Theories of Adaptation
Ever wonder why films based on books struggle to hit the target? Let's look at when it happens and find out why!
created by SonderousReads
last updated February, 2026
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Many of these short stories are not quite the 1:1 adaptations that we expect! The list won't dive into the common adaptations unless they also dive into a thematic or essential component that redefines the adaptation. I will post another comment creating a table of contents of the stories!
Robert Stam is one of the professors I studied under and one that was consistently referenced in the understanding of Adaptation Theory. I myself wrote a bit about video games based on his work. Definitely check out some selected chapters of his work.
Film Theory and Philosophy is not an integral part of the understanding of Adaptation Theory, but it can lead to some interesting realizations. Especially when it comes to the short stories I have posted here. I will post a few recommendations when I review my research!
📔"Memento Mori" by Jonathan Nolan 🎬"Memento" (Dir. Christopher Nolan, 2000)
This short story and its accompanying adaptation were selected because the film aims to put us into the character headspace through its editing! Also, the writer and director are brothers, adding a level of overlap and communication to the act of adapting the work.
📔"Story of Your Life" by Ted Chiang 🎬"Arrival" (Dir. Denis Villeneuve, 2016)
This one was a fascinating adaptation because Villeneuve not only has to capture the story... But the style the short was written in. "Story of Your Life" is written in the second person!
📔"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber 🎬"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (Dir. Ben Stiller, 2013)
When I first read this short story, I was curious how a director might approach it. This adaptation has to follow a character that lives largely in his own head without a coherent plot to build a film from. What is a director to do?
📔"Watchmen" by Alan Moore 🎬"Watchmen" (Damon Lindelof, 2019)
A graphic novel! Yes. I have indeed added a graphic novel to this list... And I need you guys to trust me on this. This sort of adaptation goes beyond trying to create from already existing material; Lindelof is building from what was basically from a what if. And he somehow created an adaptation that may just exceed the movie. But why don't you tell me what you think!
