We've all read it, but no one has ever seen it! Which has sparked quite a bit of curiosity among Catcher In the Rye fans concerning the famous coming of age novel by J.D. Salinger. The all too frequently asked question is, what if?!
So, what if the famous novel was adapted into a film?
So, what if the famous novel was adapted into a film?
THE HISTORY
Prior to penning his novel Catcher In The Rye, J.D. Salinger gave several film producers permission to adapt some of his stories for the big screen. Once Salinger saw what the adaptation process had done to his prescious stories he vowed never to let his work fall in the all too molding hands of Hollywood, ever again. And he meant it. After Catcher In The Rye blew up, he was approached several times throughout the course of his life. Producers wanted the rights to his 200 some odd page, paperback goldmine.
They offered millions on numerous ocassions but Salinger would not budge. Long story short, Salinger took the wishes of Hollywood producers across the country to the grave with him. Well, he actually left the rights to his novel with his family. But, long story short, following in the footsteps of all his all too self reflecting protagonist Holden, J.D. Salinger didn't want his treasured coming of age story morphed and misinterpeted by the movies. The business of phonies and fakes.
They offered millions on numerous ocassions but Salinger would not budge. Long story short, Salinger took the wishes of Hollywood producers across the country to the grave with him. Well, he actually left the rights to his novel with his family. But, long story short, following in the footsteps of all his all too self reflecting protagonist Holden, J.D. Salinger didn't want his treasured coming of age story morphed and misinterpeted by the movies. The business of phonies and fakes.
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| A young J.D. Salinger |
Now that we got past all the boring backstory stuff, we want to hear from you - with such strong resistance from the J.D. Salinger and with such a reputation, following and controversial resistance/push from followers, do you believe this novel should be adapted in to a film?
Before you comment, remember, it's not a matter of will it. It's a matter of when. Salinger is deceased, which means after 70 some odd years, his work, Catcher In The Rye falls into the public domain. Yup, that means anyone can get their hands on it. Is it better that way? Should it be adapted now or should this tale be perserved for as long as possible?
Stay tuned for next week's post when I come back with the three major reasons why I believe Catcher In The Rye SHOULD NOT be adapted in to a film. But first tell me what you think, and I'll be sure to include your thoughts and comments in next week's post!
Well done. And now I wonder "what if..."
ReplyDeleteThere are SO many adaptations gone wrong of great books out there so it's very understandable why Salinger didn't want that to happen to his work. I wish that he was still alive and actually found a great director who had the same view as he did. I think that filmmakers should respect his wishes even if he is dead.
ReplyDeleteWoah! I have actually never thought of seeing the book as a film but given the opportunity i would! I love this book and the story is defiantly one of a kind so as a curious reader i would want to see how the story unfolds in motion picture or see which actor plays Holden Caulfield and Sunny.But I can see why there are those who feel it should be left alone.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, I like how you included a cliff hanger in your post, it's a good way to keep readers coming back.