We’ve all seen it—a movie changes a key plot point from the book. A perfect example: the 2019 "Pet Sematary", where they killed the daughter instead of the toddler.
My question: Where do you draw the line? Is being 100% faithful a mistake in screenwriting?
Hey Nikolay, this is Michael from the Stage 32 team. I just wanted to let you know I moved your post from Screenwriting to OTT & Transmedia , as it fits much better there. Let me know if you have any questions, and all the best to you!Also here is an adaptiation thread: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/transmedia/Film-Adaptations-transposing-I...
Michael Dzurak How is a question on script writing better in transmedia???? Transmedia is about merchandising or the idea you can tell different parts of a story in different media. It's not about adaptation or how faithful to a novel a film script should be.
Nikolay Tsenov In adapting a novel to the screen, you need to be aware of the different ways each works in a story. For example people often think that novels are more detailed than a film because in their memories things are so vivid. However, when you reread the most vividly remembered sequences, you find that in fact, little of what is in your mind is in the words; it was all constructed in your own mind. In film, the opposite is true. The entire setting is constructed and instead of recalling all that patent setting, we tend to focus down onto specifics. We experience the story differently. So the intention of the written work isn't necessarily conveyed by a complete or literal adaptation to the screen. You also must deal with the fact that novels are direct author's words into the reader's mind. Film is at least twice removed from that - the image and angle are already chosen, the actor is chosen and the actor makes choices. And of course... time. You have 90 minutes or up to 120 minutes to tell you story on screen. Something has to go, right?
I agree that some changes are necessary for the screen, but often, the film ends up changing the entire essence of the story.
Take the latest "The Count of Monte Cristo" (2024), for example. Having read the book, I noticed that the film deviates significantly from the original plot. It’s one thing to tweak a few scenes for pacing, but it’s another to alter the very soul of the narrative.
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To me, changing the theme is crossing the line. If the message of the film totally different than the book, why bother? (The film I’m thinking of is I Am Legend.)