Is the book always better?
Adapting a book or comic for cinema is not an easy task. Over the years, several works have been modified to the bone to become good cinematic experiences. But the big question is: Did these productions manage to win over their authors? In this list, we separate 9 times book authors hated the film adaptations of their stories. Check out!
Lois Duncan and I Know What You Did Last Summer
Not everyone remembers or knows, but I Know What You Did Last Summer It’s based on a book. Published in 1973the book of Lois Duncan was described as an original romance that mixed teen drama with intense suspense. For fans of the slasher adaptation, the film released in 1997 delivers the same feeling, but not for Lois.
In an interview, the author was upset with the film and, part of the reason, was the death of her daughter. Kaitlynmurdered in 1989. “As the mother of a murdered child, I don’t think violent death is something to scream about and laugh about.”he explained.
Michael Ende and The Neverending Story
There are adaptations that are so controversial for their authors that they would like not to be associated with such productions, this is the case of The Neverending Story. According to the author Michael Endethe film by 1984inspired by his book of the same name, is “revolting” and that his moral and artistic existence was at stake with the film. The big question is: Does Duncan from Stranger Things know how much the book’s author hates the film, as well as the music from The Neverending Story?
Truman Cloak and Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Luxury Doll is one of the greatest cinema classics starring Audrey Hepburnhowever, is not well regarded by Truman Capote, author of the book of the same name. Interestingly, the writer’s hatred began during the film’s production phase. Capote was convinced that his protagonist could only be played by Marilyn Monroe.
After Hepburn was chosen for the role, Capote spent the rest of his life criticizing the adaptation. Furthermore, the film took several creative liberties, transforming the dramatic book into a romance with touches of comedy.
Stephen King and The Shining
It is not news that Stephen King hates the adaptation of The illuminateddirected by Stanley Kubrick. According to the King of Terror, Kubrick never understood his book, having “distorted” the arc of its protagonist, Jack Torrance. Trying to avenge his work, King even produced an adaptation in miniseries format in 1997. Interestingly, unlike Kubrick’s film, the production never became popular with the public.
Rick Riordan and Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan became one of the greatest children’s writers in the early 20s 2000. The announcement of an adaptation based on Percy Jackson It became a matter of time, as well as the failure of the work. The first film, released in 2010received several criticisms from the author.
In letters sent to filmmakers, Riordan pointed out the age of the characters It is the script as the main points that bothered him. Fortunately, the writer managed to do justice to his characters with the series adaptation of the Disney+where he worked as a consultant.
Susanna Kaysen and Girl, Interrupted
Launched in 1993the memoir of Susanna Kaysen was turned into a film by the hands of James Mangold and has generated controversy since its release. Among several criticisms, the main one focuses on the representation of mental disordersBesides the lack of care in sensitive topics. However, Kaysen had his own criticisms, calling the adaptation “melodramatic nonsense”having accused Mangold of inventing plot points that were not in the book.
Roald Dahl and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The fantastic chocolate factory with Gene Wilder may have become a classic in the eyes of many children, but not in those of Roald Dahl. Despite being credited as the film’s screenwriter, the author revealed that he had little involvement with the final product. According to him, the producers made a mistake with the adaptation since casting, since the author did not believe that Gene Wilder was the right choice to interpret Willy Wonka.
Additionally, Dahl had issues with the film’s title. Unlike the book, called Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in direct translation), the film was called Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory), which distorted a central idea of his story: Charlie’s leading role.
Agatha Christie and Sherlock in Skirts
The stories of Agatha Christie have undergone several adaptations over the years, but Sherlock in Skirts It was one of those that drew attention because it took the author seriously. A Queen of Crime criticized since the comic interpretation of Margaret Rutherford until the development of the plot itself.
However, it is worth remembering that Christie was rarely satisfied with any film based on her books. According to friends and family, her hatred for the films was so intense that it was necessary to warn her not to watch them.
Alan Moore and all his adaptations
v for Vendetta. Watchmen. From hell. Alan Moore was responsible for several classics in comic book format and, as well as Hollywood became interested in Marvel It is A.D, saw in their works an opportunity to make millions. The problem is that, for Moore, none of these productions were good.
The writer called V for Vendetta “Bush-era parable made by people too shy to make a political satire of their own country”in addition to referring to the version of Johnny Depp of the protagonist of From Hell as an **“absinthe-drinking dandy”v.
But, among so many speeches, one that marked generations was when Damon Lindelof tried to contact Moore because of the Watchmen series. “I want nothing to do with you or your show. Please don’t bother me again.”he said at the time.
