From: Susan Kusel <Skusel>
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:23:53 -0400

Something I haven't seen addressed in this discussion yet is adaptations of picture books. I think these movies are the ones I dread the most simply because of logistics.

 

Obviously, if you take a 32 page picture book and turn it into a 90 minute movie, you're going to have to add an enormous amount of material. Particularly with a book like Where the Wild Things Are, which has fairly sparse text to begin with. I used to work in children's theater, and this was an issue there too, because many picture books have been adapted for the stage. I think some work better than others.... but really, it all depends on the skill of the adapter, and if they truly understand the vision behind the original book.

 

For example, I didn't think the extra material in Jim Carrey's How the Grinch Stole Christmas really worked. I'm curious to see what will happen with Where the Wild Things Are... I've got my fingers crossed.

 

For me, the Weston Woods adaptations work perfectly because they stay completely true to the original material. I'm not sure if feature films are as good a medium for picture books, but maybe that's just me.

 

-Susan

 

 

Susan Kusel

Youth Services Librarian

Arlington County Central Library

1015 North Quincy Street

Arlington, VA 22201

(703) 228-7681

skusel at arlingtonva.us

 
Received on Thu 13 Aug 2009 09:23:53 AM CDT