'They Never Make It Better'

Summary

George R.R. Martin criticizes adaptations for prioritizing novelty over fidelity to original texts, often resulting in worse versions of beloved stories.
He notes exceptions like FX’s faithful adaptation of
Shōgun
, which successfully captured the essence of James Clavell’s work.
Shōgun
stands out for its intricate narrative, strong performances, and authenticity through predominantly Japanese cast members.

Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin recently shared his thoughts on adaptations that struggle to retain the substance of their source material. For the author, the act of translating literary works to the screen has become a fraught endeavor. In his recent blog post, Martin discussed the challenges and frequent missteps of the adaptation process. According to the author, this trend not only persists but has intensified, leading to a glut of films and television series that fail to do justice to their original texts, saying:

Everywhere you look, there are more screenwriters and producers eager to take great stories and ‘make them their own.’

Martin’s critique is broad and encompassing, touching on adaptations of works by a gamut of legendary authors from Jane Austen to J.R.R. Tolkien. He notes a pervasive industry attitude that seems to prioritize novelty over fidelity, with many screenwriters and producers believing they can improve upon the classics.

“It does not seem to matter whether the source material was written by Stan Lee, Charles Dickens, Ian Fleming, Roald Dahl, Ursula K. Le Guin, J.R.R. Tolkien, Mark Twain, Raymond Chandler, Jane Austen, or… well, anyone,” said Martin.

No matter how major a writer it is, no matter how great the book, there always seems to be someone on hand who thinks he can do better, eager to take the story and ‘improve’ on it.

Martin reflects on an industry increasingly eager to reframe and reinterpret established literary works, often to the detriment of the stories themselves.

‘The book is the book, the film is the film,’ they will tell you, as if they were saying something profound. Then they make the story their own… They never make it better, though. Nine hundred ninety-nine times out of a thousand, they make it worse. Once in a while, though, we do get a really good adaptation of a really good book, and when that happens, it deserves applause.

However, Martin’s critique is not without its exceptions. He singles out the adaptation of James Clavell’s Shōgun by FX as a rare instance where the essence of the book was not only captured but also celebrated on screen. Martin suggests that Clavell would have been pleased with this treatment, which meticulously preserves the depth and breadth of his historical epic.

FX’s Shōgun Wins Over Skeptics with Faithful and Dynamic Adaptation

FX’s new take on James Clavell’s Shōgun has been met with open arms by fans and critics, relieved that the essence of Clavell’s sprawling epic has been preserved and thoughtfully conveyed on the small screen, per MovieWeb’s Shōgun Review. Helmed by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, this ambitious project was initially a source of anxiety for Shōgun enthusiasts, primarily due to concerns over condensing such a voluminous and complex novel into a 10-episode series.

Despite these challenges, the creative team has skillfully distilled the essence of the novel, maintaining its intricate political and cultural narratives while ensuring the pacing remains brisk and engaging. Shōgun is not just any historical narrative, but a riveting political thriller set against the backdrop of feudal Japan. It deftly combines elements of political intrigue and religious persecution with the adrenaline-pumping action of samurai battles and covert assassinations.

Shōgun Season 2 & 3 Now in Development at FX

FX and Hulu now have big plans for Shōgun following the huge success of the first season.

The series is particularly notable for its casting and performances. Chase Jarvis shines as Blackthorne, the English sailor who finds himself powerless in a foreign land, delivering a nuanced portrayal that captures his character’s complex emotions and cultural disorientation. The show also benefits significantly from featuring a predominantly Japanese cast performing in their native language, adding authenticity and depth to the story.