Fairy Tales for Grown-ups

Recently I watched Stardust, the 2007 movie based on both the graphic novel (1998) and the novel published in 1999. It has been several years since I read the book by Neil Gaiman, so I don’t remember all of the details, but it is one I recommend to others to read. Since I don’t remember the details of the book I can’t say how closely the movie follows the book. Regardless, I enjoyed the movie so I would guess that it had some things that were done better than the book, and the book had some scenes and plots that were more developed or done better than the movie.

It brought to mind some other fairy tales for grown-ups that have been published and made into movies. (I would prefer calling them “adult fairy tales”, but the term "adult" comes with so many unwanted connotations that I will stick with "grown-up.") Theses stories differ from the children's fairy tales with their level of sophistication with story, character and humor that is lost on younger readers or viewers. I would say there are a few ways the fairy tale format can be successfully translated a story that appeals to and engages an older audience.

The books and movies that came to mind achieve this while continuing with the expected fantastic and magical elements traditionally found in fairy tales, while adding another level of sophistication in story telling and humor that is lost on younger readers and viewers. They accomplish this without crossing over into parody.

One of these books, and its corresponding movie is The Princess Bride, by William Goldman. The book came out in 1973, while the movie in 1987. Since Goldman also wrote the screenplay, and in fact has written many successful screenplays including Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid, it isn't surprising that the movie and the book are so much alike - both extemely enjoyable. The only real difference between the movie and the book that I can remember is that the book had a few additional and extended scenes.

Another I thought of is The Last Unicorn (1958) by Peter S. Beagle. I enjoyed this book on many levels. The writing itself, the use of language and metaphors was extraordinary and unforgettable, as were the story and the twists the classic character types. The 1982 movie on the other hand, especially when compared with these other two movies, was disappointment. The Rankin/Bass production tells the basic story, but the underlying meanings and symbolism were lost in the translation to this medium as it felt to me like it was simplified for children. The magic of the language was lost in the visual medium. Except for a few scenes, the pacing and story were not really done in a way to appeal to younger audiences – so no one was really served in the adaptation. On top of this, the soundtrack done by the group America, dates the movie, further undermining the timelessness of the book it was based on.

I am sure there are some other books and movies that are in the traditional fairy tale settings with traditional fairy tale characters, but due to humor and depth are more enjoyable to adults. I look forward to seeing what other ones you can add to this list.


ADDITIONAL LINKS:
Stardust - Amazon (hardcover graphic novel - Charles Vess illustrator, paperback, DVD), Wikipedia, IMDB, Official Movie Website, http://www.neilgaiman.com/

The Princess Bride - Amazon (hardback, paperback, DVD - 20th Anniversary Edition), Wikipedia, IMDB

The Last Unicorn - Amazon (paperback - 4oth Anniversary Edition, DVD - 25th Anniversary Edition), Wikipedia, IMDB