I guess that outside of two of these novels I’ve picked, this could probably be called “Novels I Want to See Adapted Again” or better yet, “Right.” So yeah, needless to say, some of these have been adapted for the big screen already, but if I’ve included them, I thought all of the adaptations beforehand were either just poorly made films or terrible as adaptations of their source material. In a way, I’m a little hesitant suggesting these at all, because depending on my mood, I sometimes think that some novels are better left as novels (i.e. my Stephen King suggestion below), but other times I just can’t help it and find myself imagining these done right as films and who I’d want taking on the roles and being in charge of ‘em. Of course, feel free in the comments to discuss my choices as well as talk about which novels or stories you’d love to see adapted right.
Blood Meridian
by Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy is not only the hottest writer in literature right now with his Pulitzer Prize winning (and Oprah approved) The Road, but after the Coen brothers adaptation of his novel No Country for Old Men (which many critics are agreeing is the best film of the year), I’d say it’s not going to be long before studios start spitting out adaptations of his work left and right. The Road is already very close to becoming a reality with Guy Pearce in negotiations to star and the rights to Blood Meridian have already been picked up by a studio (with rumors that Ridley Scott is on board to direct, but those are still simply that: rumors). It would definitely be a tough adaptation, because the morbid novel heavily relies on some pretty disturbing violence. It follows the story of a young kid (appropriately referred to only as “the kid”) in the mid-19th century near the Texas-Mexico border who joins up with a group of ruthless, bloodthirsty bounty hunters that are on a mission to collect as many Indian scalps as they can. Women, children, babies – they’re all fair game here and it makes for some disturbing, unforgettable atrocities. If you thought Anton Chigurh was a memorable villain in No Country for Old Men, just wait until you meet the highly intelligent, towering Judge Holden. He’ll be in your nightmares of weeks.
Captain for Castile
by Samuel Shellabarger
It seems to be a relatively unknown book nowadays. I’m yet to run into anyone that has heard of it, let alone read it, besides me (which I only came across it by accident), although in it’s time is was popular enough to be poorly adapted into a Tyrone Power swashbuckler). The novel is a historical fictional account of Hernán Cortés’s conquest of Mexico in the early 16th century, through the eyes of a young, ambitious Spanish nobleman named Pedro de Vargas. It’s a complex, but fast paced swashbuckling adventure full of romance, politics, and betrayals, not so dissimilar to Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo or The Three Musketeers. The Tyrone Power version leaves out the majority of the story, more or less changing the entire thing, but the novel is fast paced enough that most all of the storylines could stay in and the film could easily clock in effectively at two and a half hours. Get a young, relative unknown actor out of Spain to play Pedro and snag Javier Bardem for the part of Cortés and this could turn out to be a monster historical epic (and well-made historical epics are something I can never get enough of).
The Gunslinger
by Stephen King
This one I’m not so sure about, even though I’m including it on this list. My theory is that this could be made as a standalone film, as this first novel in the series works well as a standalone story. If they tried to adapt the entire seven novels in the series, that’s when I’d have to put my hand up and say “I cry your pardon, but no thankee, sai,” because I’m not convinced that it could be done right, not in anyone’s hands. And some things are better left alone anyway. I think a standalone film of The Gunslinger, maybe adding a little bit to make it feel like a complete story but still leaving the whole story and Roland’s background vague, could turn out fantastic (John Hillcoat to direct anyone?). Frank Darabont has expressed his interest in adapting the series as recently as this year and even talked to Stephen King about it, but then went on to say that “I’ve told him the thought of adapting that saga makes me break out in a cold sweat, curl into a ball, and weep. It’s just so metaphysical and trippy, so much of it almost impossible stuff to visualize on screen. Not to mention it’s just staggeringly huge and massive!” Then later this year, King confirmed that he optioned the rights to JJ Abrams (for a staggering $19!) so he and his team could try and develop something to see if it works out. So… we’ll have to wait and I have a feeling they’re going to tackle all seven of the novels instead of just one. Am I the only one who thinks JJ Abrams is definitely not the right man for this though? And that they better not make this into a TV miniseries?
