth reading' – IndependentPart of the Picador Collection, a series showcasing the best of modern literature. Praise for Cormac McCarthy:‘McCarthy worked close to some religious impulse, his books were terrifying and absolute’ – Anne Enright, author of The Green Road and The Wren, The Wren'His prose takes on an almost biblical quality, hallucinatory in its effect and evangelical in its power' – Stephen King, author of The Shining and the Dark Tower series'In presenting the darker human impulses in his rich prose, [McCarthy] showed readers the necessity of facing up to existence' – Annie Proulx, author of Brokeback Mountain
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No Country for Old Men
DVD
The Coen brothers' stripped down and gritty chase thriller has a Vietnam vet desperately trying to give the slip to a relentless killer. While out hunting in the barren wilds of Texas, Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) discovers the aftermath of a drugs deal gone wrong, with dead bodies, heroin and a case filled with $2million in cash. Deciding to take the money, Moss says goodbye to his wife (Kelly MacDonald) and takes off to plan his next move. It's not long before he discovers he's being followed by psychopathic ex-special forces hitman, Chigurh (Javier Bardem), who decides his victim's fate, guilty or not, on the toss of a coin. As Chigurh raises the bodycount, gaining ever nearer to Moss, he in turn is hunted by local Sheriff Ed Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), a seen-it-all-before cop, who could do without the excitement.
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The Iron Man
Hughes, Ted
Paperback / softback
A beautiful new edition of The Iron Man, the bestselling classic by Ted Hughes. The Iron Man came to the top of the cliff. Where had he come from? Nobody knows. How was he made? Nobody knows. Mankind must put a stop to the dreadful destruction by the Iron Man and set a trap for him, but he cannot be kept down. Then, when a terrible monster from outer space threatens to lay waste to the planet, it is the Iron Man who finds a way to save the world. 'Gripping . . a classic.' Phillip Pullman'A visionary tale.' Michael Morpurgo'One of the greatest of modern fairy tales.' Observer
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Iron Giant: Signature Edition
DVD
Remastered version of Brad Bird's animated classic featuring two new scenes. In 1957, a gigantic iron man crash lands from outer space in Rockwell, Maine. After reassembling itself, the giant is discovered by nine-year-old Hogarth Hughes (voice of Eli Marienthal), who helps it to conceal itself while feeding on scrapyard cars. Hogarth is assisted by beatnik Dean McCoppin (Harry Connick Jr), unaware that government agent Kent Mansley (Christopher McDonald) is already on the trail of what he regards as an 'alien invader'.
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Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
King, Stephen
Paperback / softback
The No. 1 bestselling author Stephen King's beloved novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption - the basis for the Best Picture Academy Award-nominee The Shawshank Redemption - about an unjustly imprisoned convict who seeks a strangely satisfying revenge, is now available as a standalone book. There's a guy like me in every state and federal prison in America, I guess - I'm the guy who can get it for you. And new convict Andy Dufresne wants two things from fellow prisoner Red: a small rock-hammer for carving stones and a giant poster of Rita Hayworth. So begins this mesmerising tale of unjust imprisonment, deep friendship and offbeat escape. Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption is one of King's most celebrated stories, and it helped make Castle Rock a place readers would return to over and over again. Suspenseful, heart-wrenching and hopeful, this iconic King novella is populated by a cast of unforgettable characters, especially the fiercely compelling convict named Andy Dufresne who is seeking his ultimate revenge. Originally published in the collection Different Seasons, it was made into the film The Shawshank Redemption. Starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, this modern classic was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, is one of the most beloved films of all time and is IMDb's top-rated movie of all time.
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Shawshank Redemption
DVD
Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman star in this classic American drama based on the Stephen King story. Accountant Andy Dufresne (Robbins) is sent to prison in the 1940s for the murder of his unfaithful wife and her lover, despite maintaining his innocence. As he slowly comes to terms with the injustices of the corrupt prison system, he quietly inspires some of his fellow prison inmates to have a more positive outlook on life. Meanwhile, the Governor of the prison discovers Dufresne's book-keeping talents and recruits him to do a spot of creative accountancy. Fellow inmate, ageing gangster 'Red' (Freeman), uses his connections to take care of Dufresne's material needs, and narrates the story of his friend's term in jail through to the late 1960s.
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Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?
