Many live in the world of stories. Fictional world seems more lovable than the reality and fictional characters become standards. Books have always been our companions and nothing excites and at the same time terrifies the readers more than the news of their favourite book being turned into a movie or series. For a really long time now books have been adapted into movies, some became a stellar hits, while others only infuriated the readers.
Adapting books into movies is a very complex process. The movie has to hold onto the plot of the books that the readers love and also create its own uniqueness for the movie watchers. Movies bring stories to life. It gives a solid visual foundation to the wild imaginations of the readers. It brings in more audience who may not typically read neither are they familiar with the primary source. The condensed story telling streamlines the narrative that captures and presents the core of the story.
Movies like ‘Pride and Prejudice’ based on the novel of the same name by Jane Austen, ‘Shawshank Redemption’ adapted from the novella ‘Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption’ penned by Stephen King and ‘Fault in our Stars’ penned by John Green were an instant hit. Not only did the movie goers liked them, the ardent readers were very appreciative too, after all their all-time favourites weren’t ruined beyond repair.
Meanwhile, the majority of the time, directors take a little too much of liberty with the creative license, thus completely altering the book to fit into their narrative. While they aim to condense the book, depth is lost. Characters lose their complexity and new circumstances are born. For many, books are the way through which they delve deeper into various emotions, however, when they are adapted, the limited perspective provided ruins the whole character development. We are often let out of the most intimate and important interior monologues. As all the emotions are put forward in visuals, intimacy of words and beautiful confessions are lost.
Lately, to break the restraint of 2-hours’ time, various makers are opting for series. Many books have been adapted under the banner on Netflix Originals and been made into classic hits. Series like ‘Summer I Turned Pretty’ based on the novel series by Jenny Han is being appreciated for its very close portrayal of story and excellent casting, ‘The Witcher’ starring Henry Cavil is based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novel is well received by the critics and fans alike for its faithful adaptation. In addition to it, ‘Bridgerton’ adapted from Julia Quinn’s romance novels is garnering praise for its stunning and diverse cast. But at the same time, audiences were not really happy with the Shadow and Bones series. The Grishaverse created by Leigh Bardugo was not given justice by the makers. Though the audiences loved the characters and actors who played them, it was the change in plot lines in the series that brought audiences’ dislike. The aspect of pacing and character depth was what the makers failed to achieve. ‘The Irregulars’ inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series received mixed reviews with remarks on their lose writing, and deviation from original plot line.
It’s important to know that mass opinion on adaptations can vary. Readers might not like the Netflix series ‘Shadow and the Bone’, but others are in love with it. What is considered as failure by a reader, might be of trivial consequence for the watchers. But the age old question of ‘how much creative liberty can makers take before they ruin the whole book?’ remains. While many argue that adaptations take away from the books others cite the right of creative license. It is safe to say that the success of adaptations depend not only on the makers’ choices, but also on the expectations of the readers, after all imagination offers the best visuals.