Here, we take a look at a selection of films that highlight just how rich a source articles can be for the writer of the fact-based film. We also discuss a few issues relating to adapting magazines articles for the screen…
Magazine articles as source material
There are plenty of compelling screen narratives that have been developed from magazine articles. Real-life stories told in these articles are generally focussed on interesting characters and intriguing episodes from history that are ripe for being fictionalised. Recent examples include the articles that were adapted into The Mule (2018) and The Old Man and the Gun (2018), each of which tells of an elderly male protagonist with unlikely CVs (a bank robber and drug mule, respectively).
By their nature, magazine articles are timely and are often centred on topical issues, which means they can be adapted into films that are relevant for a modern audience. Long-form magazine articles are also well-researched and showcase quality journalism, often taking years to compile and involving in-depth investigations or profiles. One such example is The Insider (1999), about a Big Tobacco whistleblower, which was based on the Vanity Fair article ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’ by Marie Brenner.
Adapting a magazine article: the issues
The most important issue to consider when it comes to adapting a magazine article is copyright. If you want to adapt a magazine article, you will need to secure the rights, which will likely belong to the publisher and/or the writer.
One alternative is to simply use the article as a jumping off point to develop a standalone fictional narrative. However, any it is important that your narrative is completely separate from the article – including any details that are not in the wider public domain can lead to problems.
When it comes to shaping a screen story, magazines articles may present a challenge in terms their length. The writer may need to add extra material, requiring extra research. There might also be an issue in terms of perspective. Articles (especially profiles) may focus on a specific point-of-view, which may mean a counterpoint is required.
Examples of fact-based films adapted from (or inspired by) magazine articles
As our selection below highlights, films adapted from articles encompass different genres and styles, highlighting just how rich a source magazines and newspapers can be for compelling screen stories.
Argo (2012)
Screenplay: https://screenplays-pdf.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Movie-Screenplay-PDFs/Argo.pdf
Partly based on: Joshuah Bearman’s article for Wired Magazine
Chris Terrio’s Oscar-winning adapted screenplay is based on both Bearman’s magazine article and a chapter of the non-fiction book, The Master of Disguise, written by the film’s protagonist, Tony Mendez. This thriller tells of CIA’s audacious rescue of six Americans stranded in Tehran during the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis.
American Gangster (2007)
Screenplay: https://www.imsdb.com/scripts/American-Gangster.html
Partly based on: Mark Jacobson’s article for New York magazine
Steven Zaillian’s BAFTA-nominated original screenplay is a fictionalised crime drama that charts the rise of real-life Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas and Richie Roberts, the cop who set out to bring him down.
Shattered Glass (2003)
Based on: H. G. Bissinger’s article for Vanity Fair
Billy Ray’s character-driven screenplay tells of the rise and dramatic fall of Stephen Glass, a journalist for The New Republic, who was discovered to have made up many of his published articles in his bid for fame.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
Screenplay: https://www.sonypictures-awards.com/static/files/ABDITN_FINALDRAFT.pdf
Inspired by: Tom Junod’s article for Esquire.
Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster based their script for this biographical drama on the real-life friendship between US television personality Fred Rogers and Lloyd Vogel, the journalist sent to profile the much-loved star.
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Screenplay: http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/dogdayafternoon.html
Based on: P.F. Kluge and Thomas Moore’s article for Life magazine.
Frank Pierson’s screenplay for this classic biographical crime drama is based on the exploits of bank robber, John Wojtowicz, fictionalised on screen as Sonny Wortzik, and his accomplice, Salvatore Naturale, memorably portrayed by Al Pacino and John Cazale. Read more about Dog Day Afternoon.
Casualties of War (1989)
Based on: Daniel Lang’s article for the New Yorker (later turned into a non-fiction book)
David Rabe’s screenplay is a harrowing crime drama set at the height of the Vietnam War that tells of a young soldier who goes up against his squad when he refuses to participate in a brutal attack on a Vietnamese girl. For another war film based on a magazine article, see The Killing Fields (1984).