Dick, Philip K
Paperback / softback
The science fiction masterpiece behind the cult classic films Bladerunner and Bladerunner 2049. World War Terminus had left the Earth devastated. Through its ruins, bounty hunter Rick Deckard stalked, in search of the renegade replicants who were his prey. When he wasn't 'retiring' them with his laser weapon,he dreamed of owning a live animal - the ultimate status symbol in a world all but bereft of animal life. Then Rick got his chance: the assignment to kill six Nexus-6 targets, for a huge reward. But in Deckard's world things were never that simple, and his assignment quickly turned into a nightmare kaleidoscope of subterfuge and deceit - and the threat of death for the hunter rather than the hunted ... Readers have been blown away by Philip K. Dick:'Now I understand what all the fuss is about. The guy is a visionary . . . Every paragraph launches us forward, demands our attention . . . a classic example of the finest science fiction' Goodreads reviewer, ? ? ? ? ?'Probably my favourite Philip K. Dick book . . . set in a dystopian Earth much dilapidated after 'World War Terminus' . . . I cannot praise this book enough, it really is one of the all-time greats' Goodreads reviewer, ? ? ? ? ?'A science fiction masterpiece . . . about a post-apocalyptic world seeking resurrection through the rediscovery of empathy. But who is more empathetic - humans or androids? What is the dividing line? The book constantly explores how far human ideas of life, death, religion and love could survive in a dark uncaring world' Goodreads reviewer, ? ? ? ? ?'I thought this was great and original . . . The Earth has become barely habitable due to nuclear winter, radiation and depopulation . . . a really cool story and I think only PKD could have written something of this style. I would recommend this . . . if you liked the Blade Runner movies' Goodreads reviewer, ? ? ? ? ?
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Blade Runner: The Final Cut
DVD
Extended version of Ridley Scott's cult sci-fi classic. In LA in 2019, ex-cop Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is hired to track down and kill a group of androids, known as replicants, who have escaped from a satellite colony and travelled to Earth illegally. As two of the AWOL replicants (Rutger Hauer and Daryl Hannah) seek refuge in a geneticist's house, Deckard takes his investigation to their makers, the Tyrell Corporation, where he falls in love with Rachael (Sean Young), herself an android, but with a memory chip that convinces her she is human.
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Fight Club
Palahniuk, Chuck
Paperback / softback
Every weekend, in basements and parking lots across the country, young men with good white-collar jobs and absent fathers take off their shoes and shirts and fight each other barehanded for as long as they have to. Then they go back to those jobs with blackened eyes and loosened teeth and the sense that they can handle anything. Fight Club is the invention of Tyler Durden, projectionist, waiter and dark, anarchic genius. And it's only the beginning of his plans for revenge on a world where cancer support groups have the corner on human warmth.
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Fight Club
DVD
Adapted from Chuck Palahniuk's novel, David Fincher's drama explores themes of masculinity and violence in contemporary society. Edward Norton stars as Jack, a bored insomniac who is determined to inject some excitement into his life. He meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), a charismatic soap salesman who believes that the only way to escape the banality of modern existence is through violence. To this end, Jack and Tyler set up 'Fight Clubs', where men can engage in brutal bare-knuckle fights. However, friction develops between them when they become rivals for the attentions of Marla (Helena Bonham-Carter).
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Jaws
Benchley, Peter
Paperback / softback
Immerse yourself in the terror of Peter Benchley's vintage thriller, Jaws. Released in 1974 and inspiring Spielberg's cinematic masterpiece, the book has sold over twenty million copies globally and remains a landmark in classic literary horror. It's never safe to go back in the water . . . A small Atlantic resort. The mutilated body of a young woman, or what is left of it, washes up on the long, white stretch of beach on the beach. It is merely a harbinger of the horror that is about to unfold, as a sun-drenched holiday turns into a nightmare. You'll never look at the sea the same way again. A summer of terror has begun.
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Jaws
DVD
American thriller directed by Steven Spielberg. A large man-eating shark wreaks havoc off the coast of Long Island whilst local sheriff Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) finds himself caught between a panicking community and a town council eager to play down the reported deaths. However, the mounting body count cannot be ignored, so Brody heads off on a shark hunt accompanied by marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and veteran fisherman (Robert Shaw).
More DetailsYou can see a more extensive collection of book to film DVD’S and Blu Rays here.
