My book-to-screen-adaptation rule is that I have to read the source material before I view the TV show or film.
I don’t view books as superior to film and TV; I just want to know what existed before it was changed. Also, I don’t think the adapter has a duty to exactly replicate the original work.
Different things work for different mediums and different audiences.
But having rules means breaking those rules sometimes.
Although I am woefully behind on watching things, I recently saw the movie “American Fiction.”
Cord Jefferson’s screenplay is adapted from the 2001 novel “Erasure” by Percival Everett. I enjoyed the movie, particularly the blending of the A Plot and B Plot.
The main plot is the more niche: A fed-up novelist/professor writes a “pandering” Black book, only for it to be loved by the industry.
The side plot is about the dynamics and drama of a nuclear family: an aging parent, distant siblings, and personality clashes.
If the main plot didn’t do it for you, then more than likely the secondary plot did.
As I add “Erasure” to my ever-growing to-be-read-pile, I’ll be watching on Sunday to see how many Academy Awards “American Fiction” will land.
(A side note is that I discovered that Everett is married to the writer of another book very high on my to-be-read pile, Danzy Senna. Her upcoming novel, “Colored Television,” is likely to be of interest to “Erasure” readers, based on this synopsis.)
Besides cheering people being awarded for their artistry, I’ll also be engaging in one of favorite past times: award-show-fashion-watch.
This week’s newsletter has a compilation of Oscar-related reads of note:
Speaking of “American Fiction,” this from GQ: “Jeffrey Wright, First-Time Nominee, Could Win His First-Ever Oscar This Year. He Should Already Have One for This 2005 Performance.”
At The New York Times, Margaret Fuhrer asks “Why Is There No Oscar for Best Choreography?”
While outstanding choreography in television, theater and music videos is recognized — by the Emmy Awards, the Tonys and MTV Video Music Awards — movie dance essentially goes unheralded at the major awards ceremonies. The Oscars omission carries a special sting: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which presents the Academy Awards, used to celebrate choreography. From 1936 to 1938, the Oscar ceremony included an award for best dance direction.
Over the years, various artists and allies have unsuccessfully campaigned for a best choreography category. One hurdle: Choreographers are significantly underrepresented in the academy. As of early 2023, it counted just one choreographer among its 10,000-plus members, Vincent Paterson, known for his work on “Evita” and “The Birdcage.”
Then came a breakthrough. Last year, the academy announced the creation of its new Production and Technology branch, the first to explicitly include choreographers. At least on paper, it should help more dance artists become members, potentially creating inside support for the establishment of a regular choreography award.
From The Christian Science Monitor: “Hat trick: How Oppenheimer’s iconic topper made it to the screen.”
On a related note, from Vogue: “This Awards Season, Colman Domingo Is Setting the Bar for Men’s Fashion.”
From Vanity Fair: “The Oscar-Nominated Shorts You Must Watch This Year—And That Just Might Win.”
Also from Vanity Fair: “Your Guide to the Nominated Documentaries.”
Who are you rooting for to win?
Very interesting process with your "book-before-the-movie" thing. I def am the opposite. And, unfortunately, haven't followed through with it in quite a while. In fact, the last book I read after seeing the movie was A Series of Unfortunate Events lol. But that quickly become my favorite book series during my childhood and I LOVED how the Netflix adaptation handled it.
Brilliant.