Adapted Screenplay Meaning and the Art of Adaptation
An adapted screenplay is a screenplay based on pre-existing material. From novels to plays, video games to blogs, the source material for screenplay adaptations is expansive and continues to grow with each new storytelling medium.
Film adaptations serve many purposes: allowing fans to see their favorite stories come to life, providing fresh interpretations of great works, and capitalizing on known properties. Some of my favorite films are adaptations, such as Kubrick’s The Shining, Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings, and Coppola’s The Godfather. These films stand on their own, even if you’ve read the source material.
Nothing in Mario Puzo’s book replicates Coppola’s pensive closeups and the shadows cast on Brando’s face. King’s novel convinces us of Jack Torrance’s insanity, but Nicholson’s performance etches an unforgettable image of lunacy. Tolkien’s descriptions of the Shire are masterful, but Jackson’s vision bursts with color and life.
I love the books these films sprang from, but duplication is never the goal of adaptation. These films understood that well. Even modern films like Barbie and Oppenheimer have shown that adaptation is still a thriving art form.
What is an Adapted Screenplay?
Adapted screenplays are directly influenced by another work, containing core elements like characters, themes, plot points, and settings. The limits for what is considered an adaptation are broad: sequels, remakes, and sequential TV show seasons are adaptations.
Source materials can be novels, comic books, short stories, nonfiction books, video games, news articles, autobiographies, plays, musicals, toys, sketches, webcomics, epic poems, blogs, social media posts, and more. The digital age has expanded both the amount of material available for adaptation and its accessibility.
Historical Context
Adaptation has always been about preserving and interpreting culture. Cinematic adaptation is kinda like ancient oral history, focusing more on the experience and cultural customs than on strict facts. For example, in 1938, Pygmalion won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. It adapted George Bernard Shaw’s play, which was itself an adaptation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Similarly, modern interpretations of Shakespeare, like She’s the Man or The Tragedy of Macbeth, keep his spirit alive through cinematic reinterpretations.
One of the earliest examples of a successful film adaptation is the 1931 version of Frankenstein, directed by James Whale. Based on Mary Shelley’s novel, the film took liberties with the source material but created an iconic piece of cinema that remains influential. The same can be said for Dracula (1931), directed by Tod Browning and based on Bram Stoker’s novel. These early adaptations set the stage for how filmmakers approach source material, balancing fidelity with innovation.
Adapted vs. Original Screenplays
An original screenplay is a screenplay with an original concept, not directly influenced by any previous work. Direct influence, in my view, is determined by the quantity of material taken from another source. For instance, incorporating sirens in your script doesn’t make it an adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey. However, naming a character Ulysses and having them go on a heroic voyage would be direct influence.
The difference between inspiration and adaptation is sometimes blurred. For example, The Lion King doesn’t credit Hamlet despite obvious parallels. O Brother, Where Art Thou credits Homer’s Odyssey, even though it significantly alters the plot and themes.
Case Study: Inspired Originals vs. Adaptations
Consider the film 10 Things I Hate About You. It’s a modern high school comedy but is credited as an adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. On the other hand, The Lion King parallels Hamlet in its themes of betrayal, revenge, and moral corruption but isn’t credited as an adaptation. This raises questions about where we draw the line between inspiration and adaptation.
Ethical Considerations
Ethics also play a role in how we distinguish between adaptation and inspiration. Martin Scorsese’s The Departed is a well-known adaptation of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs. While The Departed is celebrated, it only credits Infernal Affairs briefly, raising ethical questions about proper attribution and respect for the original creators.
The Process of Writing an Adapted Screenplay
This section will outline the process of writing an adapted screenplay, which we have broken down into four steps.
1. Choose a Source Material
When deciding on source material, choose something you are personally invested in. Passion and familiarity with the material are essential for producing a quality adaptation. Research other adaptations of the same source to know what to avoid and ensure your work is truly your own. Consider the material’s popularity and potential for visual storytelling.
