Product: The American Friend [VHS] (1977)
Rating: 5.0
Better than the Book!
I know people are divided on this question but in my opinion, I think a director should alter a novel's details how he sees fit. Sometimes it works (as it does with this film) and sometimes it doesn't. What really bothers me is when a director simply transplants the exact contents of a book to the screen, as in the Harry Potter films and numerous other adaptations of best-sellers. Gone with the Wind and Clockwork Orange have considerable alterations but that's what makes them great films without taking anything away from the source material. It takes a brave and talented director to actually improve on a great book, as is the case with One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Judge The American Friend on it's own merits and leave the book on the shelf.