The Great Gatsby
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald’s masterpiece is such a work of delicate brilliance, every word intentionally placed and thought out, every moment meaningful and symbolic, it’s no wonder that directors have had such a hard time adapting it in the past. It’s just such a mesmerizing, human story though (not to mention, easily one of my favorite novels ever), and I’d just love to see it done appropriately. There are an abundance of actors I could see in the roles of Jay Gatsby: Robert Downey Jr., Eric Bana, and Edward Norton come to mind. Same can be said for Nick Carraway: Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling. And Daisy Buchanan? Why not Kate Winslet or Naomi Watts? Find a director like Frank Darabont who is a stickler for detail and symbolism and can pull a good 1-2 emotional punch, and the studios could definitely have themselves a huge, Oscar-worthy winner.
East of Eden
by John Steinbeck
This is the novel that actually inspired me to make this list in the first place. Elia Kazan’s popular James Dean starring movie is just an abominable adaptation in every sense of the word. I understand the novel is huge, covers a long period of time, and has a lot of characters… but if you’ve ever read the book, I’m sure you’re in agreement leaving out the Trask family’s Cantonese servant Lee in Kazan’s adaptation helped destroy the entire message of Steinbeck’s story. He’s one of the most important characters in the last part of the story (the part which the Kazan movie is based on) and they leave the character out completely. Obviously, some of it would have to be cut out due to the novel’s length (and even then, it’d undoubtedly have to be nearly a three-hour film to be done effectively), but the central story of the Trasks from Adam to his brother to Cathy to their sons all needs to be there – and Lee (as well as freaking “timshel”) absolutely cannot be left out! A few years ago, it was announced that Ron Howard was on board to direct an adaptation, but nothing came of that and he’s no longer attached, leaving the project back at square one. Now, I have no clue who I would ever want to take on such an ambitious project, but I always thought Tim Robbins could capture the timid, meek Adam Trask (although he’s getting up there in years, so they better get moving!) and Liam Neeson could do well with the role of Samuel Hamilton. Cal (who was played by Dean in Kazan’s version) and Aron Trask as well as Abra are obviously important casting decisions as well (especially Cal, who I think is the most essential character to nail). I used to say Ryan Gosling would make a great Cal after seeing him in The Believer, but he’s definitely too old now. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is getting up there in age too, but he’s still got a young face, and could definitely pull off the complexity of the character – although he’s never been in a period piece like this before. I’m always a fan of taking risks on relative unknowns though.
Thoughts?
Hate to disagree with you there, but if there is one thing that I DON’T want to see adapted is the diminishing returns series known as THE GUN SLINGER. I know that there should be a satisfying blend of the Spaghetti Western and Post Apocalypse genres. I just don’t want to look to Steven King for it. I’m all for more McCarthy up on screen. I’m chomping at the bit for THE ROAD.
The Great Gatsby doesn’t seem to be a novel suited for the screen. I vaguely remember the Robert Redford version decades ago. Felt a little forced with that voice over. Ouch.
I’d love to see someone go for Guy Gavriel Kay’s TIGANA as a 2 film project. And I’d really love to see someone give Alaistar Reynold’s CHASM CITY a go as a big budget scifi-noir-revenge-action-picture.
I still have yet to watch East of Eden, and I’m not sure if I want to or not. But I definitely agree with you on these, especially The Great Gatsby – I could see that being a delectable art film/period piece with some great, nuanced performances.
I have to add my newest fave, The Dogs of Babel, for consideration. I could see it being somewhat Science of Sleep-ish, very quirky and endearing and whimsical.
Oooh – and also, The Awakening by Kate Chopin. There’s about a thousand listings of it on IMDb but it seems nothing great has ever come from a screen adaptation of this. Done right, it could be a tour de force for someone like Naomi Watts (hate to steal your suggestion, JB) or Rachel McAdams.
