Books made into films - Page 4

Stanaccy · 09-09-2007, 21:17

I always find when I watch a film adaptation of a book, graphic novel etc that I want the bits they missed out. To pick out 2 of the better adaptations

Dead Zone I wanted the wheel of fortune scene,
Lord of the Rings Where is Tom Bombadil.

I know they have to cut it but why always choose the bits I want to see.

Actually I find Stephen King's novellas are well done as films (Lawnmower man excepted). His novels for me have too much mindplay to make a good film.

It's the same with Philip K Dick's stuff Bladerunner is a lot more cheerful and takes away a lot of the wonderment than the book (Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep), the main question of which is whether Deckard is a replicant, and don't get me going on Total Recall pure shambles.

Lilly · 09-09-2007, 22:11

I have read all of Torey Hayden's books. They made one of her books, 'One Child' into a film and it was abysmal whereas the book was very good. I found it inspirational as are all her books.

ChrissieB · 09-09-2007, 22:21

[quote=Gayle;466642]I was reading the review of the film Atonement yesterday and it basically said that it was a brilliant book that should never have been made into a film because of the lousy job they've done of it.

[quote]
I saw Atonement yesterday and found it quite a visually stunning film. The plot is a typical McEwan story, dark with a twist to it. I will probably read the book now.

steeljack · 09-09-2007, 22:22

84 Charing Cross Rd. with Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins not really a novel , more a short story (80 odd pages of letters going back and forth ) but the film was fairly good .

grannyclaret · 09-09-2007, 22:25

I loved the book The Thornbirds, by Colleen Mc'colough..but in the film Richard Chamberlin and Rachel Ward were superb ,,,

LancYorkYankee · 10-09-2007, 18:09

I think the films "Gettysburg" and "Gods and Generals" were very true to the books.

Brian

bullseyebarb · 10-09-2007, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by LancYorkYankee

I think the films "Gettysburg" and "Gods and Generals" were very true to the books.

Brian

Yes - although they did truncate "Gods and Generals" quite a bit - for obvious reasons since the focus was Stonewall Jackson. The VMI museum in Lexington, Virginia has on display the slicker Jackson was wearing when he got shot. Wonder if Ted Turner has any plans to complete the trilogy? The books are excellent.

LancYorkYankee · 10-09-2007, 20:01

I believe that's also where they have General Lee's horse on display (stuffed of course).