I’ve been thinking a lot about stories and their movie remakes lately.  My last post about Hellboy is not usually how I feel about stories remade into films.  I understand, respect and appreciate a remake as an artist reworking another artist’s original vision and idea.  I have never bought into that old adage, “the book is always better than the movie.”  A more accurate assessment would reveal that not only is a director working with considerably less time with an audience, they also are limited by what may be accomplished visually as opposed to textually. 

That being stated, I read and research science fiction relatively heavily.  I came upon a story entitled “Who Goes There?” by John W. Campbell Jr.  Some of you may recognize this story from its film adaptation name, “The Thing” (dir. – John Carpenter – 1982) or “The Thing from Another World” (dir. – Christian Nyby – 1951).  WOW!  I’ve seen both film versions but had never encountered the short story before the other day.  Since I wasn’t exposed to the story before I had seen the film, I was reading it purely objectively.  I don’t want to reveal any plot points … mostly because the plot, in its simplicity, couldn’t be altered too much for the films to work.  The formula is simple: a frozen alien, a remote research facility, and some overly curious scientists (big surprise).   As for the rest I’ll leave it up to you to check out, and I’m curious to know what you think of the film translation or the story in print form.  As a side note I’ve compiled a short list of other interesting adaptations.  If you can add any dimension to this list … please do …

I Am Legend – Richard Matheson – Excellent short story, Excellent adaptation to graphic novel (Steve Niles and Elman Brown) – Okay movie

I, Robot – Isaac Asimov – Cool collection of stories based on the 3 Laws, very creative adaptation to film

The Time Machine – H.G. Wells – Classic Sci – Fi, Decent film (screenplay by Wells grandson)

Lord of the Rings – Fellowship was the best of the movies, all the books were decent if you’re into fantasy.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep – Philip K. Dick – Excellent book and film (Blade Runner)

A Scanner Darkly – Dick – Great story, Creative roto-scope animation for the film

War of the Worlds – H.G. Wells – Radio broadcast (1938) sweet,  Tom Cruise film (SMELLS HORRIBLY EVEN WORSE THAN HELLBOY 2)

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