"You owe everything to the movie and nothing to the original" with David Kajganich | The Movie Racket
Summary
Host Michael Phillips and screenwriter Dave Kajganek discuss the art of film adaptation, using Christopher Nolan’s *Odyssey* as a springboard. They debate fidelity versus creative freedom, contrasting Whit Stillman’s and the Coen Brothers’ approaches. Kajganek shares insights from his work on *The Terror* and *Bones and All*, emphasizing character depth over literal text adherence.
Topics discussed
Intro and Pennzoil sponsorship
Christopher Nolan's Odyssey adaptation debate
Guest Dave Kajanek introduced
Faithful vs. freestyle adaptation styles
Adapting The Invisible String and ethical choices
The social network and author collaboration
Stephen King adaptations and The Terror
Streaming series adaptations and pacing
Adapting Sharp Objects and author trust
Bones and All veganism and Guadagnino collab
Best faithful adaptations: Sense and Sensibility
Creative liberties: The Devils and Where the Wild Things Are
Audience reaction to Nolan's Odyssey liberties
Ads and sponsor breaks
Paul Thomas Anderson and The Bridges of Madison County
Stage to screen: Night Mother and Death of a Salesman
August Osage County and Doubt adaptations
The Riders and final thoughts on adaptation
Outro and closing ads
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