Many of the top-earning and most-loved movies come from books, like The Avengers and The Godfather. But turning a book into a movie isn’t always easy. Some stories are said to be “unfilmable” because they’re so different from movies. For example, it’s tough to picture Gravity or Singin’ in the Rain as anything but movies, just like it’s hard to imagine Kurt Vonnegut’s or David Foster Wallace’s writing on the big screen. Yet, Hollywood has managed to make movies out of books that seemed impossible to film, and sometimes they do a great job.
Even big directors like Stanley Kubrick once thought some books couldn’t be made into movies. He thought Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings was one of them. And Dune was also seen as too difficult to adapt until Denis Villeneuve made it a hit. So, if you love movies or usually prefer the book, look out for those rare films that do a surprisingly good job adapting challenging books.
1. Watchmen
For a long time, comic book heroes were always seen as the good guys. Then came Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons with their comic series, Watchmen. They turned the superhero world upside down by showing what could go wrong if superhumans had too much power. Their story is set in a world where America won the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal didn’t come to light, and a superhero-driven nuclear war with Russia seems imminent. Watchmen broke away from the usual comic book fantasy, offering a deep and complex story across its 12 issues. Alan Moore didn’t like the idea of turning his detailed comic into a movie because he felt movies couldn’t capture the same level of detail as comics. Terry Gilliam, a well-known director, even said Watchmen was “unfilmable,” and it took over 20 years before Zack Snyder decided to make it.
2. Orlando
Virginia Woolf’s novel “Orlando” isn’t complicated in style or language, but its unique idea made people think it couldn’t be made into a movie. It’s about Orlando, who lives for 400 years and changes from a man to a woman. Director Sally Potter was told it was impossible and that she should use two actors, but she insisted on one. Tilda Swinton was perfect for the role because she’s known for playing different genders and even species.
In the movie, Swinton plays both the male and female Orlando, complete with the gender-neutral wigs from the 15th century. Potter changed some parts of the book to make the movie work, like giving a reason for Orlando’s gender change. In the film, it happens after a battle, making the gender issues more about society than just Orlando. These changes helped the movie give a fresh take on Woolf’s ideas. The film “Orlando” turned out to be a big success, earning Oscar nods and kickstarting Swinton’s film career.
3. If Beale Street Could Talk
James Baldwin is best known for his powerful essays and his ability to evoke deep emotions through his writing. His novel, If Beale Street Could Talk, published in 1974, carries the essence of his unique voice as it narrates the love story between childhood friends Tish and Fonny. The plot unfolds as Fonny is falsely accused of sexual assault and imprisoned, while Tish discovers she is pregnant and fights against time to secure his release before their child is born. Throughout their ordeal, Tish’s supportive family stands by them, going to great lengths to reunite the couple.
Baldwin’s storytelling in the novel is not linear; instead, it weaves a poetic narrative from Tish’s perspective. His writing, characterized by vivid descriptions and musical quality, was once deemed “unfilmable.” However, in 2018, Barry Jenkins defied this notion with his adaptation of If Beale Street Could Talk, marking the first English-language feature film based on Baldwin’s work.
4. Lolita
Lolita caused quite a stir with its controversial story of a professor’s obsession with a young girl. The novel’s dark themes led to initial rejections from publishers, but it eventually gained recognition for its complex satire of the protagonist and American society. Nabokov, known for his scholarly work, crafted a novel that was both provocative and intellectually challenging, leading many to label it as “unfilmable.”
Stanley Kubrick, however, took on the challenge, calling the book a “masterpiece.” To comply with film regulations of the time, he made significant changes, including removing explicit references to the protagonist’s relationship with Lolita and her age. The film, released in 1962, was well-received for its dark humor, though some criticized the deviations from the book. In a later adaptation by Adrian Lyne, starring Jeremy Irons, the film stayed closer to the novel’s sexual themes but omitted its comedic aspects, which sparked controversy among critics and fans alike. If you know where to watch it, then head over to Hotstar in UK.
5. Ulysses
Ulysses, James Joyce’s famous book, is known for its complexity. It tells the story of one day in Dublin through three characters and is filled with puzzles and unique writing styles. The book, which includes bold content, was once banned in the U.S. It follows Leopold Bloom, a frustrated ad man, and Stephen Dedalus, a gloomy student, and ends with a long monologue by Bloom’s wife, Molly. Turning this book into a movie seemed impossible, but director Joseph Strick did it in 1967, causing quite a stir.
In the movie, voiceovers were used to share the characters’ thoughts, which simplified Joyce’s intricate writing. Critics had mixed feelings about this approach. The actors brought the characters to life, but the movie’s explicit content led to controversy and censorship. Despite this, the film was recognized for its boldness and even got an Oscar nomination for its screenplay. This was a big deal considering how complex the original book was.
Conclusion
The journey from page to screen is often a complex one, filled with challenges and surprises. While some stories seem locked within the pages of their books, deemed “unfilmable,” the creativity and determination of filmmakers have brought many such tales to life. These adaptations remind us that even the most intricate narratives can find a new home in cinema.