However, the changes made from page to screen are significant and meaningful, and they ultimately make better use of the novel’s characters and situations. On the other hand, if a film strays too far from its origins, it’s hard to even see it as a version of its predecessor at all (think The Lawnmower Man, an in-name-only adaptation of a Stephen King story, so far removed from his work the author successfully sued to have his name removed from the film’s promotional materials).īones and All, the new film from director Luca Guadagnino and screenwriter David Kajganich, based on the novel of the same name by Camille DeAngelis, manages to stay in this precious middle ground, mostly sticking to its source in terms of plot, but straying just far enough not to completely alienate itself from said source. Rigidly faithful adaptations can be great films (think Rosemary’s Baby, though feel free not to think about Roman Polanski, ever), but by and large these movies can feel stale for anyone already familiar with the book.

It’s been said plenty of times before, but it’s worth repeating: the best cinematic adaptations of novels stay mostly true to their source material while at the same time carving out their own paths.

Bones & all by camille deangelis