Although some think it is easy, turning a book into a movie is hard. Filmmakers have to take out some details or mess with plots and scenes to keep the film under time. Writers do not like changes to their work because they put so much time into making their stories. Their words are there for a reason, so adjusting things too much in films bothers them.
Some filmmakers keep everything the same as the book, while others put their spin on it, making the writers smile and cheer. Here are five film adaptations the author of the book loved.
Adapted from Chuck Palahniuk's 1996 novel of the same title, David Fincher's 'Fight Club' follows an insomniac white-collar worker forming a unique friendship with soap salesman Tyler. They establish a fight club together. A woman, however, comes into their lives, which puts their bond to the test.
Palahniuk said the movie adaptation is even better than the book. He liked how the movie talked about things that he never thought of. He singled out the part when they were talking about 'fathers setting up franchises with other families.' The movie made the story deep and kept the viewers engaged.
Andy's new job at the top fashion magazine Runway is not like she expected. As the assistant to Editor Miranda Priestly, every day is a challenge. Miranda demands nothing but perfection. Anne Hathaway's character Andy has to learn fast, or this dream gig can become a nightmare. Based on the book by Lauren Weisberger, the movie showed just how tough it is to make it in the cutthroat world of high fashion.
Lauren Weisberger was pleased, saying that Meryl Streep's role made Miranda Priestly feel real. She highlighted how the movie version presented a more complex and authentic character for Miranda, straying away from the purely evil portrayal in the book.
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'The Silence of the Lambs' tale stayed true to Thomas Harris' book. Clarice Starling, a new FBI recruit, needs to question the imprisoned cannibal Hannibal Lecter. Hannibal could sense her naivety, so he engages her in dangerous mind games.
Thomas Harris had avoided seeing 'The Silence of the Lambs' at first due to issues from Michael Mann's adaptation of 'Red Dragon' into 'Manhunter' in the 80s. Harris eventually ended up seeing the movie on TV by accident. He discovered the film was as great as the experts said it was.
When Rachel goes to Singapore with Nick for his friend's wedding, she discovers his boyfriend comes from a wealthy family. Conflicts arise as she struggles with pushy elites, nosy family members, and his horrible mother. This screenplay was adapted from Kevin Kwan's novel with the same title.
Kevin Kwan expressed deep respect for Jon Chu's work in 'Crazy Rich Asians,' talking about how he sat alone stunned. Kwan was incredibly joyful because he had never anticipated Hollywood would make a romantic comedy with an all-Asian cast.
Neil Jordan adapted Anne Rice's popular book into a 1994 movie, 'Interview with the Vampire,' with Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise as leads. This film shows Louis narrating to a journalist about his days as a vampire, recollecting how he became one and the massive impact of his friend Lestat on his decisions.
Anne Rice had mixed thoughts during the pre-production and post-production of 'Interview with the Vampire.' Initially, she did not like the choice of Cruise for the leading role and even suggested other actors for the role. Rice said that after seeing the movie, she was so impressed that she called Cruise to apologize for her first doubts. She said Cruise's role as Lestat's character worked better than she thought possible, praising the actor's acting skills.
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