Flowers in the Attic: The Origin – The Movie Cast and 5 Unique Facts
“Flowers in the Attic” is a gripping and haunting novel written by V.C. Andrews in 1979. This highly controversial book was later adapted into a film that captivated audiences with its dark and twisted narrative. Let’s delve into the origin of the movie, its cast, and discover some unique facts surrounding its production.
1. The Origin of the Movie:
“Flowers in the Attic” was first adapted into a film in 1987. Directed by Jeffrey Bloom, it starred Kristy Swanson as Cathy, Victoria Tennant as Corinne, Louise Fletcher as Olivia, and Jeb Stuart Adams as Chris. The film garnered both critical acclaim and controversy due to its taboo themes.
2. The 2014 Adaptation:
A second adaptation of the novel was released in 2014, directed by Deborah Chow. This version starred Kiernan Shipka as Cathy, Ellen Burstyn as Olivia, Heather Graham as Corinne, and Mason Dye as Chris. The film aimed to stay true to the dark essence of the book while bringing a fresh perspective to the story.
3. Kiernan Shipka as Cathy:
Kiernan Shipka, renowned for her role as Sally Draper in the hit TV series “Mad Men,” took on the challenging role of Cathy Dollanganger in the 2014 adaptation. Her portrayal of the complex character earned critical acclaim for its intensity and emotional depth.
4. Ellen Burstyn as Olivia:
The legendary Ellen Burstyn portrayed Olivia Foxworth, the cruel and manipulative grandmother in the 2014 adaptation. Burstyn’s impeccable acting skills brought a chilling presence to the character, making her portrayal unforgettable.
5. Heather Graham as Corinne:
Heather Graham, known for her roles in films like “Boogie Nights” and “The Hangover,” played the role of Corinne, the mother of the Dollanganger children. Graham’s performance effectively captured the character’s emotional turmoil and conflict.
Unique Facts:
1. V.C. Andrews’ Inspiration:
V.C. Andrews drew inspiration for “Flowers in the Attic” from a true story she read in a newspaper. The story detailed a woman who kept her four children locked in an attic to secure an inheritance. This shocking tale formed the basis for the novel’s dark and twisted plot.
2. Controversial Themes:
The novel and subsequent film adaptation of “Flowers in the Attic” faced immense controversy due to its exploration of incestuous relationships and child abuse. The taboo subject matter sparked debates among critics and readers alike.
3. A Series of Novels:
“Flowers in the Attic” is the first book in the Dollanganger series written by V.C. Andrews. The original novel was followed by three sequels: “Petals on the Wind,” “If There Be Thorns,” and “Seeds of Yesterday.” The series delves further into the lives of the Dollanganger children.
4. Lifetime Movie Series:
The 2014 adaptation of “Flowers in the Attic” was part of a larger movie series by Lifetime titled “The Dollanganger Series.” This series included adaptations of the three sequels mentioned earlier, bringing the entire Dollanganger saga to life on the screen.
5. A Cult Following:
“Flowers in the Attic” has gained a significant cult following over the years, with fans drawn to its dark and twisted narrative. The book’s popularity led to the film adaptations, further solidifying its place in pop culture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is “Flowers in the Attic” based on a true story?
No, the story is not based on actual events. However, V.C. Andrews drew inspiration from a newspaper article she read.
2. Are there any more books in the Dollanganger series?
Yes, “Flowers in the Attic” is the first book in the series, followed by three sequels: “Petals on the Wind,” “If There Be Thorns,” and “Seeds of Yesterday.”
3. Who is the author of “Flowers in the Attic”?
The novel was written by V.C. Andrews, a popular American author known for her Gothic family sagas.
4. Is the 2014 adaptation faithful to the book?
While the film deviates from the book in some aspects, it remains relatively faithful to the dark essence and main plot points.
5. What age rating is the movie?
The 2014 adaptation of “Flowers in the Attic” is rated PG-13 due to its intense thematic material and some violent scenes.
6. Are there any other adaptations of the novel?
Yes, a 1987 film adaptation of “Flowers in the Attic” was released prior to the 2014 version.
7. Did the controversial themes affect the success of the book?
On the contrary, the novel’s controversial themes contributed to its success, attracting readers interested in exploring taboo subjects.
8. Is the movie available on streaming platforms?
Yes, the 2014 adaptation of “Flowers in the Attic” is available for streaming on various platforms, including Amazon Prime and Hulu.
9. Are there any plans for future adaptations of the Dollanganger series?
As of now, there are no official announcements regarding future adaptations of the Dollanganger series.
10. Can the movie be watched without reading the book?
Yes, the movie can be enjoyed as a standalone experience without having read the book. However, reading the book provides a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.
11. Are there any age restrictions for reading the book?
The novel contains mature themes and content, so it is recommended for mature readers and young adults.
12. Where can I purchase the book?
“Flowers in the Attic” is available in most bookstores, online retailers, and e-book platforms.
13. Did the controversy surrounding the book impact the film’s release?
While the controversy surrounding the book did generate attention, it did not significantly impact the release of the 2014 adaptation.
