The unfilmable..........

steve_r

So the IT has a very interesting piece today about Cloud Atlas being turned into a film, and other such works that were considered "unfilmable".

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2013/0215/1224330042279.html

It's a very subjective thing to argue the merits of, but it's a very interesting discussion.

I covered the subject for a french exam in college, and I was asked, in french, no less, for an example of films where the movie was better than the original work!

I mumbled something about the Shawshank Redemption, it was the first thing that came to mind!

candlegrease

Ulysses, although I've heard there's a movie version that's actually alright

ThirdMan

Unfilmable: Don Delillo's Underworld.

Movie better than book: Winter's Bone.

Tom Joad

Not a novel but would love to see someone attempt a film version of Peer Gynt..

Mardy Bum

candlegrease wrote: »

Ulysses, although I've heard there's a movie version that's actually alright

There is a movie all right. Finnegans Wake is unfilmable.

JohnFalstaff

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a great book, and it made for a great film, but the film and book are very different beasts. Much of the book might be considered 'unfilmable' but it's a good example of how such material can translate well to the screen.

ScriptKittie

2666, by Roberto Bolano would be a difficult one to film.