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?
