our adaptive tendencies

And so we reach the finish line of another race to adapt.

The National Theatre in London, premiered their stage version of Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy. There’s no doubt that it’s one of the best works of fiction to be published, for kids or adults, in many years. But I question our society?s need to adapt every book that strikes a cord with readers. And this is the basic problem with adaptations of any great works of fiction. Michael Billington, from the Guardian Unlimited has nailed it in his review of the stage version of HDM:

“Nothing is more tempting than the apparently impossible. But, although director Nicholas Hytner and his creative team display heroic courage in turning Philip Pullman’s epic trilogy into two three-hour plays, they are ultimately overcome by the vastness of the enterprise. There is much to admire in the staging; yet the result, inevitably, is like a clipped hedge compared to Pullman’s forest. “

Peter Jackson succeed where Ralph Bakshi failed with his version of LOTR, but many Tolkien fans would argue that Jackson merely produced a remarkable piece of shrubbery. And I think we?ll all be waiting a long time before we see another adaptation so well executed. So, be prepared for more ?the book was better? movies.

Reading is a deeply personal act and adaptations put that intimacy in a public forum. This can be both enjoyable and disappointing. I remember being 15 and seeing a staged version of the Hobbit. I loved it because, sitting there in my seat watching actors dressed as dwarves, I felt like someone else shared my love of the book ? and that was great. But I was also disappointed at how crap the dwarves looked, but there?s only so much you can do with wigs and fake noses.

It would easy to say that money is the root of all adaptations, and it?s probably true. But I think it goes much deeper. We are constantly underestimating the power of good literature and Hollywood?s race to option new works reinforces that. People are always so surprised when they finish a book that completely sucks them in and takes them to another world, or into the lives of great characters. That can never be replaced by actors, on stage or on screen and I think readers, real book-lovers, know this. Adaptations can be great, but the book will always be better.

In the meantime, the first screen version of Pullman?s excellent trilogy is in production, and will hit screens in December 2004. I?ll go see it, but I think we all know what my review will be.