Original Script or Popular Novel...Best Choice for Movie? (cinema, films, Hollywood)

[Ralph_Kirk]

Let's say a movie producer has investors with a hundred million dollars to invest in a blockbuster movie. They don't care what kind of movie, as long as they get a hefty ROI.

The producer has a choice of hiring a writer to create an original screenplay or to write a screenplay from a best-selling novel.

Which does the record show would be his best bet?

[Mark S.]

Really depends on the writer / director. Looking back at blockbuster cinema:

THE GODFATHER was based on Puzo's novel. However, let's be honest: Coppola turned coal into a diamond. The original novel is mediocre at best.

JAWS was based on Benchley's novel, but that is probably the best example ever of turning a turd into gold. The movie is definitely in my Top 5 all-time favorite movies. The novel is terrible.

ROCKY. Original screenplay.

STAR WARS. Original screenplay.

On the other hand, Hollywood never seems tired of movies based on Jane Austen novels or LITTLE WOMEN, all of which seem to do decent box office.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Based on a book.

GOODFELLAS. Based on a book.

Conclusion: Hire a talented writer and director with a passion for the project. If it's an original screenplay, is it good? If it is a screenplay based on a good novel, is the adaptation good?

The problem arises when studios hire hacks and think that the right star or marketing campaign will make a good movie. It won't.

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Originally Posted by Ralph_Kirk

Let's say a movie producer has investors with a hundred million dollars to invest in a blockbuster movie. They don't care what kind of movie, as long as they get a hefty ROI.

The producer has a choice of hiring a writer to create an original screenplay or to write a screenplay from a best-selling novel.

Which does the record show would be his best bet?

It really depends.

A bestselling novel has an already-established brand. On the other hand, a lot of big-name stars have that already, and certain genres don't lend themselves to bothering with the intricacies of a novel.

The safest films from a financial point of view are probably those that are yet another sequel in another franchise that really doesn't have anything to say but will have the requisite number of chases and explosions and CGI silliness to put butts in the seats. I'm sure the next dozen or so Fast & Furious movies will all make money.