Books have been getting a makeover lately. With the explosion of eBook technology, and the market flooded with eReaders like the Kindle and the NOOK, it seems the printed word is getting a run for its money. But there’s another type of transformation many books have been undergoing recently: the silver screen makeover. Adaptation of comic books, novels, memoirs, and the like are spreading through Hollywood like wildfire. And yet, in all the chaos, there are a few greats (or at least personal favorites) they seem to have missed.
Titles like...
6. Neverwhere (1996): Now, this one is starting out the list because technically, it’s already a TV mini-series (that technically kinda sucks). And, in fact, that mini-series is what inspired the companion novel and subsequent comic book written by Neil Gaiman (who also co-wrote the show). But, to be fair, a TV mini-series isn’t a movie, and the show’s creators clearly did not have all the resources to truly bring this amazing world to life quite like the novel and comic did with force. And I feel a proper fulfillment of this title is still due.
Why it Would Be Awesome
Most people wouldn’t dare argue against Neil Gaiman’s general brilliance, and I’m sure more than a few of you wouldn’t mind crawling around in his head (though probably not for too long). Neverwhere is no exception to Gaiman’s powerful abilities, bringing forth a dynamic and amusing cast of characters into an elaborate world of hidden doors and the compelling secrets that lie beyond them.
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| Also, this dude. And whatever "compelling secrets" he has. |
The story itself is beautiful and imaginative, while the visuals poured forth in the book and graphic novel are striking to say the least. This all translates well to the big screen, and I think with a strong cast and crew and an appropriate budget behind the project, the motion picture adaptation of Neverwhere could finally be realized to its full potential.
5. Chocolate Days, Popsicle Weeks (1970): Edward Hannibal paints a vivid and capturing portrait of the turbulent life of 1960s America, and the struggle of an everyday man, Fitzie, to simply live his life and make his mark on history in the midst of all that. It’s a story about self-discovery, love, loss, heartache, redemption, family, friends, and the inescapability of the past. Not to mention chocolate and popsicles. A solid read about the ups and downs of everyday life and how two lovers made it through to the other side.
Why it Would Be Awesome
This is just one of those strangely compelling stories. It’s not about space marines or zombie Nazis or secret agents or a bomb squad. It’s just a couple of lovable characters and their everyday adventures. It’s a fresh look at the world through the eyes of an ordinary citizen with a zest for living life. It’s not a complicated plot with twists and turns around every bend, and I personally find that refreshing now and again. The inherent beauty of this book lies in its simplicity.
4. American Skin (1998): This was a book written by one of the professors at Columbia College of Chicago, where I attend, so naturally it popped up as part of my required reading during one of my Fiction Writing classes. While it may not be world-renowned, the book has gained quite the cult following over the years (especially in England, where it was first published). The story details the life of everyday-citizen-turned-anti-Nazi-skinhead, Alex Verdi as he laughs, loves, fights, learns, and discovers his way through the streets of 1980s Chicago.
Why it Would Be Awesome
The book is overflowing with lush descriptions, fluid action, and fierce character development. The story is refined and driven, paced to the familiar rhythms of urban life. The brilliant and exotic cast of characters that Alex meets along his journey really forms the heart of the story, and a strong band of supporting actors would be needed to pull this through from a hackneyed indie project to an Oscar-worthy movement. The source material’s all there, however, and ripe for the picking.
3. Moon Knight (1975-Present): Essentially Marvel’s answer to the Caped Crusader, Moon Knight has run a bit of an underground course since his introduction in the mid ‘70s. Moon Knight is a much darker and grittier version of Batman, less inclined to lurk in the shadows and solve mysteries and more apt to just beat people with nunchucks.
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| Like so. |
Oh, also, he gets enhanced powers from the Egyptian god, Khnoshu. The stories themselves are actually quite compelling (when they make sense), and the degradation of the character, Marc Spector (Moon Knight’s civilian persona), both physically and mentally, is a thrill to watch.
Why it Would Be Awesome
Egyptian gods + former Marine + nunchucks = WIN.
2. Mistborn Trilogy (2006-2008): Wow. Where to even start with this series? The Mistborn books, written by Brandon Sanderson, are easily some of the most cinematic I’ve ever read. They follow a mysterious girl named Vin from her time as a cynical street thief, to her time as a cynical freedom fighter, to her time as a cynical empress. It’s got magical powers and epic fight scenes and hilarious talking dogs. What more could you ask for? I won’t butcher it further by trying to explain how the magic (called ‘allomancy’) works or trying to condense the story into a single paragraph – I’ll leave that up to you. The books are easy reads and tons of fun, and they come with my highest recommendation for anyone who is a lover of fantasy fiction or just plain good writing.
Why it Would Be Awesome
In addition to wonderfully colorful and unique characters (something not many sci-fi/fantasy authors can pull off with grace), the world is rich with detail and diversity, the story is engaging and beautifully paced, and the action is completely immersing. Not to mention, Sanderson’s writing style lends itself so perfectly to a film adaptation. And apparently, I may be getting my wish on this one. According to recent posts on Sanderson’s blog, the rights have been optioned and a script may be in the works. Now, a lot of ideas that get greenlit never make it off the ground, so here’s hoping this riveting, action-packed adventure is given the chance it sincerely deserves.
1. Red Storm Rising (1986): I’m a bit of a Tom Clancy fan, and this is definitely one of my favorites. So far, only 4 of Clancy’s novels have been adapted – The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and The Sum of All Fears. Aside from Ben Affleck’s presence in that last title, the movies are all fairly solid (come on, who didn’t love Harrison Ford in the ‘80s and ‘90s?). But Red Storm Rising really pushes the bounds of Clancy’s tense narration by plunging the reader into global war with frightening detail.
Why it Would Be Awesome
The epic scope of the story, the often breakneck speed of the action, and just the sheer, visceral intensity of it all provide a wealth of material for a screen adaptation. In all honesty, far too much for a single film. As with most novel adaptations, some serious chunks of subplot would have to be reworked or removed entirely, but the basic structure of the storyline is, in my opinion, more than enough to carry the film through. Now, granted, this is no American Skin – the characters are nowhere close to being the driving force here – but you know what? That’s totally okay. I know, as a screenwriting major from a liberal arts college, I’m supposed to say ‘no’ and just toss this idea in the trash, but screw that. When you have taught, engaging, and explosive conflict spiraling out of control on a global scale like this, I just can’t help myself. It’s too kick-ass to just leave by the curb.
Well, now that I've said my piece, what are some of your favorite works of writing that you’ve always dreamed of seeing come to life on the big screen? Who are some of the actors or directors you’d like to see attached to such a project? Let me know in the comments!
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