Well, I’ve only read 2 of the books on your list, I’ll let you figure out which 2, but I have my own list of books that I could see as great movies:
1. The Ginger Man – JP Donleavy’s story of Sebastian Dangerfield’s journey that goes no where is bitingly humerus, completely over the top and yet completely believable (not to mention that he’s the lowest of the low when it comes to scoundrels). Actually, Robert Downy Jr. would be PERFECT for the role.
2. Cry to Heaven – Anne Rice is best known for her vampire and witches saga but this is her best stand alone work and I’d even argue one of her best novels. Period. The story of two men trying to survive the wold of 18th century opera is brimming with plot lines and twists that would make for a greatly entertaining film. My number one choice would be to get Neil Jordan back behind the camera. And though I didn’t like the one film I’ve seen of hers (The Last Mistress), I would love to see what someone like Catherine Breillat could do with the story.
3. Fall On Your Knees – I’m proud to say that Canadian Anne Marie-Macdonald was on my radar WAY before Oprah ever got her hands on this book but this is what great generational family dramas is all about. A brilliant read that would make an equally brilliant film.
4. Jennifer Government – Max Barry’s view of the future where the planet is overrun by corporations (even governments are corporations) and individuals take on their employer’s name as their last names, this is the one book that I’m shocked has yet to be re-made. The rights were apparently sold a few years back and every once in a while, Barry goes into LA for movie talks but nothing has yet to transpire.
5. The Sevenwaters Trilogy – So this is cheating a bit, I realize, but little known Australian author Juliet Marillier’s (she’s grossly overshadowed by fellow Ausie Sarah Douglass – who’s prolific in her own right) first series is easily one of the best escapist-fantasy-historical series I’ve read in the last few years. There’s a bit of everything in there and it’s all tied into a great romance and some wicked action sequences. The material is much more ‘lady friendly’ but if done right, this could be appealing to a whole multitude of folks (and Christina Ricci would be an amazing Sorcha).
Oh yeah, and I’m waiting to see Dale and Colleeny’s lists up here! Those two inhale books. I’m interested in seeing their lists. *hint* *hint*
Enders Game, bitches.
We’ve past the point of Enders Game in my opinion. After all the twisty-turny 1999 films and sci-fi overkills, I think if they made Enders Game into a movie it would already feel old-hat. Shame there, but the book is always a fun one to come back to. Didn’t have much time of day for the sequels though. The first one is a bonafide classic though.
did you forget Finnegan’s Wake? Also I’d like to see a movie adaptation of Clerks II the Novelization, right after I read that I thought “this would make a great movie”.
Why would you not want the Dark Tower series adapted as a TV show? Imaging HBO doing it right, as in Carnivale meets Deadwood. Could be great that way.
Myself, I have always wanted to see Roger Zelazney’s Lord of Light turned into a movie. Well, that and Clive Barker’s WeaveWorld.
All right, cause Marina asked. Here’s my top five books I’d like made into movies. Just like the top 5 directors question the other day, I am sure as soon as I commit my picks in writing, I’ll end up slapping my head and claiming…Damb I could have had a V8 (but some book name instead of V8).
Confederacy of Dunces ( John Kennedy Toole)- I would love to see this made, yet at the same time I can not imagine who could step up and play the larger than life character Ignatius. Vive Ignatius Libre!
Make Love * the Bruce Campbell Way (the Chin)- Unlike confederacy, I have a pretty good suggestion as who should play the CHIN!
The Postman (David Brin) – Yes, I know it has already been made into a movie (I was banned from the Lougheed Cinema’s for yelling at the screen my dismay at the hideous thing they did to a great book!!!!) Just added fuel to my opinion of Mr. Costner.
Night Watch or Going Postal (Terry Pratchett)- Either of these titles I would like to see attempted. Terry Pratchett’s Diskworld is such a warped little spoof on the real world, It would be interesting to see a really creative mind run with it.
Incompetince (Rob Grant) – One half of the duo that brought us Red Dwarf. In a world why it is virtually impossible to get fired (especially for incompetence), One man must over come pretty much everything and everyone to solve a crime. If only he could get a pair of shoes that didn’t have cardboard soles.
