I think most authors dream of the possibility that one or all of their books will someday be made into a movie or a TV series. I mean, think about it. Imagine seeing the characters and the story you created on the big screen or, more likely these days, on television. What a thrill, right? Not to mention the money you’d be paid for the movie rights. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? The fact is, I think it just might be.
Off the top of my head I can only think of two instances where I read a book, later watched the movie and was pleased with the casting choices and the way the producers adhered to the storyline. The Godfather and Gone with the Wind. I’m sure there are lots of others but, for me, they were the exceptions because most movies I’ve watched recently, which were adapted from novels I’d read, did NOT stay true to the book. And, to be honest, that bothers me.
For example, I love the Hallmark mystery movies and I think, overall, they do a great job producing them. I especially enjoy the movies based on books I haven’t read because watching them is my introduction to the characters and the story.
However, some of the ones I’ve watched - where I had previously read the book/s - were disappointing. Why? Because there were too many discrepancies between what the author wrote and what I was watching. In some cases the producers omitted elements of the novels that I believed were crucial to the plot. And, in other cases, their choice of an actor/actors was lacking. The actor simply was not like the main character or supporting character I’d grown to love and care about. So, for me, the movies lost a lot of their appeal.
Well, you might ask, doesn’t the author have a say in choosing the actors and approving the script? From what I understand, they do and they don’t. In other words, although their opinions are requested and sometimes honored, the producers have the final word.
Authors:
Now for the big question: If you were offered the opportunity to have your books made into movies, would you accept?
Readers:
Given the opportunity to read the book or watch the movie – or both – which would you choose?
I always prefer to read the book, there is so much more in it they can't possibly put in a movie. I've read all the Agatha Raisin books, and then I've seen the mess the television producers made of M.C. Beaton's characters and story lines. I wouldn't want that done to my mystery series.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way, Evelyn. :)
DeleteDon't forget "To Kill a Mockingbird." They stayed as close to the book as possible, and that's both one of my favorite books and movies. I've also started watching a new series on PBS, "All Creatures Great and Small." They staying as true to the book as possible. With that said, I heard a screenwriter once say that both the cast and crew have a say in making changes to a movie or series. I'd have to think long and hard before letting my series be made into a movie or TV series. And I do prefer the books.
ReplyDeleteWell, Marja, I don't know about you but I've never had anyone legitimate contact me, wanting to make my book/s into a movie. And that's probably just as well. :)
DeleteThey're two different mediums; films seldom match up to the satisfaction of readers, but can be satisfying on their own merits. There are exceptions to the rule like 'Mockingbird,' as Marja mentioned, and the Coen brothers' 'True Grit.' One of the many reasons for the difference between the two is books generally have one writer while the screenwriter nowadays also has to satisfy the producer and production committee.
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing that out, John. Of course that's true but I still don't like to see characters I've read about changed into people they weren't created to be.
DeletePat,
ReplyDeleteI did a similar topic on my last blog. If I've read the novel first, it always seems as if the film version doesn't live up to it. The Godfather is a great example. But as John pointed out film is a different medium.
Well, it seems as if you and I are "on the same page." :) Thanks for stopping by, Jacquie.
ReplyDelete