2008 Woodie Awards
The worst book-to-movie adaptations
Sub-par movie releases throughout the years
Natalie Abreu
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Focus
Remember the good 'ole days when, instead of reading a book for class, one could just go on sparknotes.com, read the Cliffs Notes or even watch the film version? Well here are some awful and completely inaccurate representations of commonly read books and guilty reading pleasures too.
"Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1992)
Keanu Reeves. As Jonathan Harker. With a British accent. Enough said.
"The Scarlet Letter" (1995)
Where does one even begin with this mess of a film? The only connection between the novel and the film are the main characters' names, the Puritanical Salem, Mass. setting and Hester Prynne (Demi Moore) wearing the scarlet letter on her chest. This film focuses on the concept of forbidden passions and love way too much and doesn't adhere at all to the text of Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel. Also added are ridiculous subplots such as Indian/Puritan relations, Chillingworth getting a little too violent on the revenge-seeking, slaves and a witch trial. Not to mention love child Pearl isn't even included as a vital character. Demi Moore was reported saying it was okay to have a happy ending because not many people have read the book. Oh really? Maybe if someone working on the film had actually read the book, it wouldn't have been nominated for six Razzie Awards. Surely Hawthorne is rolling over in his grave for this travesty.
"Starship Troopers" (1997)
The original 1960 novel by Robert A. Heinlein dealt with controversial political and social themes. It won the 1960 Hugo Award for such efforts reflecting the Cold War society with a skeptical eye. However, the only thing the 1997 version of the film seems to keep an eye on is how to kill the most bugs in the most grotesque way possible. The film version has been both adored and panned for its obvious campiness, but lacks the depth of the novel. The novel deals with serious topics that that the film version totally glosses over instead going for sappy, melodramatic acting, cheap jokes and even cheaper special effects. Even though it seems like a campy satire of the gung-ho spirit of soldiers at war, it does it without a shred of dignity to the novel's good name.
"Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1992)
Keanu Reeves. As Jonathan Harker. With a British accent. Enough said.
"The Scarlet Letter" (1995)
Where does one even begin with this mess of a film? The only connection between the novel and the film are the main characters' names, the Puritanical Salem, Mass. setting and Hester Prynne (Demi Moore) wearing the scarlet letter on her chest. This film focuses on the concept of forbidden passions and love way too much and doesn't adhere at all to the text of Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel. Also added are ridiculous subplots such as Indian/Puritan relations, Chillingworth getting a little too violent on the revenge-seeking, slaves and a witch trial. Not to mention love child Pearl isn't even included as a vital character. Demi Moore was reported saying it was okay to have a happy ending because not many people have read the book. Oh really? Maybe if someone working on the film had actually read the book, it wouldn't have been nominated for six Razzie Awards. Surely Hawthorne is rolling over in his grave for this travesty.
"Starship Troopers" (1997)
The original 1960 novel by Robert A. Heinlein dealt with controversial political and social themes. It won the 1960 Hugo Award for such efforts reflecting the Cold War society with a skeptical eye. However, the only thing the 1997 version of the film seems to keep an eye on is how to kill the most bugs in the most grotesque way possible. The film version has been both adored and panned for its obvious campiness, but lacks the depth of the novel. The novel deals with serious topics that that the film version totally glosses over instead going for sappy, melodramatic acting, cheap jokes and even cheaper special effects. Even though it seems like a campy satire of the gung-ho spirit of soldiers at war, it does it without a shred of dignity to the novel's good name.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Kat
posted 10/01/08 @ 8:51 AM EST
I agree completely about "The Dark is Rising." I loved those books as a kid and was so excited when the movie came out and went to see right away - then it completely sucked. (Continued…)
Post a Comment