Maria P Frino
Mar 11, 20222 min
Updated: Jun 30, 2023
I would love to see my science fiction drama - Xenure Station Trilogy adapted as a movie if only to see how the futuristic sets would look. Also, to see who plays the two power couples and the villain, The High Priest Enforcer. I guess I can dream...
This is every author's dream. To have their story made into a movie. Is this a good idea?
Not always. Have you heard viewers' lamenting - "The book was better" or "Books are always better"?
Having your book made into a movie, ie a film adaptation of your story, can be a great boost to your ego, but the translation from book to the script doesn't always work.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, a website that measures the quality of movies and TV, some of the best books have translated into bad movies. There are a number of reasons why this happens and when it comes to a series, the first installment may do well, but the subsequent ones don't deliver.
Here are some examples of bad adaptations according to Rotten Tomatoes - these may have been popular with fans but overall failed to live up to the book.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern
The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones by Cassandra Clare
I don't necessarily agree with these examples, especially The Book Thief. I enjoyed both the book and the movie. However, one opinion does not make a difference when it comes to popularity.
There have also been many movies made that weren't great but they garnered a cult following. One that comes to mind is Pulp Fiction starring John Travolta, Samuel L Jackson, and Uma Thurman. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this movie became a financial success and rebooted John Travolta's career.
Some other movies that critics panned but became popular are -
Fight Club starring Brad Pitt
Blade Runner starring Harrison Ford
The Rocky Horror Picture Show starring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon. (The late Meatloaf was also in this movie. It wasn't a hit until it was shown at midnight in many cinemas and this is when it received cult status.)
The Big Lebowski starring Jeff Bridges
For many authors having their books adapted into movies is a pipe dream and maybe this is a good thing. Another reason why your book may never become a movie is money. A lot of money is needed to produce movies and spare money is something many authors don't have.
Do you have a favourite book that was made into a movie and you didn't enjoy it? Add to these lists in the comments.
Happy reading
Maria P Frino