It’s clear that Francis Ford Coppola was well acquainted with Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, but the connection runs even deeper than that. He says, “even though our family were never gangsters…the real day-to-day reality of the Italian family…was based on my family and what I remember as a kid. You can't make films without them being personal to some extent.”
2. Secure the Rights
Securing the rights to the source material is crucial. Identify who owns the rights, whether it’s a publisher, agent, or author. Look into purchasing an option, which gives you exclusive rights to the material for a set period. A lawyer can help draft contracts, but if that’s not feasible, sample contracts can be found online. Writing adaptations for personal growth is great practice, even if you don’t have the rights.
3. Interpret and Transform the Original
Stay faithful to at least one aspect of your source material, whether it’s character progression, plot, theme, or vibe. Creative liberties are essential, but balance is key. Kubrick’s The Shining departs significantly from King’s novel, yet it remains true to the plot and psychological themes while showcasing the director’s unique vision.
4. Consider the Structure and Format
Adapting long material requires cutting non-essential scenes or characters while maintaining plot and pacing integrity. The screenplay format is different from other styles; familiarize yourself with it by reading scripts of your favorite movies. Condensing the original material often results in a loss of impact, so find ways to maximize the potential of the scenes you work with.
To get more familiar with the format, read the scripts of your favorite movies and consider checking out our article How to Read a Script.
Adaptation Pros and Cons in Screenwriting
Adaptations have practical advantages: they tap into an existing fanbase and provide a rich source of material. However, high expectations and legal/financial hurdles can be challenging. Some argue that original stories offer greater creative freedom, but Kubrick would disagree: “What I like about not writing original material– which I'm not even certain I could do– is that you have this tremendous advantage of reading something for the first time. You never have this experience again with the story. You have a reaction to it: it's a kind of falling-in-love reaction.”
Advantages
• Built-in Audience: Adaptations come with a pre-existing fanbase, which can make marketing easier and ensure an initial interest in the film.
• Rich Source Material: Having a detailed source material provides a strong foundation, making it easier to develop characters and plot.
• Proven Concepts: Adapting a successful book or play can reduce the risk associated with original screenplays.
Disadvantages
• High Expectations: Fans of the original work often have high expectations and can be difficult to please.
• Legal Issues: Securing rights can be complex and expensive.
• Creative Constraints: Adapting an existing work can limit creative freedom, as there’s pressure to stay true to the original material.
Elevating Source Material
Adapting existing work gives a solid emotional and intellectual base. Some adaptations are considered better than their originals. For instance, the 1983 Scarface is more entertaining than the 1932 version. Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club, admitted that the film improved upon the book’s plot.
Case Studies of Successful Adaptations
The Godfather (1972): Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Mario Puzo’s novel is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time. Coppola’s deep understanding of the Italian-American experience and his personal connection to the material elevated the film beyond its source.
No Country for Old Men (2007): The Coen Brothers’ adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel is a masterclass in maintaining the novel’s tone and themes while making effective use of cinematic techniques.
Blade Runner (1982): Ridley Scott’s adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? transformed a philosophical novel into a visually stunning and thematically rich film that has become a sci-fi classic.
Adapting Material With Prior Failures
Adapting previously failed material can provide a blueprint of what not to do. For example, Villeneuve’s Dune films are vastly superior to Lynch’s 1984 version. Nolan’s Batman series surpassed the 1997 Batman film. Bad adaptations offer the opportunity to create a better version.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Dune (1984) vs. Dune (2021): David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune was criticized for its convoluted plot and lack of fidelity to the source material. Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 adaptation corrected these issues with a more faithful and visually spectacular rendition.
Batman & Robin (1997) vs. The Dark Knight Trilogy: Joel Schumacher’s Batman & Robin is often ridiculed for its campy tone and poor character development. In contrast, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy is praised for its serious tone, deep character arcs, and engaging storylines.
These examples highlight how understanding the pitfalls of previous adaptations can guide filmmakers toward creating more successful versions.
Tough Mediums
Adapting certain mediums, like comic books or video games, presents unique challenges. For instance, Watchmen (2009) struggled to capture the complexity of its source material, a graphic novel praised for its intricate plot and deep themes.
