That Weird Movie is an Awesome Book

Ever watched a movie that was just so weird, you wondered how it possibly got past the movie gatekeepers, let alone onto the silver screen? 

That weird movie is an awesome book.

It's true. Most weird movies started out as a book somewhere, and the reason they got made in the first place is because books are freaking awesome. Most of us love to see our favorite characters brought to life by a dedicated actor/actress.

The problem is that some things are hard to translate. 

In a book, there's nuance, subtext, etc. You can do this in a movie, but only if the makers are dedicated to the book's themes. If they're just making the movie because they know it has a built-in fan base and are hoping to make a quick buck, the movie fails.

The book was a work of art. The movie can only be a work of art if as much love, attention to detail, and interest in the THEME goes into it as went into the book.

The Hogfather - movie


The Hogfather - book


Case in point, the Hogfather, about Death taking the place of Father Christmas and a gothic governess who must save the day, is both a movie and a book.

Where is the big jolly fat man?Why is Death creeping down chimneys and trying to say Ho Ho Ho? The darkest night of the year is getting a lot darker...
Susan the gothic governess has got to sort it out by morning, otherwise there won't be a morning. Ever again...

I first saw it on Netflix Watch Instantly, and five minutes into it, I thought, "This is the weirdest movie I've ever seen."

Five minutes ago (roughly), I read Max Gladstone's blog post about the book and thought to myself, "Aha! It's not a weird movie. It's just a book!"

HO. HO. HO.
If you’re one of those unlucky folks out there who hasn’t read Hogfather, you’re in for a treat when you finally do get around to it.  Hogfather’s so much fun to read.  Terry Pratchett writing at the height of his powers produces a book that skewers and exults Christmas at the same time.  (As the Death books tend to do with their subject matter.)  Pratchett can do something few other writers dare to try: gutpunch you while you’re laughing, without spoiling the laughter.  At his best, he makes me want to laugh and cry and start a revolution all at the same time.

Have you ever seen a movie and wondered what the writers were smoking? Chances are, it's a book, too.

Share your favorite weird movie/books below.