I was just watching the “Offer” the factitious tale of the making of the “Godfather”. I was looking back on those standout movies from the 1970’s and most seem to be based on bestselling books.
Now these were blockbuster films, not “Where the Crawdads Sing” or “Confess, Fletch” (I loved the second one in the theaters and I read the book in the early 80’s). But there are no longer big movies made from books, like those in the 1970’s.
- Jaws
- The Godfather
- French Connection
- Love Story
- All the President’s Men
- Serpico
- Murder on the Orient Express
- Clockwork Orange
- One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Ignoring comic books, graphic novels, treasury edition, limited collector’s edition, which are all the same thing in different sizes or formats to this collector; I can’t remember a hit movie based on a bestseller beyond the “Harry Potter” series or a Stephen King remake.
Is the real problem, we as a public no longer reads? Do publishers no longer print filmable books? Do publishers still print books? Does anyone outside of my sphere still read? Or are publishers caught in the same type of downward spiral into oblivion as Hollywood: ongoing series, reboots, retreads, no originality. I know that Robert B. Parker and Tom Clancy are dead and books still come out in their names (yes, I read those as well).
If we wish to get Hollywood off of the reboot, recycle treadmill, or next adventure of the next superhero or Woke reimagining of an old superhero. Unfortunately, they need to know where they can make sure money before they commit. Preferably with telling a great story with a complex plot. So it is unlikely.
I also recommend “Confess, Fletch”, it is a small movie done well telling an interesting story with some twists and turns.