I love the movies, and when I go to see a movie that's been made from one of my books, I know that it isn't going to be exactly like my novel because a lot of other people have interpreted it. But I also know it has an idea that I'll like because that idea occurred to me, and I spent a year, or a year and a half of my life working on it.
This quote beautifully captures the complex relationship between original creative work and its adaptations. It highlights how authors often feel a mix of anticipation and acceptance when their stories are brought to the big screen. On one hand, there's an understanding that no adaptation can perfectly mirror the source material, owing to the myriad interpretations by different filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors. Each adaptation inevitably reflects a new perspective, cultural influences, and artistic choices, which can either enrich or depart from the original narrative.
Yet, there's a deep appreciation for the core ideas and themes that inspired the author in the first place. The fact that a filmmaker resonated with a particular idea from the novel enough to bring it to life visually is meaningful. It signifies that the essence of the story β something the author dedicated a significant portion of their life to conceive β continues to spark interest and interpretation.
This perspective also reveals a sense of pride and emotional investment from the author. Knowing that their idea has crossed mediums and inspired others affirms the power of storytelling. It's a validation that creative thoughts hold enduring value and can translate into diverse forms of expression. Moreover, it emphasizes that originality in storytelling isn't just about creating something entirely new but also about contributing ideas that inspire others to interpret and expand upon. Ultimately, the quote reflects a mature understanding of creative collaboration and the dynamic, ongoing life of ideas beyond their original inception.