Q & A With Jim Nemeth

Q&A with Jim Nemeth, author of It Came From ...The Stories and Novels Behind Classic Horror, Fantasy and Science Fiction Films

Briefly describe It Came From.

Co-authored with my dear friend and fellow film historian, Bob Madison, It Came From completely examines the origins of twenty-one classic horror, science fiction and fantasy (h/sf/f) films by including an in-depth examination of the source material and its author, the screenwriter’s contribution in adapting it, and an analysis of how that combination resulted in the production of the final film.

Why such a book?

I’ve always loved classic h/sf/f films, particularly those adapted from other material. As a film historian of longstanding, what I found missing in reference books covering these genres was a truly comprehensive history that tied and compared—in any amount of detail—a film adapted from other material back to its literary origins. It’s frustrating to pore through a reference book and find little more concerning the inspiration behind an adapted film than the credit one finds in the film (“Based on the novel XXXXX, by so-and-so).

With only a handful of exceptions such as Wizard of Oz and Psycho, where are the “big” films: The Shining, Jaws, 2001, etc.?

“Big” films of the genre, such as those noted and others, have been written about to death in our opinion. With said exceptions, our intention for the book was to cover films underserved in genre criticism.

Speaking of Psycho, you’re pretty harsh on the Hitchcock film.

I don’t consider my opinions on Psycho (the film) as “harsh.” I simply turned my objective eye on the film and reported my observations. That said observations run counter to those of about 99% of others doesn’t come without consequences—I’ve caught more flak on that single chapter than the remainder of the book combined. <laughs> However, for anyone who thinks I committed sacrilege for my observations regarding Psycho, I direct them to read Danse Macabre, by Stephen King. Turns out, King’s feelings on the film aren’t dissimilar to my own!!

Any other misconception(s) you want to clear up?

You bet. <laughs> The analysis section of each chapter is not just “two guys’ opinions” on the films as some have mistakenly written. Anyone can write a book saying “I hate this,” or ‘I loved that.” For every observation we offer in the book, we back up with what I believe are solid arguments or evidence in support of said observation.

What are you most proud of regarding the book?

I’m extraordinarily proud that Bob and I had the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the too-often-ignored heroes of these classic adapted films—the screenwriters and authors of the source material. Without them, these films wouldn’t exist.

Any “Lessons Learned” from writing the book?

I learned that writing a book is hard! <laughs> But through that process, I came to realize that I have the fortitude and perseverance needed to complete any difficult task. And most importantly, I gained more pride in my writing. Every time I pick up the book, hold it in my hands, and read one of the chapters I wrote, I never fail to break out into a smile of pride. I think ‘Darn, that is good! I wrote that!”

Any regrets?

Covid. When the book was released in May 2020, the virus had its grip on the world. I had planned a promotional campaign including soliciting local bookstores and libraries to carry the book and maybe a few appearances and signings at local libraries. COVID altered those plans. On a more a personal level, one of my top dreams was to have the book placed in the window of my town’s bookstore. I just missed out. The store had closed just a few months earlier. After 54 years.

Sequel?

It would be nice, as so many beloved films of ours didn’t make it into this volume. But a sequel is unlikely, at least at this point in time. I’m currently playing with ideas for other books and Bob is set to have a novel published this summer, which I suspect (having read it) will be a big success.

Anything we missed?

The late comedian Red Buttons used to do a routine on celebrity roasts where he waxed that “So-and-so…never got a dinner!” Similarly, I’m perplexed that the book’s appendix—which defines the first published appearance of the source material for a good number of h/sf/f films—is never mentioned. It Came From’s appendix…never gets a dinner! <laughs>.

Many thanks!