Ronald Harwood’s Adaptations
from other works into films
In the crowded marketplace of books on screenwriting, RONALD HARWOOD’S
ADAPTATIONS is thought to be the first ever book exclusively devoted to writing for the cinema from an Oscar-winning screenwriter.
Here, the practice, not the theory, of scriptwriting is laid bare.
This book does not tell you how to do it, but rather, how you can
do it. It also offers readers an exceptional insight into the writer’s
world at the very top echelons of the film industry from one of the most
sought after screenwriters in the field of cinema.
As well as scrutinising the multitude of elements the screenwriter
has to deal with - producers, directors, actors, script presentation, technology
and outside interference, the book analyses 4 specific screenplays
in depth, discussing the entire process, from concept to final film. It
also contains a unique page-by-page comparison of Harwood’s transformation
of original works to screenplays, illustrated from different points of
emphasis.
Witty, occasionally biting, always constructive, Harwood’s is
a masterful commentary on craft of writing in general as well as the art of
maintaining integrity in a business that often prefers to dispense with it. This
is read that far exceeds its undeniable value as a craftsman’s guide.
David Nicholas Wilkinson, Emlyn Price and all at guerilla books wish to
congratulate Ronald Harwood for his latest Oscar nomination for THE
DIVING BELL & THE BUTTERFLY. In our opinion, this really does
confirm his position as one of our greatest living screenwriters.
The Guardian Newspaper review
Ego? Forget about it
What's the best way to turn a book into a film script? Ronald Harwood,
who adapted The Pianist, shares the secrets of his success.
Friday July 6, 2007
Read the review
A unique look behind the art of screen adaptation
from an acknowledged master.
David Parfitt, Oscar winning producer of SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
That rarest of things among screenwriting manuals - a treasure trove of
brilliant advice from an esteemed practitioner - someone who's not only written
films, but won Oscars for them. By page 6, I'd come across one of the best
pieces of writing-related advice I'd ever read. By page 50, every other margin
was marked with my own grateful 'yes, yes'.
Jeremy Dyson, writer of THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN and novelist
Ronald Harwood offers a learned, entertaining and practical guide that will
become essential for students, budding writers and professionals. An enormously
enlightening masterclass on the inner workings of scriptwriting and how to
get from page to screen with inventiveness and integrity. With its sound
advice for all forms of writing, this is a faithful companion to anyone working
towards truthful, dynamic and successful writing.
Mark Goodall, Head of Film Studies, University of Bradford
Ronald Harwood empathises with his source material
and lets it speak through him. To work with, he's funny, acerbic, savvy.
The life you see so extravagantly on the page is in the man.
Mike Newell, director of LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA
RONALD HARWOOD CBE
In 2002 Ronald Harwood won the Oscar for his screenplay of THE PIANIST.
He has written many other feature films including THE DIVING BELL AND THE
BUTTERFLY, LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA, BEING JULIA, THE DRESSER, TAKING
SIDES, CRY THE BELOVED COUNTRY, MANDELA, ONE DAY IN THE LIFE OF IVAN
DENISOVICH, THE BROWNING VERSION.
He was made Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1974 and was
Visitor in Theatre at Balliol College, Oxford in 1985. He was President of
English PEN, 1989-1993, and President of International PEN, 1993-97. He was
Chairman of the Royal Society of Literature 2001-04 and elected President
of
the Royal Literary Fund, 2005. In 2000 he was awarded the Stefan Mitrov
Ljubisa Prize for his contribution to European literature and Human Rights.
In 1996 he was appointed Chevalier de l'ordre Nationale des Arts et Lettres,
and CBE in 1999. He was made Hon. Doctor of Letters by Keele University in
2002.
