Books of films and films of books

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Fri, 2001-05-25 13:26

Does anyone have any examples of *good* films of books (or books from films) or is it always a mistake to turn books into films or write 'books of' films. Examples:

1 Jurassic Park/ The Lost World / Disclosure / Sphere (is there any Crichton book that hasn't been turned into a film?)
Brilliant, well researched books. Throwaway (albeit generally succesful) movies
2 The First Wives Club
Truly dreadful film flop from best-selling novel
3 Grease
Great movie (come on, it may be cheesy but everyone knows the words to all the songs, even the cynics amongst you) but dull book

I haven't seen The Hole but I've heard that it's been panned which is a shame because the book was intelligent and psychologically terrifying. And who knows whether the much hyped AI will be a fair representation of Brian Aldiss' 'Supertoys Last All Summer Long'?

Fri, 2001-05-25 14:25

robert

catch 22 - fab book, mediocre film high fidelity - mediocre book, fab film to kill a mocking bird - fab book, fab film

Fri, 2001-05-25 18:43

richardw

the english patient - book and film both massive abortions

Fri, 2001-05-25 21:10

andrea

Midnight Cowboy - great movie, crap book. The Shining- great book, great movie, but they changed the ending (much to my disappointment)

Fri, 2001-05-25 21:19

Taj Hayer

Didn't like Ballard's Empire of the Sun, but though Spielberg's film was excellent.

Fri, 2001-05-25 21:49

Wolfgirl

Firstly, it's such a relief to find someone who hated The English Patient. I was quite depressed when everyone raved about it; I found the other relationship (nurse and soldier) so much more intriguing than the central one. Betty Blue - book and film unforgettable. Moll Flanders - well done, excellent casting The Martian Chronicles (Ray Bradbury) - not exactly a film as such but I can remember it living up to my expectations. I loved the book as a child, it was so poignant. The Talented Mr Ripley - a big groan when I watched this. Patricia Highsmith's book is so much more complex than this trite audience-pleaser. A film that should be made? I am David - Anne Holm The Seige - Helen Dunmore

Fri, 2001-05-25 21:49

Wolfgirl

Fri, 2001-05-25 21:57

wolfgirl

Apologies. Corrected a spelling mistake and repeated myself.

Fri, 2001-05-25 23:01

Gabrielle

Kip was the absolute best character in The English patient and the film sidelined. I agree with Wolgirl, that relationship was far more interesting than the other one - I think Michael Ondaatje was putting some of himself into Kip and then got concerned that he was turning himseld into a sexy intelligent 'hero' and didn't push the character. Shame.

Fri, 2001-06-22 21:18

#10

eveline8383

Lady Chatterley's Lover --- book brilliant in exploring how two people discovered themselves - film an excuse for nudity and shallowness. Last Tango in Paris --- book explored grief and desolation ---film placed sex above everything else. Intimacy --- Hope there isn't a film from this book !!!

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