Much like books, the visual arts are one of many media used for storytelling. This month, the Mechanics' Institute staff members have chosen materials at the intersection of film and print: books about film, books so fantastic that someone decided to make films out of them, and, maybe, even a few DVDs and film soundtracks as well.
Some of our picks were adapted into amazing films and television, and some were, well, not so great. A few of these celluloid adaptations were even…ahem…better than the book! See what you think. Was the 500+ page picaresque Youth in Revolt more engrossing as a novel, or did you like the film’s pacing better? What about Fight Club? Most of us know the spectacular David Fincher ending in the movie version, but how did author Chuck Palahniuk resolve the existential crisis of Tyler Durden? As always, we’ll be adding materials to the display throughout the month, so check back often.
Here are a few of our picks:
Jeremy selected Henry Mancini: Reinventing Film Music by John Caps
“Mancini’s themes remain some of the most recognized works of film music to date. He wrote music for over 40 films and television series, several of which were adapted from plays and books. My personal favorite: Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
Erika selected Stardust : Being a Romance Within the Realms of Faerie by Neil Gaiman
“Neil Gaiman (American Gods, Coraline, the Sandman comics) has had many novels adapted to screen, but Stardust is probably the most uplifting work he has done. It is about Tristan, who has vowed to cross over the Wall to fetch a falling star to give to his girlfriend…but he makes some discoveries about properties of the star, and about himself, that complicate his task. Filled with Gaiman’s offbeat British humor, Stardust is light without being lightweight, sweet but substantial.”
Taryn selected An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
“When a pregnancy gets in the way of a young man’s climb up the social ladder, murder is the only answer.” Woody Allen adapted this book as Match Point.
Bobbie selected Adaptations: From Short Story to Big Screen edited by Stephanie Harrison
“Many a movie has been inspired not just by novels, but by short stories as well. Read on to find out which films started out as just a blip of a story.”
