Let's Make a Film

Not all of us agree that books should be turned into movies, and certainly most of us don't think that ALL books should be made into movies. However, since it is a fact that not everyone is going to read the books that are beloved by so many of us -- movies are a great medium to tell the story to a larger audience. 

I'll tell you that I love movies, love them. However, I don't love it when a movie botches the story. And sometimes, because I can feel territorial about a story, I get annoyed with the people who have only seen the movie version and then claim the story as if they found it, or (worse yet!) decide they don't care for a tale which was done poorly in film version. It can also ruffle my feathers when people don't know that the story was even a book in the first place... especially if it was one that I loved. (Disclaimer: My irritation over these things usually is contained inside my brain -- especially because I live in Los Angeles, where movies (not books) are the flavor of the day). 

Realistically, in my opinion, the books that would make the best movies need to have a central theme, and substance; something the movie can embellish and peel back the layers of. If there are too many themes, or the book delves so deep that it has already uncovered all of the secrets of the piece, the film would loose something in the translation-- unless translated incredibly well. We have all seen it done poorly, and what should have been a masterpiece turns into a flop. It is incredibly hard (I Imagine-- I've never been part of it) to turn a work of prose, that has unlimited possibility in the imagination, into something that a world of viewers can appreciate and relate to. 

My top 5 books, in no particular order, that should be made into (well crafted) movies:

1.) Watermelon: A story of hope and healing set in Dublin, Ireland. Would be a warm and humorous film that has enough substance to entertain a wide age audience, albeit mostly females. (My review of this book is coming later this week).

2.) The Senator's Wife: A political/ familial scandal written in fluid and substantial form. Thoughtful, gripping, and realistic. Could appeal to adults of both genders, if done well.

3.) The End of the Alphabet: This novella is such a wonderful story. It is in such short form (and skims the surface of the relationship in a way that keeps you longing for more) that I believe a thoughtful film-maker could create a tender, mature, and intelligent movie from this. If done correctly, this would be a love story that both men and women would want to see, and would be particularly interesting to more seasoned audiences.

4.) Midwives: A suspenseful, engrossing mystery. I doubt it would be labeled as an actual mystery in the bookstore, but that part of the story could easily be focused upon and expanded. Though really it is better than a mystery... it is a work of fiction in which the reader becomes emotionally invested in the outcome. 

5.) Eat, Pray, Love: I think this may already be in the works to become a movie, but I'm not positive. This movie would be uplifting and inspirational. A movie that would appeal to women, mostly late 20-somethings and beyond. 

Which book (or books) would you like to go see played out on the big screen?

xo,
The Coconut Librarian

Comments

[Los Feliz Bro]

(1) Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
(2) On The Road by Jack Kerouac

[Nadia]

I think that Julia Roberts is starring in the film version of Eat, Pray, Love. And I think it would be great to see Watermelon and Midwives on the big screen.

My favorite movie version of a book is Elling (the book is Beyond the Great Indoors) - I think the film does justice to the book.

[jaydek]

I have to say I think that the Harry Potter movies do a really good job of faithfully adapting the books and yet making enough cuts to translate the stories from huge tomes in to two-hour or so movies. They also very much capture the magical atmosphere I envisioned in my head while reading.

I'm very excited about Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love--but I'm afraid to see that movie version. i think everyone who reads that book takes something different and personal and inspirational away from Elizabeth Gilbert's story and i worry that boiling her experience down to a 2-hr movie purely for entertainment will take away from her ultimate message. But, hey I love a good girly flick!

And, finally, the book I've most wanted to see turned in to a movie is called The Sparrow and it's been in development for an eternity at Brad Pitt's company, Plan B. It's an amazing mystery/sci-fi book that dabbles in religion and philosophy. Truly an amazing read and a wonderful character that some actor could really sink his teeth in to. We'll see if i ever get my wish...