Haunting Hollywood: A Journey From Page to Screen

Source: IMDb

As reliable methods of storytelling, both books and films are popular. There is even no clash with the screen adaptations of several literary pieces. Sometimes, the books have remained popular despite screen adaptations, sometimes it’s the other way round. There are certain movies in Hollywood, that most of us do not know are based on novels or short stories. With the spooky Halloween season just around the corner, let’s give a dip on the list of all-time hit Hollywood horror movies, that are originally based on books.

“The Birds” –based on “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier

For the film critics across the globe, Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” of 1963 has been a cult of a bizarre horror movie.the original novelette of Maurier presents the story of a farming family named Hockens, who had been so relentlessly attacked by flocks of birds that they get themselves killed. This sort of seemingly unprovocative attacks of the birds upon the humans at large gradually builds up the tension and plot of the narrative. As books and films are two different modes of narrative, there are certain differences between the two mediums although the basic plot of the storyline remains intact.

“Hellraiser”—based on “The Hellbound Heart” by Clive Barker

The 1987 gruesome horror movie “Hellraiser” is originally based on the writer-director Clive Barker’s novel. The debutant approach as the director, the movie ranges from being sadistically smart to mindlessly gory. As Frank unknowingly opens a box, which is actually a portal to hell, literally all hell breaks loose. The movie version of the narrative bears a close resemblance to the original novella.

“The Exorcist”—based on “The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty

Based on the 1971 novel “The Exorcist”. The writer-director William Peter Blatty decided to write and produce the movie of the same name released in 1973. The plot revolves around the demonic possession of an 11-year old girl Regan, the daughter of a famous actress, and the two priests who try to exorcise her. The film adaption of the story has set a new benchmark in the horror film genre.

“The Haunting”—based on “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House” has been thrice adapted for the screen. Revolving around the investigations of three paranormal investigators, the plot unfolds with the bizarre activities that occur in the infamous Hill House which is supposedly possessed by malevolent spirits. The gripping storyline and the in-between twists will hook you up till the end.

“Jaws”—based on “Jaws” by Peter Benchley

Largely unknown that the famous hair-rising blockbuster “Jaws” that released in 1975 is originally based on a novel of the same name written by Peter Benchley that was published in 1974. The release of the film triggered a sense of awe and fear in the minds of people so much that it made them think twice before going into the water. The gruesome bloody scenes will surely haunt you long after the credits.

“The Ring”—based on “Ring” by Koji Suzuki

Originally based on the Japanese horror novel “Ring” by Kozi Suzuki, both the Japanese film adaptation “The Ringu” and the US adaptation “The Ring” is centered. The plot revolves around the investigation of a mysterious videotape by a journalist. This tape has been mysteriously associated with the unexplained deaths of four teenagers.

“I Know What You Did Last Summer”—based on “I Know What You Did Last Summer” by Lois Duncan

This youth-oriented bloody thriller is based on the novel of the same name by Lois Duncan. Revolving around the camouflaging of a hit-and-run case, the four teenagers start getting letters with no name and then subsequently start to lose their lives in the hands of a mysterious killer who seemingly knows their deep, dark well-kept secret.

“Rosemary’s Baby”—based on “Rosemary’s Baby” by Ira Levin

“Rosemary’s Baby” is based on the 1967 published horror novel by Ira Levin. The film bears a close resemblance to the original plot of the book, making it one of the rare exceptions to maintain close faithfulness between the two mediums. If you like one, you will surely enjoy the other version too.

“Pshcho”—based on “Psycho” by Robert Bloch

Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” is a sensation in the film world. But the little known fact is that it is a silver screen adaptation based on a literary work of the same name by Robert Bloch. This horror novel was published in 1959 that revolves around the narrative of Norman Bates, a motel owner, who literally struggles under the dictatorship of a dominant mother and eventually gets involved in a series of murders.

“Dracula”—based on “Dracula” by Bram Stoker

Based on the cult fiction of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”, the screen adaptation was in a tough competition with the original novel. It is one of the most famous horror novels of all time popularizing the vampire cult in the horror genre. The Gothic aesthetics adds a new dimension to the entire setting of the storyline. Expert skillful execution with superb twists and turns in the plotline, keeps the audience engaged from the beginning till the end and maybe even after that.