Re: Books that were made into films

I think the problem with some books is twofold - firstly that they just have so much in them, that even a long three hour film isn't long enough to do them justice; secondly, when you immerse yourself into the world of a book, your imagination does of lot of the work for you in creating backgrounds, mind-pictures of the characters etc etc.
Steven King is a good example. With the exception of The Shining and Dreamcatcher, the best examples of films made from his works are adapted from his short stories: Stand By Me, The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, 1408.

One of my favourite book-film adaptations is Apocalypse Now, which was based (loosely) on Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness - brilliant book and brilliant film - so similar in some ways, yet different enough that comparisons are superfluous.

Re: Books that were made into films

I agree completely. Every reader is seeing a different picture in his/her mind; for example in GWTW my mental picture of Ashley or the dress Scarlett made from the curtains wasn't the same as yours or my neighbors. While that was one of the best movies ever made, it completely wiped out what I've visualized.

Re: Books that were made into films

Hoping to get to see Invictus on Monday. Clint Eastwood directed this screenplay of Playing the Enemy - one of the very best sports books ever written. Not really so much of a sports , more an explanation of how a clever, inspirational leader (Mandela) used sport to make a country whole.

Fab book, if anybody fancies it - you don't have to be a rugby fan