I always say, I’m certain I changed ‘Watchmen’ less than the Coen brothers changed ‘No Country for Old Men.’ I’m certain of it. But you don’t hear the Cormac McCarthy fans, like, up in arms about it. They should be. It’s like an amazing Pulitzer Prize-winning book.

Zack Snyder

The Quote in Other Words

I often state that I am confident that I made fewer alterations to ‘Watchmen’ than the Coen brothers did to ‘No Country for Old Men.’ I am completely sure of this. However, it is surprising that supporters of Cormac McCarthy do not express their dissatisfaction about it. This is a remarkable book that has won the Pulitzer Prize.

Explanation of the Quote

This quote highlights the double standard that exists in the world of adaptations. While some authors are fiercely protected by their fans, others seem to be fair game for any changes that filmmakers might make. The speaker argues that their own adaptation was relatively faithful, yet they still faced criticism. Meanwhile, other adaptations that stray far from the source material are often celebrated.

This raises questions about the nature of adaptation itself. Is it the responsibility of filmmakers to remain true to the original work, or do they have the right to make changes as they see fit? And why do some authors inspire such fierce loyalty from their fans, while others do not?

Ultimately, this quote reminds us that adaptations are complex and often contentious endeavors. While some may argue that fidelity to the source material is paramount, others may argue that filmmakers should be free to interpret and reimagine as they see fit. The truth likely lies somewhere in between, and it is up to each individual viewer to decide what they value most in an adaptation.