Would you see a movie based on a novel knowing the author didn't want you to?

[DonC]

Clive Cussler's novel Sahara has been translated into a movie coming out next month. Thing is, he actually sued to try to stop production after he felt the makers violated his contract with them. But many Cussler fans, myself included, are planning on seeing the movie in hopes that it's successful enough to warrant a sequel done Cussler's way.

However, I'm kind of torn, here. I know Cussler feels like he was screwed by the makers and he's my favorite author, so I feel a sense of loyalty to him. That would be the end of the story except for the fact this looks like the type of movie I would enjoy had I never even heard of the novel.

So you have the author I like feeling screwed by the makers of a movie I think I might like.

[GremlinClr]

Well, I love movies like National Treasure and this seems like that kinda movie so I'll see it.

I Recently read A Wrinkle in Time by L'Engle and I liked it so I checked online about the movie they recently made and everyone, including the author, ripped it. If the author hates it and you want to see a faithful representaion of the book then maybe you should skip it. Since I haven't read the book I'll go see it with a clean slate and hopefully enjoy it.

[Deathstroke]

I don't know which way I would go on this issue DonC.

However, in regards to Sahara, I don't know if I was going to go see it anyway.

[Blueferret]

Has there been an instance where the author has been behind a movie 100%? There are changes made to almost all translations, and the author, who created the work, tends to want to stick with the way he created it. IIRC, some of the Tolkien estate weren't behind LOTR and Alan Moore tends to say screw the whole concept once he sells his ideas.

[Shem the Penman]

I'd say it depends on the movie, really. I thought the LOTR movies were great, despite Christopher Tolkien's grumbling; on the other hand, I have no desire to see the Sci-Fi Channel's Earthsea because, from what I've read about it, they did manage to totally miss the point of the books and reduce them to just generic fantasy.

[DonC]

Has there been an instance where the author has been behind a movie 100%? There are changes made to almost all translations, and the author, who created the work, tends to want to stick with the way he created it. IIRC, some of the Tolkien estate weren't behind LOTR and Alan Moore tends to say screw the whole concept once he sells his ideas.


In this instance, Cussler claims his contract gave him approval over almost everything - script, director, cast - and that the production company reneged on the contract. That's why he sued. However, I find it highly improbable that a production company would give that much control to an author.

I suspect I'll see the movie. Just maybe not opening day. There are several theaters in Cleveland that have $4 Tuesdays. Four bucks gets you in and a small popcorn.

[rac]

I seem to remember Anne Rice complaining bitterly about the Interview with a Vampire movie and the casting of the Cruiser as Lestat.
Soon changed her tune though, when the cash started rolling in.

Has there been an instance where the author has been behind a movie 100%? There are changes made to almost all translations, and the author, who created the work, tends to want to stick with the way he created it.

Can't think of any examples in the book side of things off the top of my head, but Mingola seemed to be heavily involved in the Hellboy movie. And you have to say, it showed!

I've never read Sahara (though the book is on my shelf), but I gotta say, the movie looks like fun.

[Nate Grey]

I remember AGES ago Wesley Snipes commenting on the author of Rising Sun being mad that he was cast in the role of a character that was white in the book. Said something about wait till the money rolls in or something. lol

But unless I know the author personally, I guess I'm gonna have to say yes, I WOULD see it, depending on if it looked good. For instance, Sahara looked like crap WAY before I knew it was based off anything, and therefore I'm avoiding it.

[Slam_Bradley]

...and Alan Moore tends to say screw the whole concept once he sells his ideas.


And this is my whole point. If you sell the rights, you takes what you gets.

So my answer would be, Yes.

[Expletive Deleted]

Depends on how I feel about the author and the work being adapted.

I'll probably see SAHARA, if it gets decent reviews. I liked the book, but not enough to get all "How dare they mess with the author's creative vision!" about it.

[DLFerguson]

Notice that the writers never complain about the paychecks they get?

[Typo Lad]

I seem to remember Anne Rice complaining bitterly about the Interview with a Vampire movie and the casting of the Cruiser as Lestat.
Soon changed her tune though, when the cash started rolling in.


Yup! She took out a freaking two page ad in the NY Times Book Review to scream about it.

I recall her doing the same when she apologized, though.

I wonder how she felt about the film adaptation of "Exit to Eden".

[rac]

And this is my whole point. If you sell the rights, you takes what you gets.

Moore was interviewed on BBC radio s few weeks ago, and he talked about this.
He does not take any money from the movies of his creations, but has ordered the royalties to be divided up among the other creators.
This was a pretty funny story when he told it, as the same week he gave this instruction to his lawyers, David Lloyd called him about the V movie getting green lit. The Dave Gibbons called him, 'Guess what Alan? They're making the Watchmen!'

[Jasper]

Only if I hadn't read the book and I planned to see the movie anyway. I haven't read Sahara, and to be honest I don't know if I want to see the movie anyway. I might just get the book and skip it.

[Rabid Trekkie]

Has there been an instance where the author has been behind a movie 100%? There are changes made to almost all translations, and the author, who created the work, tends to want to stick with the way he created it. IIRC, some of the Tolkien estate weren't behind LOTR and Alan Moore tends to say screw the whole concept once he sells his ideas.

I remember an interview with Anne Rice, think it was on 20/20, where she said that she actually supported Queen of the Damned until she finally saw it.

[Metal-Demon]

To answer the question put forth by this thread ... YES and NO.

YES ... I would see the movie if I was only a casual admirer of the author's work.

NO ... I would'nt see the movie if I was a diehard fan/supporter of the author.

[Forefinger]

I would go see a movie, even though it isn't the author's vision. When people make movies, they are "based" on novels. The film is the director's and screenwriter's vision. Sometimes, IMO, they are better than the source material. "Fight Club" comes to mind.