The dystopian genre has been very popular in books and subsequently movies for years. The point of this type of storytelling is to take us into a world of terrifying realism, to show us the consequences of our societal actions and whilst at times some dystopian worlds are too outlandish and far-fetched to mimic any kind of reality that we know, they still carry similarities of our social institutions and the flaws that plague humankind.
It cannot be argued that authors have utilized this genre more so than any other entertainer. It's difficult to succinctly translate and portray a complicated narrative onto the screen and bring it to life, however, some filmmakers have managed to successfully do so, and whilst some certainly have, others have sadly failed. Below are 5 dystopian films that were better than the book and 5 films that missed the mark.
Film Is Better: Battle Royale (2000)
Despite the initial controversy due to its subject matter, Battle Royale was a genre-breaking, genre-defining exercise in portraying complicated social matters. Released in 2000, it didn't take long for this film to become a massive cult hit, and its social impact was staggering.
The book was equally as influential and controversial due to its subject matter during the time frame of its publication. The film, however, captured the essence of the book perfectly and has become a prominent symbol in the film industry.
Book Is Better: The Time Machine (1895)
The saving grace that is Guy Pearce did nothing to rescue this failed 2002 adaptation of a great novel. The Time Machine is flat, generic and adds absolutely nothing to the complicated and intricate narrative of HG Well's acclaimed novel.
After a promising beginning and a stellar performance from Guy Pearce, the film really took a nosedive in its second half which unfortunately turned it into another superfluous and blanket sci-fi action blockbuster with a plotline that has been seen way too much in Hollywood.
Film Is Better: Starship Troopers (1997)
Originally written as a standalone script but eventually ended up being based on the novel Starship Troopers written by Robert A. Heinlein. However, despite the slight similarities between the two, the film is largely different in comparison to the novel.
The novel has been accused of being too pro-military and Heinlein's own political views are heavily littered throughout the story. The film is more satirical and doesn't take itself too seriously, which makes it a more humorous rendering of the story and way more fun to watch. Fans should skip the novel in this case and just watch the film.
Book Is Better: Nineteen-Eighty-Four (1949)
George Orwell can easily be dubbed the greatest writer of all time, with Nineteen-Eighty-Four being his magnum opus. Published in 1949, this is a heartrending novel about a not too distant future where society is under total government control. This novel is a terrifying read, exhibiting a realistic future and it manifests a very tangible fear in us all.
The adaptation of Orwell's tour de force received appraisal upon its release and with good reason since it was a haunting portrayal of the source material. However, 1984 will forever remain in the shadow of Orwell's novel.
Film Is Better: Snowpiercer (2013)
Easily one of the most exciting dystopian and science fiction adaptations to date, Snowpiercer received nowhere near the recognition that it deserved upon release. The film was successful in reinvigorating the graphic novel it was adapted from and the vision of the film was clear.
The French graphic novel which was the basis for the film is very different. It follows more or less the same premise but the direction of the titular characters and plot is dissimilar to the film. It is definitely a far superior retelling of the story. As of 2015, a television series has been in development based on the film which is due to be released on May 17th, 2020.
Book Is Better: I Am Legend (1954)
Richard Matheson's classic is uncomparable to the adaptation released in 2007. Whilst the cinematic version isn't flawless, Will Smith's performance in I Am Legend does warrant merit. It is undeniably the best thing about it since the film generally lacks the substance that makes the novel so exceptional.
I Am Legend written and published in 1954 really put vampire literature at the forefront, Matheson's novel popularized it and the plethora of vampire fiction we have seen a rise in over the years is down to this absolute gem of a book.
Film Is Better: Blade Runner (1982)
Philip K Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electronic Sheep spawned two very successful adaptations, both named Blade Runner. By far the best is the original version, released in 1982 starring the gifted Harrison Ford. The book was and is one of Philip K Dick's best and it undeniably one of the key novels to read for a science fiction fan.
The film is elegant, stylistic, and a triumphant rendering of the source material. Despite the initial reaction to the film, it has over the years become a cult classic, often favored over the book.
Book Is Better: Animal Farm (1945)
Despite an impressive cast, the 1999 adaptation of George Orwell's Animal Farm fails to live up to its base material. It isn't a surprise really, considering the haunting beauty of Orwell's allegorical novel.
The film fails to portray the fathomless intellectual prowess that oozes from Animal Farm on paper and it completely misses the point of the novel, making it just another addition to a long list of failed adaptations.
Film Is Better: A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Stanley Kubrick is a world-renowned director and has never ceased to disappoint fans with his work. His adaptation of A Clockwork Orange is certainly up there as being one of the greatest films of all time. His rendering of the novels' key elements on the culture of violence in a futuristic society where the youth is prevalent is smart and prudent.
Anthony Burgess's novel was pioneering writing and the novel has since been dubbed one of the best English language novels of the 20th century. With good reason since Burgess's novel is so distinct and so formidable but it can be argued that it isn't for everyone due to its complex language, created by the author. The film takes all the crucial elements of the novel including the disturbing and provocative material and turns it all into something very unique, all achieved by Kubricks stylistic mind.
Book Is Better: Fahrenheit 451 (1953)
Ray Bradbury is regarded as one of America's greatest novelists. His scope is fathomless and he is best known for writing exceptional science fiction and horror stories.
The 2018 on-screen adaptation of one of Bradbury's best novels Fahrenheit 451 was a complete and utter car crash, completely lacking in the style and intellectual dexterity that made the novel so great. Thankfully, adaptations like this can quickly be forgotten and luckily fail to tarnish the exceptional source material that they are based on.