I will second Jonathan’s suggestion of East of Eden. Steinbeck rules
Getting banned from yelling at the screen of a theatre is also a part in the confederacy of dunces. Maybe it was my unconscious memories of that book that made me lose it! =)
Why am I not surprised about the inclusion of “Confederacy of Dunces” and “Make Love…”?
As for Costner – let the battle rage!
Dunces almost got off the ground with Will Farell a few years ago, who the hell knows how that would have turned out, he’d be a far cry from my first choice as Ignatius…
Unfortunately, Make Love the B.C. Way was an awful book. quite embarrassing to read. I really love If Chins Could Kill though.
I always thought Vonnegut’s ‘Sirens of Titan’ was a perfect fit for Gilliam or Burton, but alas no one has done anything with it. I know that Jerry Garcia bought the rights to the book long ago, and now it sits waiting to be made.
Johnny Depp as Malachi Constant, the absurd space-traveller…
I have only read a couple chapters of Blood Meridian and I think it is fantastic… would be a shame to do it in another medium, Cormac has whittled it down to some essential poetry in his sparse prose, its better than any adaptation perhaps could do justice to.
Some books really should not be made into films. My all-time favorite book, Dostoevsky’s ‘Notes From Underground’ was brutalized into cinematic form in the nineties. But there is altely a vogue for making films out of ‘impossible’ texts. There was the running joke in Adaptation about the Orchid Thief, but more recently ‘Atonement’ was thought to be impossible to adapt due to the book’s constant rumination on writing process… I have not read the book but I think as a film it is a success.
and then there was that horrible rumour that a film was going to be made of Dave Egger’s ‘Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius’ with Tom Cruise as Eggers… now that is a book that has no earthly reason to be adapted.
Yeah, I don’t see how Notes From The Underground could be adapted, it’s just a speech. You may as well adapt a cook book.
Depp’s perfect for Malachi Constant. I too had him in mind when I read the book. Good thinking.
Kurt, don’t agree with you on Enders Game for two reasons. 1, the console game he always plays at military school. It would be really interesting to see how they would adapt that.
2, naked ten year olds shank fighting in the showers and brutally murdering each other.
Yes, I am aware those would be first parts left out of the screenplay. I’m also aware that OSC actually wrote an adaptation with all the good parts taken out.
Also, the ending is problematic.
It was the ending that would feel very much old hat and possibly a cheat, even if it was straight from the book. Trust me when I say it wouldn’t play post 1999. My thoughts anyway.
Have to make this short since the lady friend is ordering me to bed:
Good Omens
House of Leaves
We3
Box Office Poison
World War Z
/discussion
House Of Leaves would be a hell of an undertaking to adapt to film. there are very few directors i would feel comfortable taking it on, and because of Adaptation, Spike Jonze is on the short list. can’t really think of anyone else off the top of my head who i would feel at ease with taking the reigns on something as immersive and convoluted as House Of Leaves. it’s a fantastic read, but i’m not sold on the possibility that it can be brought to the screen in a way that could retain its mind-bending poetry and commentary.
Ok, so my list isn’t as eclectic as those here, but here’s what I’d like to see based on what I’ve read (oh, and nice mention of Incompetince by Colleeny!)
1. The Reckoning by James Byron Huggins. Would love to see this done and somehow keep all the brutal action along with the psychological and religious content. It’ll never happen though.
2. Without Remorse by Tom Clancy. Heard about a year ago they were going to make this, but haven’t heard anything about it since. Kinda doubt they’ll get it right though – they’ll probably make it an action piece instead of the transformation of the man.
3. Rain Fall by Barry Eisler. Would have to be done Noir like and maybe even use voice over to get inside the protagonist’s head. The Japan settings and deadly efficient actions scenes would be great to see on screen.
Two other mentions here: With another Punisher movie coming out, I just wish they’d do a movie right based on any of Garth Ennis’ penned Punisher Max comics. They are gritty, brutal, dark, crime and punishment dramas without a superhero in sight and would make a great movie in the right hands. The other one I had wanted to see done was the Sin City graphic novels, and they beat the odds and absolutely nailed it doing a book to movie right. So it is possible…
FYI Ender’s Game is set to be a film directed by Wolfgang Peterson with Orson Scott Card writing the screenplay. Although it’s one of books I love the most in the world I have high doubts it could be a sucessful film, mostly due to the age the young actor’s would have to be.
