### Adaptation Pitch
“Hotel California: The Illustrated Novel” offers a unique twist on the horror/mystery genre, inspired by the iconic Eagles song. Unlike typical adaptations that lean towards darkness, this story maintains a lively pace and injects a dose of hope, making it an ideal candidate for both film and television adaptations. It presents a compelling narrative of an ordinary man pitted against the extraordinary forces of a haunted hotel, steering clear of clichés and providing a fresh take on psychological horror.

### Movie Adaptation:
#### Comparative Film References:
– **The Shining** – Like Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, this film would explore the psychological descent of the protagonist in a remote hotel setting.
– **Inception** – Similar to Nolan’s masterpiece, the blending of dreams and reality in “Hotel California” challenges the viewer’s perception of what is real.
– **Get Out** – Jordan Peele’s thriller offers a parallel in how an ordinary individual uncovers sinister secrets in a seemingly normal setting.
– **1408** – This film adaptation of a Stephen King short story also features a protagonist battling malevolent forces in a hotel room, emphasizing psychological horror.
– **The Grand Budapest Hotel** – While vastly different in tone, Wes Anderson’s film shows how a hotel can be at the center of a larger, intricate story.

#### Suggested Movie Genres:
– **Horror** * – The core of the story is the psychological and supernatural terror faced by Wendell.
– **Mystery** – The unfolding mystery of the hotel’s true nature and Wendell’s reality keeps the audience engaged.
– **Thriller** – The intense, suspenseful attempts at escape provide edge-of-the-seat excitement.
– **Psychological Drama** – Focuses on Wendell’s mental and emotional struggles.
– **Supernatural** – Elements of the unexplainable and paranormal are pivotal to the plot.

### TV Adaptation:
#### Comparative TV References:
– **American Horror Story: Hotel** – Similar setting in a haunted hotel with a rich backstory; created by Ryan Murphy.
– **Bates Motel** – This series, developed by Carlton Cuse, also explores psychological horror through its complex characters and eerie setting.
– **Twin Peaks** – David Lynch’s cult classic offers a blend of mystery and surrealism that parallels the bizarre experiences of Wendell.
– **The Haunting of Hill House** – Mike Flanagan’s adaptation focuses on psychological depth and supernatural occurrences within a haunted house.
– **Legion** – Noah Hawley’s series showcases a protagonist struggling to distinguish reality from hallucinations, similar to Wendell’s journey.

#### Suggested TV Show Genres:
– **Psychological Thriller** * – The main focus is on the psychological condition of the protagonist amidst mysterious circumstances.
– **Horror** – Emphasizes the eerie and frightening aspects of the hotel.
– **Mystery** – The secrets of the hotel and its inhabitants unravel over episodes.
– **Drama** – Explores the personal and emotional impact of the hotel on Wendell.
– **Supernatural** – Incorporates elements of the paranormal influencing the storyline.

### Notes:
“Hotel California: The Illustrated Novel” is ripe for adaptation into both film and television formats, offering a rich narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and psychological horror. Its unique blend of horror with a touch of hope and intrigue makes it stand out in a genre that often veers towards the bleak and depressive.

View Book on Amazon