A Novel Idea

“They give me the money, I give them the book. Having input into the adaptation would be kind of like selling a house and coming back three years later and saying, 'Paint it this color!'” -Robert B. Parker

An active imagination can either be a blessing or a curse when it comes to novel-to-film adaptations.

When we dive into a good book, we fill in the gaps of information, extend each little detail and make assumptions based on our own thoughts and experiences. The interpretation of a single line of dialogue can completely define a character. Our own optimistic or pessimistic view of conflict can change the meaning of a resolution. Through printed word we create entire worlds in our mind.

Then some filmmaker comes along Godzillas your world with his own interpretation. It is hard to not be let down by the differences between what we see on the screen and what we had concocted in our minds, even if the filmed version is well done.

2016 has already given us a fair share of adaptations (The Jungle Book, Allegiant, The 5th Wave) with more to come (Me Before You, The BFG, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them). The point is, adaptations are nothing new and are not disappearing anytime soon.

I recently saw Pride and Prejudice and Zombies with my sister. We sat in the same theater looking at the same screen, but I’m fairly certain we did not see the same movie. I believe this because she had read the book and I have not. I entered into viewing mode with a near-blank slate, but she already had a world, populated by people, filled with drama, built in her head to work with. Our opinion of the film may be quite similar, but I doubt our experience was.

It is very difficult to translate a book into a film without changing certain aspects or leaving details behind. Yet, at the completion of an exciting novel, it is hard not to imagine it as a movie. Is it possible to be equally in love with a book and its filmed version? To take it one step further, has there been a movie that has improved upon its printed origins?

Inquiring minds would like to know. For now, I’ll keep reading, keep watching and try to keep my imagination in check…or not.