Tuesday, April 9, 2013

H is for Horror Novels Made into Films

We all know that when a book is made into a movie, the book is usually better. This goes for most adaptations, even the good ones. The Lord of the Rings series were great films…the books were better. The Harry Potter films were awesome…the books were outstanding. And on it goes. Was it the same for these Horror films based on popular novels?

 

The Exorcist: Novel by William Peter Blatty.
Film Directed by: William Friedkin.








Dracula: Novel by Braum Stoker
Film directed by: Francis Ford Coppola (There are many versions. I just picked one of my favorites.)






The Shining: Novel by Stephen King
Film directed by: Stanley Kubrick


The Amityville Horror: Novel by Jay Anson
Directed by: Stuart Rosenberg (1979 version)











Silence of the Lambs: Novel by Thomas Harris
Directed by: Jonathan Demme



  
I’m sure I’ve missed a ton, but vote for your favorite horror adaptation from this list. I’m planning to have a Horror Film Party some time soon, so tell me if your favorite isn’t on the list so I can add it to mine. By the way, you’re all invited!

18 comments:

  1. There is another adaptation of The Shining that is completely true to the book, but I think I like Kubrick's adaptation better, mostly because of Nicholson.

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  2. Hi Karen .. I really don't like horror films! So I think I might have to give your party a miss .. Reservoir Dogs is one I can think of .. Psycho - another ..

    Cheers Hilary

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  3. oh... my.... my response is...
    All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
    All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
    All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
    All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
    All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
    All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
    All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
    All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
    All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

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  4. Sorry I couldn't pass that up... I would like to add.
    Cabal by Clive Barker, that turned into "Nightbreed".

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  5. Great post, and point. The book is always better.
    Shawn at Laughing at Life 2

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  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    Replies
    1. Let's try this again. I like what you're doing here. I'm now following. :)

      http://closetgeekgurl.blogspot.com

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  7. Hello, Karen! I'm a wimp when it comes to scary stuff, so of these listed I've only seen The Silence of the Lambs. I'll never ever watch it again! But Anthony Hopkins was incredible and his Academy Award was well-deserved. I can't believe he can play such a horrifyingly creepy killer and then play such a charming hero in The Mask of Zorro. He's got a gift for acting!

    Happy A to Z-ing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

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  8. I think The Exorcist and Silence of the Lambs were magnificent movie adaptations.

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  9. I haven't read it, but Silence of the Lambs was a fantastic movie! Though not really horror...thriller, with horrific accents!

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  10. Tough choice today! I'm going to have to vote for the Exorcist though.
    And I'll mention the first version of the novel Red Dragon - Manhunter. Very atmospheric.

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  11. I don't like horror but ironically, I've seen three of those four choices.

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  12. Silence of the lambs was a great movie, never read the book though. I have read several books that have been made into films, none horrors though. The films are always a big disappointment.

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  13. Melanie: Yeah, Nicholson made that movie. But I think I’m going to have to check out the other version!

    Hilary: I’ll miss you at the party, but I understand.

    Jeremy: You crack me up. And I’ll be checking out Nightbreed. I’ve never seen it.

    Shawn: The only book I think was outdone by the adaptation was Vampire Diaries. I didn’t think the books were all that great. The show is much better.

    Jessica: Thanks for the follow! Welcome!

    Laura: I know what you mean about The Silence of the Lambs. I wasn’t in a rush to see it again. I like to be scared just not disturbed and Silence of the Lambs disturbed me. Know what I mean.

    Sheena-Kay: Yup, I agree. Both have very memorably scenes. The head spinning around in Exorcist and Anthony Hopkins strapped on that hand-truck thing with that mask were unforgettable.

    Mere: I was pretty horrified watching that movie so that makes it a horror film for me-LOL.

    Alex: I’m going to check out Red Dragon. Thanks!

    Al: That is ironic. But I think the choices up here aren’t gory and that makes a difference. I think a lot of people think gore when they think horror, but good horror, in my opinion, should mess with your mind and not your stomach. 

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  14. I"m not big on horror films, but the Silence of the Lambs was very disturbing....but a good flick all the same :)

    Left and Write

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  15. Some of my favorite movies ever! It's so great when Hollywood actually gets something right!!

    Hugs!

    Valerie Nunez and the Flying Platypi

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  16. I am a HUGE horror film fan. LOVE them!! Except the Exorcist... Scariest move EVER!!! (Shut UP! My kids mock me too... but it is!!)
    Peanut Butter and Whine

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  17. I am going to have to be biased and pick The Amityville Horror!

    I will see if you can figure out why ;-)

    Jak at The Cryton Chronicles & Dreams in the Shade of Ink

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