This past fall I read two books that were recently turned into screenplays. Both novels were extremelly dramatic, gut-wrenching, and painfully beautiful reads that I’m excited to dive into. As for their respective movies, they each won a ton of awards and both happened to star Timothée Chalamet (yes, please!), but how was the book to screen conversion?
Two Heartbreaking Books Turned Into Movies, All the Awards
1. Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
If Call Me By Your Name doesn’t remind you of the burning passion and intensity you felt for your first love, I don’t know what will. The novel was incredible and heartbreaking and wonderful. I loved the writing and how deep, deep, deep we were inside of Elio’s head. Which is why I was a bit surprised this novel was turned into a screenplay, so much of the greatness (and sadness) that accompanies the story is an inner monologue that just seemed impossible to capture on film. BUT I will say, they did a really nice job. Not perfect, and a lot was left out / unable to recreate, but over all it’s worth watching. I gave the book 5/5 stars on Goodreads and would definitely recommend seeing the movie, if you haven’t already.
2. Beautiful Boy by David Sheff
So many thoughts on the novel. Well, for starters, the writing is completely captivating and will instantly hook you in. The story of a father trying his very best to help his son through a drug addiction is heartbreaking, frustrating, and terrifying all at once. Especially since his ungrateful son is constantly relapsing over and over and over again. I have an addict in my life, so perhaps the frustration I felt was a projection of my situation. Anyway, what I really enjoyed in the novel was Sheff’s thorough research on all things drug and alcohol related. The data and studies mixed in his book are eye opening and horrifying. As for the movie… I didn’t love it. They left out a lot of critical information, added things that didn’t happen nor add to the plot, and worst of all… there was zero character development. I felt more connected to people I’ve watched in episodes of Intervention. So yeah, if you’re going to give Beautiful Boy a go, read the book — skip the movie.
And that’s my take on two novels that were recently adapted into screenplays — both with Timothée Chalamet, who was excellent in both. Am I too old to have a crush on a someone born in 1995?