I am fascinated by an upcoming film project, SAVING MR. BANKS. It promises to illuminate the contentious relationship between Walt Disney and the author of the “Mary Poppins” series, P.L. Travers. Apparently Travers cried through the premiere of what she thought an “appalling” film. I would say there was, perhaps, a clash of aesthetics…
However, it’s naive to think a book will be exactly reproduced on film — they never have been, they never will. A book reflects its writer. A movie represents a collaborative mindset. If you are an author and are inclined to accept the fee for the film rights, bank the very handsome treasure you receive, and don’t look back.
