Down the Rabbit Hole

The Wizarding Wonder of Adapation

Blog Harbor Prompt - Day 13:
Adaptations! You're still the head of a major studio, so what piece of material (can be anything except another movie: a book, comic, TV show, toy, news article, real life true story, etc.) would you choose to have adapted into a feature motion picture? Also, which movie do you think was the absolute best adaptation of the source material (best can be either most faithful or most improved, your choice)?

Each time I've read a great book I've thought about how it might be translated on the big screen. Dan Simmons epic coming of age novel, "Summer of Night" is perhaps the one book I'd most like to see adapted for a feature film. The story follows a raggy crew of small town adolescents during the summer when something begins to take shape in the shadows and under their feet. The "something" is a slow burn of uber-creepy events leading up to an epic showdown, not unlike when a similar group kids face-off against the murderous clown in "It". Simmon's writing is top notch. He lures you into this idyllic every-town and allows you to be engaged by these ordinary, familiar kids and their summer flavored adventures. These are likely characters...the caring brothers, the tom-boy girl, the budding writer and the reluctant hero. They are endearing and awkward. I have to believe the casting director would have a blast casting the young actors that would anchor a story that is at turns, part "Stranger Things", part "Goonies". I would love to see how Hollywood would handle the big scares that come increasing more frequently as the book boils to its conclusion...the giant "worms", decaying corpses and murderous farm machinery to name a few. The tale has the potential for a great film I think if the adaption stays true to the vision of the author and the screenplay is as well written as the book.

As far as what movie, in my opinion, was the best adaptation of the source material...I'd would have to go with the Chronicles of Narnia or the Harry Potter's franchise. There is pure enjoyment for me in seeing these stories, so ripe with imagination and magic, on the big screen. You read about Aslan and you picture him in your mind and then, there he is, bigger than life with that magnificent mane, those soulful eyes - just as you imaged he would look, and its just amazing. It is equally joyous to read about the halls of Hogwarts or the quiddich field and then get to see them translated in living color. I'm impressed with how well the movies have mirrored these books and how well the studios have given life to JK Rowling's worlds and characters.