Three Books that Could Work as Excellent Movies

If I recall, some particular announcements of books turning into films have ranged from "John Dies At The End" to "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies". I personally enjoyed both books and just may go into a review of either one, but am curious how they will be handled in film. Those same thoughts appeared in my mind when Tim Burton had announced years ago that he would make his own "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", a film that I can't help but argue which version was better, the Gene Wilder version or the Johnny Depp version of Willy Wonka. Sometimes, however, these adaptations can be absolutely dreadful and have nothing to do with the story. One particular example was the movie "Lawnmower Man", originally based on the Stephen King story yet declined in its connection. This all being said, however, I feel that there are some stories that can be told extremely well on film and could be great for the time.

1. A Confederacy of Dunces

I only started reading this novel a mere month ago, but for some strange reason, it has entertained me in the best possible ways. This tale of Ignatius P. Reilly, a fat and full-of-himself slob who is on a quest to get a job in 1960s New Orleans, is a rather rich and humorous story that plays on the situations and dialogue of the characters. I am aware that there have been attempts to film an adaptation, but the entirety has been in development hell for decades now. It probably does not help that the city of New Orleans is still in pieces since Hurricane Katrina. However, I feel that it is not a bad reason to rebuild the city for the purpose of creating a film that breathes the life of New Orleans, the personality of the city.

Directed by Michel Gondry - Many of Gondry's films focus on the heart and comedy of situations and characters, which fits along with the film. Gondry could also serve to make the film into a truly community project if they

Actors:

John Goodman as Ignatius P. Reilly - After seeing the first few episodes of Treme and observing Goodman in an intellectual yet lower-class citizen role, I feel that Goodman would do an excellent portrayal of the same thing with a moustache and goatee. If he stays in good health, that is...
Barbara Streisand as Myrna Minkoff - It may be typecasting, but Streisand would do well in performing as who she is: A Jewish beatnik.
Tracy Morgan as Burma Jones - His recent popularity from the show 30 Rock and the Bruce Willis buddy-cop film "Cop Out" make me believe he could make the most straightforward character in the story to be one of the funniest and central in the cast.

2. Metamorphosis

A technicality, considering that there are animations for the story, but I'm more interested in seeing a live-action film of the story. Gregor Samsa randomly becomes a cockroach when he awakens in the morning. His family is shocked and startled of the disgusting transformation, but learn to cope with it. However, the story quickly becomes a complex study of human emotions and how the outside can truly represent the inside. It would require rather complex acting, due to the large amount of drama in the Samsa family. Difficulties may also occur from the fact of Gregor's own transformation as a cockroach, whether it is an actual costume or pure CGI. A popular idea would include never showing Gregor to begin with, the cameras themselves being his own point of view.

Directed by David Lynch - Known for the creation of Eraserhead, Lynch's films contain bizarre imagery all over his reels. This imagery, however, could easily be combined with the intense situations within Metamorphosis and build a connection between the audience and Gregor.

Actors:

Jeff Goldblum as Gregor Samsa - Any one who has seen The Fly will understand the immediate connection. Goldblum could certainly bring the characterization of Samsa's human faults to life, whether it is by voice or underneath make-up.

3. The Heroin Diaries

Yes, a film based on an autobiography of the bass player for Motley Crue! I know, it may seem like simple promoting of the book, but I sense there is potential. Nikki Sixx's diary entries provide the settings and events, the dialogue can be openly written to Sixx's preferences. Seeing this man hit rock-bottom from the beginning, proceeding throughout his life while still addicted to drugs, and then hitting rock-bottom again would be distrubingly powerful for the audience. To give a look into Nikki Sixx's own life would also reflect further into drugs addicts in much the same way Requiem For A Dream did.

Directed by Spike Jonze - Let's be honest, Jonze is probably one of the most talented directors around. Being John Malkovich reflected into the darkness within ourselves, how we would literally turn into different people if given the chance. In this case, Jonze can strike a cord in those addled by drugs to see how deep their Satan pit can go.

Actors:

Nikki Sixx as Himself - Who better to play the rock-bottom musician than the man who has gone to hell and back already? The emotions and memories are still strong within him and could certainly allow him to show how he envisions himself as.