6 movies that adapted books and that their authors totally hated

Adapting a work of literature seems like a simple task on paper, as the story is already done and just needs to be translated into cinematic language. But the execution is much more complicated than it seems. And who better to judge a work of its own creator, in these films based on books, but which were the worst adaptation for their authors.

It surprises no one that Stephen King hated Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” so much so that he took it upon himself to bring it to the big screen. And this is one of many movies that adapted books their authors hated. One of King’s most recognizable works from one of the most important directors in history, and even so, its creator said he was far from doing it justice. Available on HBOMax.

A Clockwork Orange

Stanley Kubrick appears on the list again and it’s not good news. This time with ‘A Clockwork Orange’, a film he adapted ‘Clockwork Orange’ and that its author hated. Anthony Burgess, writer of the play, said that he “has grown to hate the movie. Or Kubrick. Or both”, as collected by Robert Hofler in his research on taboos in art called ‘Sexplosion’. Available on HBOMax.

V for Vendetta

Alan Moore is also one of those authors who hated all adaptations of their work. So much so that she has strictly requested that his name be withdrawn from any film based on his stories. And from a long list, here comes ‘V for Vendetta’, one of the most important and political comics in history, and for its author nothing did it justice: “Those words, ‘fascism’ and ‘anarchy’, do not appear anywhere part in the film. It’s been turned into a Bush-era parable by people too shy to create a political satire in their own country.”

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American psycho

Despite the fact that Christian Bale left his heart and soul in one of his best performances, the “American Psycho” adaptation has lost everything that makes the book great, according to author Bret Easton Ellis. In reviewing him, the writer comments: “I don’t think it really works as a movie. The movie is fine, but I think that book isn’t adaptable because it’s about consciousness and you can’t really film that sensibility.”

Mary Poppins

Disney is a leading studio in adaptations of literary classics and they have stood the test of time for what they are. However, for Pl Travers, 1964’s ‘Mary Poppins’ did not live up to his expectations, despite 5 Oscars and 13 nominations: “the film went against the grain of the books, which was simply a colorful extravaganza, so far from as real magic as it was possible to be”.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Audrey Hepburn has become a popular culture icon for her portrayal of Holly Golightly. However, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was not what Truman Capote wanted from his adaptation, starting with the fact that he wanted Marilyn Monroe in the lead. The author said that “The book was really quite bitter, and Holly Golightly was a real tough character, not an Audrey Hepburn type at all.”