When a movie is made based on a novel, the source material
is given automatic and unquestioned respect, often bordering on reverential. But
when the process is reversed—when a novel is written based on a movie and its
original screenplay—it is a very different story.
Novelizations are sometimes derided as some sub-mutant form
of literature—not real novels and a lowly form of writing. Well, anyone who
holds this snobbish, elitist viewpoint has never written a novelization—and
probably never read one either.
The ratio of good to suck among novelizations is the same as
all fictional works; most are forgettable, some are terrible, many are good,
and a small percentage are outstanding works of art. As far as the mechanics of
writing are concerned, it is actually much harder to write a novelization than
an original novel from scratch. Turning an original screenplay into a novel that
remains faithful to the vision of the script writer and film-makers and yet
adds something unique to the experience is a challenging craft to master. Here
is a list of the best ten novelizations ever—books that succeed as a
stand-alone literary experience on their own while still paying proper homage
to the cinematic source material that spawned them.
“The Abyss” (1989)
Novelization by Orson Scott Card
Based on the screenplay by James Cameron
One of best novelizations you will ever read. But to call it
a novelization would be a dis-service. It is a brilliant epic science fiction
novel by a master writer in top form. It pulls off the seemingly impossible and
manages to take the vision of one of the most gifted cinematic storytellers of
all time and translate it to the novel form. I love Michael Crichton’s
“Sphere”, but this is a far more imaginative take on the same premise with
better execution.
“Videodrome” (1983)
Novelization by Dennis Etchison (writing as Jack Martin)
Based on the screenplay David Cronenberg
While it is impossible for a novelization to capture
Cronenberg’s relentlessly harrowing atmosphere of paranoia, James Woods killer
performance, and Debra Harry’s haunting presence—Dennis Etchison (writing as
Jack Martin) comes about as close as possible in this crisp, fast-moving, very
readable and mostly faithful adaption of a revolutionary piece of avant-garde
cinema.
“Final Destination 3” (2006)
Novelization by Christa Faust
Based on the Screenplay by James Wong and Glen Morgan
Based on characters created by Jeffry Reddick
James Wong and Glen Morgan wrote some of the greatest “X-Files”
and “Millenium” episodes and do a bang up job with this spooky, supernatural
slasher film. But here is a case where the novelization does not just
compliment the movie—it surpasses it—by a lot. And keep in mind I really like
this movie.
Christa Faust’s adaption is full of rich characterizations,
insightful narrative, revealing interior monologues, and even some really
emotional scenes. Everything in this book just feels right and rings true. If
this were separated from the movie and released and marketed by a major
publishing company as a young adult horror novel, it would garner rave reviews
and be a smash success.
“Conquest of the Planet of the Apes” (1972)
Novelization by John Jakes
Based on the screenplay by Paul Dehn
Anybody who has ever read any of Jake’s popular historical
fiction classics such as “The Bastard” or “North and South” knows what gifted
and polished storyteller he is. He has a terrific readable style, good tight
descriptions, and a great sense of pacing. Jakes really captures the dark,
brooding Orwellian feel of the movie and does a great job getting us inside the
mind of Caesar. A real page turner with exciting action sequences. The ending
is based on an earlier version of the script and is even darker than what is
the final theatrical cut.
“Basic Instinct” (1992)
Novelization by Richard Osborne
Based on the screenplay by Joe Eszterhas
There is a reason a Hollywood bidding war broke out for
the rights to the “Basic Instinct” script. It is a fantastic screenplay with
pristine structure, great characters, and knockout dialogue. This neo-noir classic
was brought to life by director Paul Verhoeven. Richard Osborne adapts the screenplay with
flawless execution, seamlessly blending his own words and style with Ezterhas’s,
creating a fast-paced, titillating, addictive read.
“Aliens” (1986)
Novelization by Alan Dean Foster
Based on the screenplay by James Cameron
Story by James Cameron, David Giler, Walter Hill
Based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald
Shusett
This is can’t miss for two reasons. One—Alan Dean Foster is
the all-time master of the novelization. Just about any of his adaptions are
worth reading. Two—James Cameron films always make for great novels. Cameron is
not just a control-obsessed visionary director. He is also one hell of writer
and always creates realistic, memorable characters. Foster does a superb job in
balancing character and action in this immensely entertaining novel.
“The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)
Novelization by Donald F. Glut
Based on the screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence
Kasdan
Based on the story by George Lucas
Maybe the greatest fantasy adventure story of all time, “The
Empire Strikes Back” is just about universally considered to be the best “Star
Wars” film, and it all starts with the marvelous screenplay by Leigh Brackett
and Lawrence Kasdan. Having such
wonderful and rich source material to work with is a mixed blessing because it
also raises the expectations of the reader. Donald F. Glut succeeds immensely
really capturing the flavor of the movie. As with “The Abyss”, this book
succeeds as a novel on its own. All three novelizations of the original trilogy
are outstanding.
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind”
Novelization by Steven Spielberg
Based on the screenplay by Steven Spielberg
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” was like a
quasi-religious out of body experience for me on that Thanksgiving weekend
back in 1977. I picked up this book the same weekend thinking it would be
impossible to recreate the experience in fictional form, but this novelization—written
by the man himself—comes pretty damn close. There is also great supplemental
information, backstories, and some great insight into the Roy Neary and Lacombe
characters. A well-done adaption of a powerful, classic film.
Here is a vintage interview with Spielberg done by RogerEbert in 1977 that provides evidence it was indeed the bearded one himself who
wrote this novel and not a ghost writer. Of course he had no beard back then.
Novelization by Greg Cox
Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher
Nolan
Story by David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan
Admittedly this book does not add much new material to the
screenplay but Cox does a great job of capturing each character, delivering
interior monologues, and pacing the epic action. A strong, workman-like adaption that is a must
own for those who dug the film and for Batman fans in general.
“Dressed to Kill” (1980)
Novelization by Campbell Black
Based on the screenplay by Brian De Palma
This truly reads like a thriller novel. Campbell Black
wisely stays away from trying to mimic De Palma’s visual poetry by simply
describing what transpires on the screen and focuses on character development and
motivation.
Editor's note: Since posting this I have read several novelizations worthy of consideration for this list including "Willow" by Wayland Drew, "Interstellar" by Greg Keyes, "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" by Alex Irvine, and "Supergirl" by Norma Fox Mazor, and more. New article on the subject coming soon.
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