Selected Shorts Goes to the Movies with the Tribeca Film Festival

Short stories adapted into movies and other media

Short stories frequently serve as fertile ground for cinematic and media adaptations, often resulting in impactful storytelling across various platforms. The concise format of short stories allows for a clear and focused narrative that can resonate powerfully when translated onto the screen.

The story "Button, Button" by Richard Matheson adapted into The Twilight Zone and the movie The Box

"Button, Button," a gripping tale by Richard Matheson, transitions from print to screen as an episode of "The Twilight Zone" and later as the film "The Box." The story revolves around a mysterious box with a button that poses a moral dilemma: If pressed, it brings wealth but costs someone's life. The concept captivates audiences with its ethical quandary and psychological depth, making it an attractive candidate for adaptation.

How the mysterious box and button are compelling ideas for adaptation

The idea of the button, ensconced within a mundane object like a box, is irresistibly alluring due to its simplicity and the profound moral choice it represents. The moral struggle faced by the protagonists, reflecting universal themes of greed, consequence, and human nature, secures the story's place in the adapted media. These adaptations leverage the plot’s tension and ethical implications, inviting viewers to explore the outcomes of their own hypothetical choices.

The twist ending that made audiences gasp

The story culminates in Norma's decision to press the button, leading to the unforeseen demise of her husband. The twist ending leaves audiences aghast, echoing the unpredictability of life's consequences. The power of this ending lies not only in its shock value but also in its moral resonance, which is effectively retained across adaptations in both "The Twilight Zone" and "The Box."

Lewis Carroll's poem "Jabberwocky" and its role in Alice in Wonderland adaptations

Carroll's "Jabberwocky," embedded within the larger narrative of "Alice in Wonderland," emerges as an element in various adaptations of the story. Through its nonsensical words and imaginative flair, the poem enriches the fantastical setting and illustrates how poetic elements can enhance visual storytelling.

The story "The Wisdom of Eve" by Mary Orr that inspired the Bette Davis movie All About Eve

Mary Orr's "The Wisdom of Eve" paints the picture of the ambitious and duplicitous Eve Harrington in a way that naturally lends itself to a cinematic narrative.

The memorable villain Eve Harrington

Eve Harrington's deceptive ascent in the theater world is immortalized in Orr's short story, and her actions secure her a notorious place among fictional antagonists. Eve embodies a modern tale of ambition and betrayal, echoing the archetypal deceiver of biblical lore, Eve.

Eve's lies and manipulation to get ahead

Eve Harrington embodies the classic villain, seamlessly manipulating those around her. Her capacity to fabricate her past, exploit emotions like admiration, and strategically play on sympathies portrays a character of complex deceit. Her treachery includes shed tears and the opportunistic use of letters, all of which underline her calculating nature.

How the story translated well to film

The translation of "The Wisdom of Eve" to "All About Eve," a movie starring Bette Davis, presumably captures the essence of Orr's story, evidenced by the success and enduring acclaim of the film. While details about the adaptation process are unspecified, the film's notable impact may draw from the original tale's narrative potency. Moreover, the adaptability of the story is underlined by its further transformation into the musical "Applause," signifying Orr's work's wide-ranging appeal.