Comic Book Adaptations
Comic books often feature elaborate storylines and character arcs spread over many issues. Successfully adapting these requires condensing and simplifying the narrative without losing the essence. The Watchmen faced this challenge, balancing between staying true to the source and making necessary cuts for the film format.
Video Game Adaptations
Video game adaptations are notorious for their hit-or-miss nature. Games often involve interactive storytelling, which doesn’t always translate well to a passive medium like film. However, recent successes like Sonic the Hedgehog and Detective Pikachu demonstrate that it’s possible to respect the source material while creating an engaging film.
How to Write the Best Adapted Screenplay
To write the best, read the best. Study successful adapted screenplays. Stay invested in the original work and its audience. Seek inspiration in unusual places, like articles or poems. Always look for feedback to improve your work. Submit your screenplay to competitions for feedback from experienced readers.
Read Successful Screenplays
Reading successful screenplays, such as those for The Godfather, No Country for Old Men, and Blade Runner, can provide valuable insights into how to handle adaptation. Pay attention to how these scripts balance fidelity to the source material with the needs of the cinematic medium.
We wrote an article about Movie Scripts You Have to Read as a Screenwriter— check those out if you’re in need of inspiration.
Stay Invested
A strong commitment to the source material often accompanies quality adaptations. Peter Jackson said, “The Lord of the Rings films are not made for Oscars, they are made for the audience.” This dedication to the source material’s spirit and the audience’s expectations is crucial.
Seek Unusual Inspiration
Don’t limit yourself to traditional sources like novels or plays. Articles, poems, and even songs can be adapted into compelling screenplays. Films like Argo and Spotlight are based on articles, while O Brother, Where Art Thou? is inspired by Homer’s Odyssey.
Feedback and Competitions
Getting feedback is essential for refining your screenplay. Consider submitting your work to competitions for feedback from experienced readers. Constructive criticism can help identify areas for improvement and guide you in polishing your script.
The Balance of Fidelity and Innovation
One of the most challenging aspects of adaptation is finding the right balance between staying faithful to the source material and introducing innovative elements that make the film stand out. Too much fidelity can result in a lackluster, unoriginal film, while too much innovation can alienate fans of the original work.
Consider the adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The film is highly faithful to the book, which pleased fans but left little room for creative interpretation. Conversely, The Shining took significant liberties with Stephen King’s novel, resulting in a film that is widely regarded as a masterpiece but is also disliked by King himself.
Creative Liberties
Taking creative liberties can enhance an adaptation if done thoughtfully. For instance, in The Lord of the Rings films, Peter Jackson made several changes, such as the omission of Tom Bombadil and the alteration of Arwen’s role. These changes helped streamline the narrative and strengthen character arcs, contributing to the films’ critical and commercial success.
The Future of Adaptations
The landscape of adaptations continues to evolve with advancements in technology and changes in audience preferences. The rise of streaming services has led to an increase in series adaptations, which allow for more detailed and faithful representations of longer works.
Streaming Services
Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ have produced successful series adaptations, such as The Witcher and The Mandalorian. These series benefit from the extended format, allowing for deeper exploration of characters and plotlines compared to traditional films.
Technological Advancements
Advances in CGI and virtual reality are opening new possibilities for adaptations. Films like Avatar and Ready Player One showcase how technology can bring fantastical worlds to life in ways that were previously unimaginable. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the methods and possibilities for adapting various forms of media.
Conclusion
Writing an adapted screenplay is a rewarding challenge that offers the opportunity to bring beloved stories to a new audience. By staying true to the essence of the source material while injecting your own creative vision, you can create something that stands on its own while honoring the original.
From choosing the right source material and securing the necessary rights to balancing fidelity with innovation and leveraging modern technology, the art of adaptation is multifaceted and continually evolving. Whether you’re inspired by classic literature, contemporary novels, or unconventional sources, the key is to respect the original work and its audience while crafting a film that resonates on its own merits.
By following these guidelines and learning from both past successes and failures, you can contribute to the rich tradition of film adaptations and create a work that both honors its origins and stands as a testament to your creativity and vision.