Making a film from a book is a difficult project, usually because it is almost impossible to capture the essence of a novel in approximately two hours. Of course, it can be done. The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring is an excellent example of how a film can seem true to its source, yet even that highly acclaimed film misses some of the original twinkle and imagination, of the writer’s novel as I have read.
I asked myself a few pertinent questions after watching a film after I have read the literature itself:
1. Did the screenplay stay true to the author's intent?
2. Did the actors look the way I imagined the characters would look?
3. Did the overall production (script, musical score, camera work, etc.) capture the essence of the author's intentions?
Upon watching of Mice and Men, too many important scenes seemed to be missing or lack the cutting edge that great films seem to have for example the scene where Curley’s wife dies; it just seemed too unrealistic the way Lenny broke her neck and everything just happened way too quickly and it did seem rather cheesy. I never felt as alive in the film as I did when reading the book and I’m not sure the film clicked into place.
Furthermore, I’m not too certain John Malkovich, who played Lenny in the film, captured the animal imagery that was so emphasised by John Steinbeck in the novel. He didn’t seem bear-like and wasn’t that much bigger compared to George. He added that special touch of daftness to his character, but didn’t fully encapsulate the ‘real’ Lenny.
In the end, I don't think there is an easy formula for making a film adaptation of a book, but I think there is one binding rule that should be followed: have the screenplay be as true as possible to the original intent of the author. This does not suggest a carbon copy screenplay, but rather one that adapts and brings to life those essential elements in the author's work. Directors shouldn’t even begin to make a film out of a piece of literature unless they are positive it will be a success. When that happens there can be cinematic magic; when it doesn't, critics and fans alike are displeased with what they see.