Oh course, I will be first at the theatre that day…
Shannon, that project’s been “in the works” for near a decade. Back when Peterson was considered A list. Everything I’ve read about Scott’s screenplay makes it sound terrible.
Kurt, I agree about the ending (as I’ve said above) but all adaptations have their challenges. I think if the “twist” were revealed to the audience but not the characters then it would work. I also think it would be better served as by a smaller budget. It’s a cerebral story at heart.
Something along the lines of Sunshine (yes, I hate the ending too). Danny Boyle has been good working with kids, maybe he’d be a good fit for the material.
kurt – “Trust me when I say it wouldn’t play post 1999.”
response – no.
It was unintended but “cerebral at heart” is an awesome oxymoron.
And also “awesome oxymoron” is a cool aliteration.
I’ve always felt Fincher could pull off House of Leaves pretty damn well. He’d certainly be able to capture the foreboding essence of the house, and the opening video sequence could be the creepiest of creep outs.
We3 would have to be a CGI film, which I’d be fine with. Their is simply no other way to pull it off otherwise. But make it 3D IMAX and you’d have one of the most amazing visual films ever produced. Supposedly it has been optioned by New Line with Morrisson writing the script, so if they can find a halfway competent director we would be in for one hell of a bloody treat.
But really the one book I have read that just seemed so obviously perfect as a film was World War Z. Shoot it in a pseudo-documentary style like the book is written and you have one hell of an iconic zombie film that is like no other. Please please please make this happen.
Rusty- I think ‘Notes From Underground’ could be done as a short film… it has the fascinating diptych structure, the first a hyper-subjective rant, and the second a more objective peering into the life of the underground man. I could see something like Renais’ ‘Hiroshima’ opening, a montage of images while the rant goes on, and then seeing him from the outside, quiet Dardennes-like study of behaviour. The abomination that was made with Henry Czerny was quite possibly the worst film I have ever seen, absolutely soulless.
I would love to see a miniseries of Dostoevsky’s ‘Karamazov Brothers’… I really think that could be made, but it cannot skimp on the philosophy. one film could not properly encapsulate the scope of the story.
As much as I love Stephen King, I disagree on the gunslinger. In most of his books, especially the dark tower series, 3/4 of the story is being told through people’s thoughts, what people are thinking. To me it seems that all of his stories that actually work as movies have to be changed from the original source material to much. Like The Shining, that was amazing but nothing like the book.
As for what would make an amazing movie, Clive Barker’s “The Damnation Game”. That’s one of the coolest and most interesting books I’ve ever read. It would be scary and disgustingly gory, while still being interesting and deep. That would be an epic film.
The thing about all of Dostoevsky’s novels is that once you take out all the parts where characters repeat themselves over and over again they’re only like thirty pages long.
interesting observation
I love that though about his novels, nothing is said directly it is always fumbling over the meaning of things, and fumbling over it again and again, and, for me, it is the beauty of that struggle that resonates with me. That said, the underground man rant is one of the most sublime solioquies ever written.
I know some people are bothered by Altman’s ‘Gosford Park’ because so little actually happens it, but a Dostoevsky film would be a lot like that… a lot of blathering, but if you listen closely there is some profound observations on the human condition in amongst the dialogue.
Did you ever read ‘The Idiot’? There is a great scene where an ailing character is trying to give a great final speech about life and death, and it goes on and on, and it contradicts itself, and it stumbles and starts, and digresses, and comes back… I love that
No, Mike I’ve not read The Idiot in it’s entirety and the part your talking about doesn’t sound familiar but it sounds interesting. My Dosteovsky phase survived only Brothers Karamazov and Notes From The Underground. I got really frustrated with The Idiot. I get very sarcastic when talking about Dostoevsky but it’s only because I wish I was able to get more out of his novels. I enjoyed Brothers and got a lot out of it but it didn’t make me love the guy. I do enjoy reading about his life though. He’s a fascinating character. I’d like to read Crime and Punishment some day.
