JAWS and other movies better than the book they were based on
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In the realm of storytelling, the debate over whether the book or its film adaptation reigns supreme has long been a subject of contention among fans and critics alike. While literary purists often argue in favor of the source material, there exist cinematic adaptations that not only do justice to the original work but also surpass it in terms of impact, innovation, and storytelling prowess. Among these standout examples, "JAWS," Steven Spielberg's 1975 thriller based on Peter Benchley's novel, stands as a beacon of cinematic achievement. While Benchley's novel offered a gripping tale of terror, Spielberg's masterful direction, combined with a stellar cast and groundbreaking visual effects, elevated the story to new heights, solidifying "JAWS" as a cultural phenomenon and one of the greatest films of all time.
Beyond "JAWS," there exists a pantheon of movies that have transcended their literary origins to become iconic pieces of cinema. From Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" to Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction," these adaptations have left an indelible mark on popular culture, captivating audiences with their visual storytelling, powerful performances, and innovative filmmaking techniques. In this essay, we will explore the unique qualities of these films and delve into what sets them apart as superior to the books on which they are based.
JAWS (1975)
Similar to his approach with "Jurassic Park," Spielberg employs his cinematic prowess to enhance an already outstanding literary work—this time, Peter Benchley's 1974 novel depicting a colossal great white shark terrorizing a small resort town and the endeavors of three men seeking to vanquish it. Departing from the novel, Spielberg opts to trim extraneous subplots, such as an affair involving Chief Martin Brody's wife and a marine biologist. Instead, he utilizes the film's concise two-hour duration to intensify the escalating stakes and suspense, all underscored by John Williams' Academy Award-winning score.
Originally conceived as a campy B-movie featuring animatronic sharks (which proved to be logistical nightmares on set), Spielberg's visionary direction, coupled with Robert Shaw's commanding portrayal of Quint and an engaging new narrative, transformed "Jaws" into a timeless classic. The film's enduring influence and exhilarating storytelling solidify its status as one of the most impactful and thrilling cinematic achievements of all time.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Stephen King, renowned as one of horror's foremost masters, showcased his versatility with the non-horror novella "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption," originally tucked away in his 1982 collection "Different Seasons." However, it wasn't until writer/director Frank Darabont brought it to the screen twelve years later that its true brilliance shone. In "The Shawshank Redemption," Darabont expanded and intensified the prison drama, centering on a wrongfully convicted murderer portrayed by Tim Robbins and his bond with fellow inmate played by Morgan Freeman. Despite facing initial commercial challenges, the film has since amassed numerous accolades and secured its place on the lists of many cinephiles as one of the greatest films of all time.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Much like its iconic box of chocolates, director Robert Zemeckis' Oscar-winning masterpiece "Forrest Gump" offered a delightful assortment of cinematic treats. With stellar performances by Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise, Robin Wright, and Sally Field, breathtaking cinematography spanning the nation, Academy Award-winning visual effects, and a soundtrack that stirs patriotic sentiments, the film had audiences cheering for America. Amidst the narrative, which follows a simple-hearted man thrust into the midst of pivotal moments in history, there's a wealth of plot to savor. However, Winston Groom's 1986 novel packed even more into its pages, including a slapstick subplot involving Forrest's stint as an astronaut. Notably, the novel diverged from the film in its treatment of tragedy—Jenny's fate was spared in Groom's rendition.
The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)
Thomas Harris' 1988 novel, delving into the unsettling tale of an FBI agent collaborating with a cannibalistic psychiatrist to apprehend a serial killer fashioning a suit from human skin, was the type of book that engrossed readers into the wee hours of the night, leaving them hesitant to switch off the lights once they reached the end. Jonathan Demme's 1991 adaptation, closely following the source material, evoked a different kind of fear, compelling audiences to jump in broad daylight. The film's potency was further heightened by the Oscar-winning performances of Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, whose portrayal of the enigmatic Hannibal Lecter became the stuff of cinematic legend. With Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, the film solidified its status as a masterpiece. And from that point on, the mere mention of fava beans and a nice chianti has sent shivers down spines.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Undoubtedly, Michael Crichton stands as a master of the thriller genre, yet when Steven Spielberg lends his expertise to a project involving dinosaurs in the modern era, excellence transcends to greatness. While the book is undeniably exhilarating and well-paced, it's Spielberg's blockbuster adaptation that epitomizes the essence of "movie magic." Though the film may seem somewhat subdued compared to its literary counterpart, likely to achieve a more broadly appealing PG-13 rating, Spielberg and his team masterfully breathe life into the prehistoric creatures, captivating audiences in the process.
Both the book and the movie serve as cautionary tales, warning against unchecked scientific ambition and the perilous consequences of meddling too extensively with Mother Nature, particularly for the sake of profit. Leveraging his background with an MD from Harvard Medical School and an impressive understanding of biology, Crichton crafts a world unparalleled in its intricacy, imbuing both the book and the film with a chilling undertone.
However, nothing quite compares to the awe-inspiring spectacle of witnessing majestic Brachiosauruses or a pack of relentless Velociraptors brought to life on the grand scale of the cinema screen. Sam Neill's portrayal of the laid-back Dr. Alan Grant is nothing short of superb, while Laura Dern's performance as Dr. Ellie Sattler shines brightly, even though the role was initially offered to French actress Juliette Binoche.
