By: Izabella Engelbrink
An adaption from book to movie is a delicate balance. Many readers have strong opinions about movie adaptions, especially beloved books. It is nearly impossible to adapt a book to exact perfection. The following books to movie adaptions- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, East of Eden by John Steinbeck, A Streetcar Names Desire by Tennessee Williams, Little Women by Louissa May Alcott, all vary in adaptions, some being exact while others experimental.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a sharp critique of the American dream, wealth, and human relationships. The movie successfully adapts the themes and key points of the novel but is different in many ways.
Famous director Baz Luhrmann is known for his hyper exaggerated style, in films like Moulin Rouge! or Elvis. This style is present in his adaption of The Great Gatsby; the film has high energy and rapid camera movements.
The movie also has a pop soundtrack, of various artists like JAY-Z, Lana Del Rey, and more. The movie follows the plot of the book, however side characters like Jordan Bakers or the importance of Gatsby’s father are stripped down.
The novel follows main Nick Carraways’ time spent in New York, and the drama follows between the characters. Though there is drama and tension in the novel, it is a fact paced modernist novel, that critiques societal American values. Where the movie focuses on romantic drama, in heightened overdramatized adaption with a modern spin.
Overall, for readers who want an exact adaption of the novel, this film is not the best choice. For those interested in the various interpretations and adaptions of a novel, Luhrman’s adaption is perfect.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
East of Eden 2026 Netflix miniseries is an interesting interpretation of the novel, where instead of covering the myriads of characters and stories within the novel. The miniseries focus on the Trask family, and most importantly Cathy Ames.
The miniseries differentiates from the book in many ways. The most significant being the Hamilton family story omitted from substantial parts of the series. In the novel, readers spend equal time with the Hamilton family as Trasks. Many Hamiltons are left out (like Tom Hamilton who is a devastating character) and Samuel Hamilton does not play the large role he does in the novel.
The miniseries’ focus is Cathy Ames and interestingly shifts her character from the novel. In the novel, Cathy Ames is the embodiment of evil and the absence of human morality, which is a central theme of the novel. The miniseries, does not change Cathy’s horrible actions but instead provides the “why” Cathy is the way she is, and providing a deep background the novel lacks.
For readers who are deeply attached to the character of East of Eden, and do not like when book adaptions go off script, then this miniseries is not a good choice. However, the mini-series can serve as a tool to deepen readers’ understanding of Cathy’s character and open different interpretations.
A Streetcar Names Desire by Tennessee Williams
For readers who prefer to have accurate adaptions from book to movie, then 1947 play A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams is a perfect choice. The play follows Blanche Dubois as she goes to live with her sister Stella and bother in law Stanley in New Orleans, and the tensions the ensue.
The movie does a perfect job at adapting the relationship between characters and portraying the heightened drama and tension of the family. Actor Marlon Brando does a wonderful job enacting the cruelty of character Stanley Kowalski, and Vivien Leigh portrays the complexity of Blanche DuBois with excellence. Since it’s a play, the dialogue and plot are exactly the same in the 1951 movie adaption.
The main difference from play to movie would be the ending, as well as the restriction of violent themes within the play. In 1930-1960’s Hollywood the Production Code, which is a censorship guideline of motion picture of the time, caused the ending to be changed.
Originally, in the end Blanche is taken to an asylum, while Stella stays with her husband Stanley even after Blanche came forward with Stanleys assault. The Production Code changed this ending because Stanley could not go unpunished for his actions, in the movie Stella leaves Stanley after learning about what happened.
Overall, A Streetcar Named Desire, both play and movie, is a safe choice for readers wanting an exact adaption from book to movie. Where the only significant difference being the ending and censorship of mature themes.
Little Women by Louissa May Alcott
Little Women by Louissa May Alcott has been adapted many times. The latest adaption being director Greta Gerwigs 2019 adaption. There are many differences between the novel and the movie. In terms of overall theme and key moments within the novel, Gerwig is exact in her adaption.
The novel follows the four March sisters-Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, growing up in Massachusetts during the Civil War. Then follow the sisters as they transition into adulthood and navigate life, careers, love, and grief.
The novel is told chronologically, beginning on Christmas day as children, then following the sisters as they age. The film is not linear, starting with Jo March in New York. Then flash backs and flash forwards in various orders follow. There is a minor difference between the novel and film; the biggest being Gerwig attempts to leave the ending of the movie open ended.
Gerwig heightens the individuality of each sister and beautifully portrays the sisterhood and love of the March family. The dialogue in the movie is almost exact to the novel, and Gerwig purposefully writes the sisters talking over one another when all together.
When reading the novel, readers will admire the March sisters and feel the bittersweetness of growing up. Those feelings are amplified while watching Gerwigs’ adaption; viewers will feel included in the lovable craziness of the March sisters while watching the film.
Overall, for readers who want an exact adaption, Gerwigs’ adaption is a fair choice with minor differences. However, Gerwig does an excellent job at portraying the sisterhood of the March sisters. Gerwigs’ intense care for each sister is evident throughout the film. Any reader that enjoyed spending time with the March sisters while reading, will enjoy this adaption.
