Which classic books should never be adapted for film/TV again?

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 2/17/10 at 1:18pm

The Onion AV Club has some ideas...

[misschung]

Posted: 2/17/10 at 1:24pm

Love it. I'll add Ulysses to that list for good measure. As much as I love movies, some things need to stay on the pages where they belong.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 2/17/10 at 1:39pm

I have to disagree with The Great Gatsby, only because there hasn't been a really great version yet. Although the shirt throwing scene is epic.

[strummergirl]

Posted: 2/17/10 at 1:52pm

I disagree with War of The Worlds. There has yet to be either a good version aside from the radio broadcast and the movies never followed the story. Also disagree with The Curious Case of Dr. Jekkyl and Mr. Hyde. None of those movies were essential viewing and the transformation with today's technology could be amazing and do the book justice (though I thought that would be the same case with Wolfman).

One book I would love to see adapted into a film that is Orwellian or just Orwell is Homage to Catalonia, based on Orwell embedded with the rebels in the Spanish Civil War.

Even though there has never been a good version Brave New World seems too little, too late in many respects.

The guy's nuts if he thinks the 1993 version of Lord of The Flies was good. The 1963 version however was definitely faithful and good considering none of the kids were professionals.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 2/17/10 at 2:09pm

The Fredric March DR. JEKYLL is pretty amazing, but it doesn't really have much to to with the story, which is pretty well unfilmable as is.

I disagree with their assessment of Dumas' THE THREE MUSKETEERS as being so terrible. A great fast fun read. And they don't even mention the Richard Lester film version, by far the best one.

And how could they have missed the interminable parade of Jane Austen adaptations? Dump Aunt Jane already.

[strummergirl]

Posted: 2/17/10 at 2:11pm

As long as Masterpiece Theatre is still around, Roscoe.

I have only seen little bits of the March version. I really am a fan of the book though the structure of the book makes it a real trick for any screenwriter trying to adapt the story.

[ErikJ972]

Posted: 2/17/10 at 2:15pm

I agree with this:

"Definitive version: Both the big versions have their merits, and we know we’re supposed to say the 1953 one is best, but Spielberg’s version is criminally underrated, one of the best popcorn films to synthesize American fear about terrorism into something approaching fun. Pal’s version treats Wells’ darkly ironic final twist with a head-slapping tone of religiosity, but Spielberg’s offers the sense that a happy ending is just one stop on the way toward imminent apocalypse."

[ErikJ972]

Posted: 2/17/10 at 2:15pm

I agree with this:

"Definitive version: Both the big versions have their merits, and we know we’re supposed to say the 1953 one is best, but Spielberg’s version is criminally underrated, one of the best popcorn films to synthesize American fear about terrorism into something approaching fun. Pal’s version treats Wells’ darkly ironic final twist with a head-slapping tone of religiosity, but Spielberg’s offers the sense that a happy ending is just one stop on the way toward imminent apocalypse."

[Weez]

Posted: 2/17/10 at 5:17pm

I disagree with War of The Worlds. There has yet to be either a good version aside from the radio broadcast and the movies never followed the story.

The only good version was the radio version? Uh, Jeff Wayne and I would like to have a word with you. :P

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/17/10 at 5:46pm

Moby Dick

[Eris0303]

Posted: 2/17/10 at 6:39pm

How can they not mention Care Bears in Wonderland? That is the DEFINITIVE version complete with a Jabberwocky named "Stan" (it's easier to say).

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 2/17/10 at 6:41pm

I have to disagree with The Great Gatsby, only because there hasn't been a really great version yet. Although the shirt throwing scene is epic.

I want to burn this book. So god awfully boring.

[Marquise]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 6:45am

LITTLE WOMEN is over done.

[javero]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 3:51pm

Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men'. Saw the screen adaptation starring Burgess Meredith not too long ago. Why tamper with a classic?

[Revolutionary]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 5:44pm

Jane Eyre. Pride and Prejudice. Wuthering Heights. Anna Karenina. Jane Eyre.

Oh and Jane Eyre.