No Country For Old Men (2007)
Cormac McCarthy’s writing may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer adherence to grammatical norms. However, within the punctuation-free prose of "No Country for Old Men," there lies a riveting and dark story. In 2007, Joel and Ethan Coen unearthed this tale in their adaptation, delivering a film that captivated audiences. With Javier Bardem delivering a stunning performance as a conscience-free hitman on the run and Tommy Lee Jones portraying the small-town Texas sheriff in pursuit, the movie garnered significant acclaim during awards season. The Coen brothers' rendition of the story earned Oscars for best picture, director, screenplay, and a supporting actor nomination for Bardem. Regardless of whether it's heads or tails, the Coen brothers undeniably excelled in their adaptation.
American Psycho (2000)
Bret Easton Ellis' 1991 satirical thriller, centered around a young NYC investment banker specializing in mergers and acquisitions with a proclivity for murder, sparked controversy from its inception. While many critics lauded the work, it faced criticism from several feminists, and certain retailers deemed it so unsettling that it required shrink-wrap and was dropped by its original publisher. However, director Mary Harron's 2000 adaptation largely stayed true to the source material while adeptly capturing its dark humor. The film's portrayal of gore evolved into a form of social commentary, transcending mere sociopathic tendencies. And of course, the scene featuring Christian Bale wielding an axe against Jared Leto while dissecting Huey Lewis and The News remains a standout moment, showcasing the film's ability to balance shock value with satire.
L.A. Confidential (1997)
In 1997, a neo-noir crime thriller set in 1950s California captivated both audiences and critics, achieving immense commercial and critical success upon its theatrical release. Boasting a stellar cast including Kevin Spacey, then-rising stars Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce, and Oscar-winning supporting actress Kim Basinger, the film brought its gripping story to life on screen. However, perhaps the most ardent admirer of the film was author James Ellroy himself, who praised director Curtis Hanson for his adept adaptation of the source material. Ellroy commended Hanson for skillfully condensing the narrative while preserving its overarching dramatic tension. According to Ellroy, "The book is black type on white paper and the film is visual. It’s a brilliantly compatible visual form of the novel."
The Godfather (1972)
Mario Puzo's 1969 mafia saga offered readers a thrilling and expansive journey through the fictional underworld of New York, chronicling the rise of mob boss Vito Corleone and his criminal empire. Dominating the New York Times Bestsellers list for over a year, the novel introduced English-speaking audiences to terms like "consigliere" and "caporegime." However, it was director Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 film adaptation that cemented its place as a timeless masterpiece of cinema. Coppola skillfully trimmed the book's intricate subplots, focusing the narrative on the transformation of Vito's youngest son, Michael, portrayed by Al Pacino. Moreover, Marlon Brando's portrayal of Don Vito Corleone became legendary, contributing to the film's enduring legacy.
Jackie Brown (1997)
"Rum Punch," like many of Elmore Leonard's works, boasted intricate twists and entertaining narratives. In his 1997 film adaptation "Jackie Brown," Quentin Tarantino largely stayed faithful to the original story with one significant alteration: he reimagined the protagonist as a black woman, portrayed by Pam Grier. Grier's performance as a flight attendant entangled in a smuggling operation was nothing short of remarkable, and the ensemble cast, which included Samuel L. Jackson and Robert De Niro, delivered strong performances as well. Perhaps the highest praise came from Leonard himself, who declared "Jackie Brown" his favorite adaptation of his work and hailed it as the best screenplay he had ever read.
Psycho (1960)
In the iconic scene from "Psycho," Marian Crane (Janet Leigh) finds herself in the hotel room shower, savoring the warmth of the water, only to be startled when Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) suddenly pulls back the curtain. Accompanied by Bernard Herrmann's dissonant and unsettling score, the scene is etched into cinematic history as one of the most iconic moments ever captured on film. However, in Robert Bloch's 1959 novel of the same name, the murder is described succinctly in just a single line. It was Alfred Hitchcock's masterful direction that elevated the suspense thriller to new heights. By fleshing out Marion's character and humanizing Bates, Hitchcock intensified the suspense, transforming the murder into a nightmarish legend that continues to haunt audiences to this day.
Fight Cub (1999)
In "Fight Club," the cardinal rule is to avoid discussing whether David Fincher's 1999 film surpasses Chuck Palahniuk's 1996 novel...or perhaps, to openly debate it. Palahniuk himself expressed admiration for the adaptation, to the extent that he felt "sort of embarrassed" by his own book, which revolves around a despondent protagonist who initiates a club for physical combat and anarchic acts. While the film adheres to the standard practice of streamlining the plot, it also takes on a Hollywood twist, introducing a quasi-happy ending that diverges from the darker turn of events in Palahniuk's original narrative (Project Mayhem's trajectory takes a far bleaker route in the book). Additionally, the film embellishes the relationship between Tyler Durden (portrayed by Brad Pitt/Ed Norton) and Marla (played by Helena Bonham Carter), infusing it with a twisted romance absent in the novel. Despite these alterations, both Palahniuk and audiences embraced the film wholeheartedly.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Ken Kesey's 1962 novel, portraying life in an Oregon psychiatric ward, overflowed with unforgettable characters and vivid imagery, often earning it a place on "most loved" reading lists. However, the 1975 film adaptation surpassed the source material, propelled by a tour-de-force performance from Jack Nicholson. In this cinematic rendition, directed by Milos Forman, the narrative subtly shifted the focus away from the book's narrator, honing in on the riveting clashes between Nicholson's McMurphy and the authoritative Nurse Ratched, portrayed with fierceness by Louise Fletcher. Notably, the film achieved a historic feat, becoming only the second in Oscar history to secure the five major awards—Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Screenplay—an accolade truly reflective of its exceptional quality.
Words by Ross Williams
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