6 Elmore Leonard Adaptations You Need to See

An accomplished crime novelist, comparable to the greats like Raymond Chandler and Elmore Leonard, initially made his mark in Western literature. Subsequently, he ventured into the realm of gritty crime fiction. His writing in both genres has been regularly transformed for movies and TV series, capturing the attention of esteemed directors such as John Frankenheimer, Barry Sonnenfeld, Quentin Tarantino, and Steven Soderbergh. In a similar vein to Stephen King’s adaptations, not every film or show based on his work has been an unqualified success. However, when they excel, they often become timeless classics.

The following Leonard adaptations stand out as the cream of the crop. While not all are timeless masterpieces, each one offers something worth admiring.

In this version, I have tried to use more natural and easy-to-read language while still conveying the original meaning. The word “stone-cold” has been replaced with “timeless masterpiece,” which is a more common way of expressing that idea, and the phrase “every last one” has been changed to “each one” for clarity and flow. Additionally, I have removed the use of quotation marks around “Leonard adaptations” as it was not necessary in this context.

3:10 to Yuma

Two adaptations of “3:10 to Yuma” exist, one from 1957 and another from 2007. Both are captivating, but the remake surpasses the original in many aspects. In fact, James Mangold’s 2007 version could be considered even superior to Glenn Frank’s source material. This film demonstrates why Mangold was chosen for “The Wolverine.” Furthermore, it pairs beautifully with Mangold’s “Logan,” just as his Japan-set X-Men adventure does.

3:10 to Yuma, directed by Mangold, showcases visually captivating scenes and standout performances from Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. In fact, these performances might be among the best work from either actor throughout their careers. For those not familiar with the story, it revolves around Dan Evans (played by Bale), a struggling war veteran and rancher who is tasked with escorting the infamous outlaw Ben Wade (Crowe) to the train station before 3:10. Accompanying him are Byron McElroy, an elderly and boastful bounty hunter played by Peter Fonda, as well as a few inexperienced lawmen. As they travel together, Wade’s menacing threats and attacks make this a perilous journey.

52 Pick-Up

John Frankenheimer’s film “52 Pick-Up” may not rank among Elmore Leonard’s best adaptations, but it effectively embodies the essence of the original work and is certainly a watch worth considering by fans of the author. In contrast to films like “Get Shorty,” which maintains a lively tone even during violent scenes, “52 Pick-Up” is relentlessly grim throughout.

Roy Scheider plays the role of Harry Mitchell, a bustling businessman married to a politician, who finds himself in a compromising situation when he receives footage of himself with a younger woman. A ruthless trio of criminals threatens to expose him, but after informing his wife of the situation, they decide to take things further and murder his lover, using his gun and recording the act. While Scheider delivers a strong performance as Mitchell and Ann-Margret brings depth to her character as his disheartened wife, Barbara, the movie’s main appeal lies in its villainy. The two most malicious members of the blackmailing trio are portrayed by John Glover, known for his role in “Batman & Robin,” and Clarence Williams III, famed from “American Gangster.

Get Shorty

Highlighting one outstanding portrayal by the late Gene Hackman, Barry Sonnenfeld’s Get Shorty offers a sleek reinterpretation of one of Leonard’s finest novels. This movie served as an ideal platform for John Travolta to continue his successful acting streak after his remarkable performance in Pulp Fiction. Both films belong to the crime genre, but they each carry a comedic undertone. Travolta’s character, Chili Palmer, is distinct from his character Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, as he exudes self-assurance rather than appearing hapless and exploited. Hackman delivers an entertaining performance as B-movie producer Harry Zimm, while Rene Russo shines brilliantly as Karen Flores, a actress grappling with the realization that her best days in the industry may be over.

As a cinephile, I must confess that “Get Shorty” remains one of the standout adaptations of Elmore Leonard’s work. However, if you find yourself seeking another Leonard-inspired tale, then look no further than this film. The narrative unfolds as our protagonist, a former loan shark named Palmer, embarks on a journey from Miami to Los Angeles, evading the retribution of a ‘made man’ whose nose he fractured.

In L.A., Palmer’s past continues to haunt him, complicating his aspirations to break into Hollywood. Ironically, he even conceives an idea for a movie – one that mirrors his own tumultuous life – if only he could perfect the climax. Among the Leonard adaptations, there are only two that surpass this cinematic gem. I strongly advise steering clear of the disastrous sequel, “Be Cool” (also based on a Leonard novel), which should be avoided at all costs.