The Idiot is my least favorite of the Dostoevsky that I have read, but even the least favorite of his sits miles apart from everything else in my estimation.
Sara, from what you’ve told me about The Dogs of Babel, I’d love to see that one on the big screen, especially with someone like Gondry in charge (just watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind again a few days ago by the way and was surprised to find that it was even better than I remembered it).
To those talking about Bruce, If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B-Movie Actor is just a fascinating read and it’s Bruce’s humor that has made it one of my favorite books I can remember reading. I’m disappointed that you say that about Make Love though, Kurt. I’ve been wanting to read it, but I might have to pass on it, I reckon.
Jay: In response to “I disagree on the gunslinger. In most of his books, especially the dark tower series, 3/4 of the story is being told through people’s thoughts, what people are thinking.” I would agree completely if we were talking about the entire series of books, but not The Gunslinger. It’s a different breed than the rest of the series and we never truly get into the heads of the characters in this one. Most of what we understand comes from Roland’s actions, from Jake’s words, and more important from what Walter has to say at the very end. It could definitely be a very quiet, very vague, very visual piece of fantasy western.
Make Love * The Bruce Campbell Way, is one of the funniest things I have ever read. It is a magnificent book, that you should most definately read…and soon. It is not like his Bio-graphy. It is a fictional account of a movie that wasn’t made. Let just say his interactions between Richard Gere are priceless. It also has alot of photochopesque visuals in the novel that add alot to the humor.
GROOVY
oooooh, i’d love to see The Awakening done right. World War Z could be a hell of a fun movie too.
Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way is funny and a neat read but lacked the heart of his first book (maybe cuz it was fictional, i dont know).
my choices: i’d love to see Song of Ice and Fire……. except the books aren’t even done yet (that didn’t stop HARRY POTTER though!).
Alright, Colleeny, you convinced me. I’ll still read it, especially because I want to see what a conversation between Bruce Campbell and Richard Gere might sound like.
Jonathan, great article.
Have you not seen 1974′s The Great Gatsby with Robert Redford playing Jay?
I haven’t actually. I’ve never watched an adaptation of The Great Gatsby and I’m very hesitant to ever do so, because the novel is so perfect. And even with Redford, Mia Farrow, and Sam Waterson, I’ve heard some pretty nasty things about it as an adaptation. Get Bana, Bale, and Watts to sign on for this and get a ridiculously talented writer to adapt the script… well, now you’re talking! I’m sure no matter what though, I’d be left unsatisfied.
Speaking of adapted novels, I can’t wait for The Time Traveler’s Wife.
I’d also love to see another adaptation of Steinbeck’s The Winter of Discontent a severely underrated story (although once made into a TV-movie with Donald Sutherland). I think Sam Mendes could do it justice.
So after far too long, I finished BLOOD MERIDIAN, took me nearly a month when it should have been read in a few days. Such is life. The book is something I respect, but did not ‘love.’ In fact, the narrative flirted full full blown self-parody, like Hunter Thompson writing Moby Dick as a Western. But it does come together in a satisfying way in the end. The tragedy of the film is palpable, not for any particular character, but for the entire human animal. I think the Judge is uncastable in a movie. They did a fine job with Anton Chigurh, but I don’t think anyone outside the obvious (Clancy Brown) could pull off the intimidation and educated freak aspects. On second thought … Jeff Goldblum anyone? Anyone?
Ted Levine for the Judge, straight out of Shutter Island.
OK, you’ve got me there. Swell (VERY SWELL) choice. Is Levine tall? I pictured the Judge as like a damn near 7 foot tall albino monster. He has to stitch two hats together to fit on his cranium at one point in the book.
not sure, he didn’t seem to have a neck in Shutter Island, just all head.
He is close to 6 feet tall, so I guess with some lifts and camera angles they could make him seem at least 6 and a half feet tall.
…I want to see Shutter Island again before it leaves the cinema completely.