From Page to Screen: A Look at Fall’s Book Adaptations
This fall, Hollywood brings a diverse range of literary adaptations to the big screen, offering films that either rival or challenge their source material. While some successfully translate the magic of the written word, others leave audiences pondering what could have been.
Take, for instance, the ambitious "Here," occupying a curious space in cinematic history.
"Although “Here” — which reunites writer/director Robert Zemeckis with “Forrest Gump” stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright — is not good, it’s interesting, especially because of what it says about turning books into movies," the film critiques bounced around the internet. This unique adaptation, based on Richard McGuire’s groundbreaking graphic novel, grapples with the essence of place and time. McGuire’s book, as explained on his websitehere, presents a single location witnessed through millennia by various inhabitants – from dinosaurs to Native Americans to even a family descended from Benjamin Franklin. The result is a meditation on history’s echoes within the seemingly mundane.
"The book “Here” zeros straight into your head because, as you flip the pages and see how one very specific place in the world can mean different things over eons, it forces you to think about your own spaces: Who lived in your apartment before you and what did they do there? What creatures wandered through the square footage that’s now your living room?"
While the novel’s artistry lies in its unconventional structure, translating this to film proves a monumental feat. Zemeckis’ valiant effort captures the concept’s core idea but struggles to overcome the inherent staleness of a single, unchanging setting. The result, many critics observed, resembles a theatrical production more than a cinematic experience.
In contrast, "Wicked," drawing inspiration from both the Broadway sensation and Gregory Maguire’s novel, finds a better balance. While still prone to occasional theatrical flourishes, it skillfully incorporates elements hidden within the original source material.
Perhaps the most compelling adaptations are those that truly reimagine their source material, creating a new entity that honors the original while catering to the demands of a different medium. "The Wild Robot" epitomizes this approach. Based on Peter Brown’s beloved children’s book, the animated film skillfully utilizes cinematic tools like point of view to immerse us in the journey of Roz, a robot stranded on a wild island.
"Roz, a robot who befriends a bunch of creatures when she crashes into this world and who, ultimately, saves it. Parenthood, climate crisis and friendship are among the themes you’ll find in the book, and they are satisfyingly elaborated in the gorgeous, animated film,” as one reviewer enthused.
Similarly, "Conclave," adapted from Robert Harris’ novel, elevates the source material through its masterful visuals. Its meticulously recreated Vatican setting draws viewers into a world of papal intrigue and machinations, expanding upon the novel’s captivating narrative with stunning detail.
As we prepare for another season of cinematic storytelling, these fall releases offer a diverse spectacle. Some reaffirm the enduring power of great books while others highlight the unique challenges of translating the written word to the silver screen.