Hombre

Paul Newman, who passed away, was incredibly versatile across various film genres, much like Steve McQueen. He exuded an effortless coolness and could instill fear with just a few words spoken. In the movie “Hombre“, which is a reinterpretation of Leonard’s widely regarded Western novel, he demonstrated his formidable acting skills by utilizing only facial expressions and body language. This role showcased Newman’s prowess as a performer in a remarkable way.

In a different setting, Newman portrays John Russell, a man brought up by Native American tribes. Due to his unique background, he often faces prejudice and keeps to himself. However, this solitude is about to be interrupted as he embarks on a stagecoach journey to Arizona to claim his inheritance. Unluckily for Russell and the fellow travelers, the stagecoach is targeted for a robbery. Despite their previous unkindness towards him, they now depend on Russell to protect them from danger.

Jackie Brown

Speaking as a movie enthusiast, let me share that among the screen adaptations of Leonard’s post-Western crime novels, none surpass the brilliance of two particular ones. Interestingly enough, these exceptional films were released within a mere six-month span, and they share a connection through Michael Keaton’s character, Agent Ray Nicolette. The first of these masterpieces is Quentin Tarantino’s interpretation of “Rum Punch,” another stellar Leonard novel, titled “Jackie Brown.

The movie “Jackie Brown” stands out as exceptional due to its ability to faithfully follow the original source material while simultaneously paying tribute to the blaxploitation films of the 1970s, a nod evident in the selection of Pam Grier. Tarantino’s affection for Leonard is evident throughout his work, and it’s significant that “Jackie Brown” is the only film among his that’s based on a pre-existing story. Furthermore, it ranks as one of his most skillfully acted films to date. The performances by Pam Grier and the late Robert Forster are the pinnacle of their careers, with Robert De Niro delivering a charming (yet pathetic) portrayal that contrasts with his usual roles. Among Tarantino’s antagonists, only Hans Landa from “Inglourious Basterds” surpasses Samuel L. Jackson’s cold and malicious Ordell Robbie, although Charles Manson’s presence in “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” could also be considered a formidable adversary due to his real-life notoriety.

Justified

Multiple attempts have been made to adapt Leonard’s writings into television shows. However, considering the intricate plots and numerous characters involved, it might seem more appropriate for his work to be adapted as extended narratives rather than standalone cinematic experiences. Surprisingly, this hasn’t been the case. For instance, “Maximum Bob” and “Karen Sisco,” both underrated shows, ran only seven and ten episodes respectively. The only exception is FX’s “Justified,” which was a success story in Leonard’s TV adaptations. The show “Get Shorty,” starring Ray Romano, managed three seasons, but “Justified” remains the most successful Leonard television series.

The FX network provided an ideal platform for the show “Justified.” It offered more creative freedom than traditional network television, although not as much as HBO. This environment served as a suitable home for the Timothy Olyphant-led rural crime drama, which ultimately became a standout series. Over six seasons, it truly lived up to that status. The narrative focuses on Raylan Givens, portrayed by Olyphant, who might be Leonard’s best character after Sisco. Throughout its run, the show generally maintained its high level of quality, with Olyphant consistently bringing his perfectly suited charisma and Walton Goggins from “Fallout” providing an excellent counterpoint to his stoic heroism. Even years after the original series ended, “Justified: City Primeval” demonstrated that there was still valuable material to explore.

Out of Sight

Jackie Brown may not be the top Leonard adaptation, but Steven Soderbergh’s Out of Sight stands out. A significant factor lies in the casting, another in its meticulous direction, and a third in its well-timed tempo. Additionally, the excellent screenplay by Scott Frank plays a role, with the chemistry between cast members possibly being the most influential aspect.

George Clooney, Ving Rhames, and Don Cheadle each shine in their respective roles, yet it’s clear that Out of Sight belongs to Jennifer Lopez. While comparisons can be drawn to Travolta in Get Shorty, Olyphant in Justified, and both Grier and Forster in Jackie Brown, it’s Lopez who delivers the most outstanding performance in a Leonard adaptation as Karen Sisco. Critics often cite her work in Hustlers as the pinnacle of her acting prowess, but it was here that she truly demonstrated, with the right script, she could transcend being a popstar or the face of romantic comedies.

2025-04-28 23:43