Good Books Made into Poor Films

[j over]

What are some examples you can think of where a decent or better book (novel, novella, short story etc.) has been translated to the screen poorly or disastrously?


The A.V. Club has up their top twenty.

[Cycstorm]

Re: Good Books Made into Poor Films

I'm amazed Dune didn't make the list. I love David Lynch and have always been a defender of that film. Then I went and actually read the Dune books...

[suzeaa]

Re: Good Books Made into Poor Films

I agree with 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. The film version completely sanitized the book.

I'd add the 1974 version of 'The Great Gatsby' to the list.

[Baby_Neill]

Re: Good Books Made into Poor Films

Ella Enchanted
Cold Mountain
Snow Falling on Cedars
Matchstick Men
Girl with a Pearl Earring

[Signal30]

Re: Good Books Made into Poor Films

I really, really liked David Brin's The Postman... but was bummed when I found out that Kevin Costner's ego was going to adapt it as a vehicle.

I still haven't watched it because of the reception, and have no plans to ever give it a shot (if going back to reread the book, I don't want to be seeing Costner's mug in my imagination).

Oh... and I Am Legend. Three adaptations, none of them an honor to the material.

[RogerOThornhill]

Re: Good Books Made into Poor Films

RAISE THE TITANIC

A fair and readable novel...unwatchable mess on screen.


R.O.T.