What Makes a Terrible Book-to-Movie Adaptation Entertaining?

Adapting a book into a movie is a complex process, and often, what ends up on the big screen is a far cry from the literary masterpiece it was supposed to be based on. Sometimes, such adaptations are so wildly different or poorly executed that they become a source of sheer entertainment, much to the delight of audiences who can enjoy them ironically or find humor in their absurdity. One such example is Stanley Kubrick’s film version of "Barry Lyndon," a book that, although entertaining, is utterly transformed into a curious and entertainingly bad adaptation.

Stanley Kubrick’s "Barry Lyndon": A Case Study in Overhauling a Literary Classic

The book "Barry Lyndon" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a comedic and satirical novel that follows the life and excesses of the eponymous character, Barry Lyndon. Thackeray’s narrative is intensely personal, with Barry recounting his experiences in the first person, providing justifications for his actions. However, when Stanley Kubrick adapted the book for the screen, he made some significant and controversial changes that left the story feeling less engaging and more tedious.

The first major change Kubrick made was to alter the perspective from first person to third person omniscient. Instead of narrating the story through Barry’s eyes, Kubrick enlisted the aid of a narrator to recount the events. This decision, while creative in its own right, proved to be a disastrous move for the pacing and engagement of the film. The removal of Barry's personal reflections and justifications made the story feel detached, and the narrative turned into a plodding, tedious affair.

Despite these creative missteps, Kubrick’s innovative use of production design and cinematography deserves recognition. For instance, his decision to film the scenes with candlelight is a striking and unique touch that sets a romantic and moody tone for the movie. Unfortunately, these techniques could not compensate for the overall impact of the narrative changes, which left the film with a dull and uninspiring plotline.

Other Examples of Terribly Bad Book-to-Movie Adaptations

“Barry Lyndon” is not alone in its list of terrible book-to-movie adaptations. There are numerous other examples where the film, while initially disappointing, turned out to be unexpectedly entertaining due to its sheer awkwardness and humor. Here are a few more examples worth mentioning:

The Princess Bride

Written by William Goldman, "The Princess Bride" is a fantasy novel that, when adapted into a film, became a cult classic. However, the film version, directed by Rob Reiner, made several changes to the source material, such as removing the framing device and altering character relationships. The result was a more emotional and poignant version of the story, which, while still enjoyable, is vastly different from the original. Fans of the book often point out that this adaptation, despite its flaws, is still a delight to watch, especially for its bizarre juxtapositions and humorous elements.

Tarzan (1999)

Darrell Roodt directed "Tarzan" in 1999, and it is one of the most criticized versions of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel. The film strays far from the novel’s plot and leaves out several key character arcs. Yet, despite its many shortcomings, the movie has a cult following for its iconic scenes, particularly the cake toss, and the vibrant score by Thomas Newman. Fans often find reassurance in the film’s bizarre and slapstick humor, making it a treat for the audience.

Conclusion: An Unlikely Source of Entertainment

It’s intriguing how poorly executed book-to-movie adaptations can become a source of entertainment. While these changes often fail to capture the essence of the original work, they can offer a fresh perspective or, in some cases, inadvertently bring a new layer of humor or unexpected charm to the story. Films like "Barry Lyndon," "The Princess Bride," and "Tarzan" showcase that the critical journey from page to screen is not just about fidelity, but also about the transformative power of interpretation. These adaptations may be far from the originals, but they still hold a special place in the hearts of many, proving that bad adaptations can indeed be entertaining in their own right.

As we continue to see new book-to-movie adaptations, it is interesting to think about how these changes might shape our perception of the original story and also entertain in unexpected ways. Some terrible adaptations, despite their flaws, offer a unique viewing experience that can be both enlightening and amusing.