The Sort-of Salinger Movies

Given the circumstances, no official The Catcher in the Rye or Franny and Zooey film has ever been made, much to the dismay of many Holden Caulfield fans and filmmakers. All the same Salinger-influenced filmmakers have put a heavy dose of his flavor into their films and even lifted essential storylines, motifs, and characters from his works. To be sure, Salinger has a deep influence on literature and culture today that goes beyond a small cult following, and the impact of his writing pervades thinking in our own lives, the books we read, and the movies we watch in almost unconscious ways. The films listed below differ from this subtle, imbedded influence because they are deliberate attempts to put to film Salinger’s ideas and style. Few really hit the mark or achieved the same lucidity Salinger has with his trademark insights into alienation, adolescence, and discontent. The emotional and psychological drive of Salinger’s remarkably simple prose is difficult if not impossible to translate onto film.

Despite shortcomings, worthwhile to watch…

These films are interesting to look into because by comparison, they allow a concrete contrast to be made, and for the viewer/reader to think about the originality and complexity of Salinger’s writing. Perhaps because the films cannot fully delve into his writing they strive merely for an essence of it, or a small signature part of it. One thing about making a “Salinger-esque” film seems to be understood, you’ve gotta have angst, aimless strolling, and misunderstood, sensitive young men. Don’t scoff just yet though…all are definitely worth the time of Salinger fans. The movies provide entertaining new ideas and perceptions of his writing as well bringing to focus the keen interest our society has with such storylines and characters (despite their superficiality when compared to the original). Some of the films are by far better than others, and hold up as poignant, original stories all their own.