10 Times Writers Hated The Movie Versions Of Their Work

For any writer, getting a movie deal is a huge accomplishment. A story needs to be exceptionally good in order to deserve a film adaptation, with movies requiring enormous investments of money and time. But even though authors might feel pride at the idea of seeing their vision brought to life on the big screen, they aren't always happy with the results.

Part of the beauty of literature is that a story can be interpreted and imagined in so many different ways by each individual reader. The original writer naturally has their own vision, but a story can take a totally different tone when it makes the leap to a movie or TV version. Some authors don't mind seeing their stories interpreted in different ways, but others get a little frustrated or even downright mad.

Many book-to-film adaptations are loved by moviegoers but despised by writers. In fact, some of the most popular and critically-acclaimed films of all time fall into this category, and you might be surprised to learn that one of your favourite films was totally disowned by its original author.

V for Vendetta is based on the comic series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. The film tells the story of a dystopian alternative future, following freedom fighter V as he attempts to lead a revolution. It was a smash success, both critically and commercially, and the Guy Fawkes mask worn by V has gone on to become a powerful symbol, used by various groups and protesters around the world, but Alan Moore wanted nothing to do with any of it.

Moore had already seen a couple of his creations come to cinematic life in From Hell and The League of Extraordinary Gentleman and wasn't happy with either. Disillusioned with the entire process of film adaptations, he flat-out refused to even watch the film and wanted no royalties from it.

The English writer did read the script but was frustrated by plot holes and major thematic changes when compared to his original work. David Lloyd, on the other hand, did enjoy the film and was happy to see the Guy Fawkes mask become such an iconic image.