Gransnet forums

TV, radio, film, Arts

Conclave best film but I didn’t hear Robert Harris acknowledged.

(26 Posts)
Lovetopaint037 Mon 17-Feb-25 14:07:38

Just that really. Kept hearing about the script writer who was supposedly the writer and how wonderful he was but I didn’t hear Robert Harris mentioned. I really enjoyed the book and I love Robert Harris’s work. Perhaps I missed it and have got it wrong. Dh told me not to worry as he would have got a fat cheque 😂

Cabowich Mon 17-Feb-25 14:14:47

I noticed that, too! I've decided to read the book and forego the film (nearly always prefer the book versions anyway).

Indigo8 Mon 17-Feb-25 14:28:10

The original author of the book of the film is often not acknowledged or forgotten.

Most people know that Daphne duMaurier wrote 'Rebecca' which was filmed starring Laurence Olivier and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. But how many people know that Alfred Hitchcock's film 'The Birds' was based on a story by Daphne du Maurier.

Several of Walt Disney's cartoon films were based on stories by largely unknown or forgotten authors.

NonGrannyMoll Mon 17-Feb-25 14:39:53

I imagine your DH was right - Robert Harris would have received some remuneration for the "rights" - but how much and what happens to the idea after the first film is made are in the laps of the contract lawyers! I have two gripes about making films from books (three if you count the fact that the practice doesn't encourage new drama to be made).
1) Depending upon the contract, the original author can end up being paid just a one-off fee (for the film-makers' right to use the story) and subsequently be left with no claim to royalties or repeat showings. That has happened so often (to song-writers as well) that it isn't even funny.
2) Once someone other than the author has bought the "brand", new dramas can be made on the back of the author's name, using other writers/dramatists (lots of examples of that are showing on tv even as I write).

Chocolatelovinggran Mon 17-Feb-25 17:30:19

...but it was a beautiful film...

RosieandherMaw Mon 17-Feb-25 17:33:31

Oh he was acknowledged in the winner’s acceptance speech where he said he couldn’t get enough of everything Robert Harris had written.

eazybee Mon 17-Feb-25 19:31:08

Andrew Pierce was taunted this morning when he said he hadn't seen the film, but had enjoyed the book.

charley68 Mon 17-Feb-25 19:33:55

I really enjoyed the book, not seen the film either.

Chocolatelovinggran Mon 17-Feb-25 19:42:03

Mark Billingham spoke about selling the film or TV rights to a book, at a book festival I attended.
He described it as the writer, book in hand, on one side of a very high wall, throws the book high over to the other side. Swiftly, a bag of money is hurled his way.
He does not see his work ever again...

NotAGran55 Mon 17-Feb-25 21:26:35

Robert Harris was on local radio today, and said as the writer he was as welcome as the alcoholic uncle that you didn’t want to see at the family party.

Lovetopaint037 Mon 17-Feb-25 22:26:40

NotAGran55

Robert Harris was on local radio today, and said as the writer he was as welcome as the alcoholic uncle that you didn’t want to see at the family party.

That is a revealing remark NotAGran. Sounds as if he is at least somewhat fed up with the omission. Did he elaborate? Wish I had heard what he had to say. Can’t believe the cheek of it! How can a wonderful writer like Robert Harris be ignored. Wonder if his name comes up on the screen when all the credits roll.

Lovetopaint037 Mon 17-Feb-25 22:30:13

RosieandherMaw

Oh he was acknowledged in the winner’s acceptance speech where he said he couldn’t get enough of everything Robert Harris had written.

So pleased about that. Didn’t see that. Just saw the best film acceptance speeches.

Litterpicker Tue 18-Feb-25 21:56:07

I think Conclave also won best adapted screenplay - the source book is acknowledged in that

RosieandherMaw Tue 18-Feb-25 22:01:21

Litterpicker

I think Conclave also won best adapted screenplay - the source book is acknowledged in that

That was my point too

YorkLady Tue 06-May-25 11:14:46

Watched this yesterday. It’s now free to watch if you have Amazon Prime.
Was very interesting especially as this is happening in Rome this week.

Greyduster Tue 06-May-25 11:37:28

I watched it on Prime too. I thought it was a terrific film; what an odd twist at the end though! Who saw that coming?

SueDonim Tue 06-May-25 11:58:38

We watched it last night. I am still thinking about it today. I guessed the twist very shortly before it was revealed.

Seeing the rituals involved was very interesting, although it wasn’t as I’d imagined it!

Calendargirl Tue 06-May-25 12:15:31

Robert Harris was interviewed on the BBC News the other night.

Fluffyjumper Tue 06-May-25 14:31:15

'Can’t believe the cheek of it! How can a wonderful writer like Robert Harris be ignored. Wonder if his name comes up on the screen when all the credits roll.'

Yes, it does, Lovetopaint037
I watched Conclave at the weekend and saw Robert Harris acknowledged.
Loved the film, didn't expect that twist!

LaCrepescule Tue 06-May-25 15:14:20

He’s in the credits.

Deedaa Tue 06-May-25 21:29:54

I've seen quite a few reviews on line complaining about the twist and apparently thinking that it had just been tacked on to the film. They had obviously not read the book, where there are several clues along the way.

RosieandherMaw Tue 06-May-25 21:53:35

LaCrepescule

He’s in the credits.

Exactly.
Credit was given as the author at the Oscars too

RosieandherMaw Tue 06-May-25 22:30:57

I think we have established that
Yes he was credited and
Yes you missed it OP.

travelsafar Sun 11-May-25 12:36:05

I enjoyed this film last night on Prime.
Loved the unexpected ending.

Pippa000 Sun 11-May-25 13:04:27

Loved the book, the film was excellent, but quite a lot missed out, including a couple of hints about the ending. Like most I did not expect that. Love all Robert Harris books.