Meaning: The quote by John le Carré reflects the frustration and disappointment of an author who made regrettable decisions about selling the rights to their books to film studios. The quote suggests that the author feels a deep sense of sadness and loss over the fact that these books, which could potentially have been adapted into films, are now "locked up" and unable to be made by anyone else.

John le Carré, born David Cornwell, was a renowned British author known for his espionage novels. His works often delved into the morally ambiguous world of espionage and the complexities of human relationships. With a career spanning several decades, le Carré's novels have been widely acclaimed and adapted into successful films and television series.

In the quote, le Carré acknowledges that he had made a series of wrong decisions regarding the rights to some of his more recent books. This suggests that he may have rushed into selling the rights without fully considering the potential consequences. The "ridiculous amounts of money" he received for the rights indicate that the deals were financially lucrative but ultimately proved to be detrimental to the realization of the films based on his works.

The author's lament about the films never being made reflects the missed opportunity to bring his literary creations to the big screen. It is evident that le Carré feels a profound sense of loss over the fact that these stories, which held great potential for cinematic adaptation, are now inaccessible to filmmakers and audiences.

The quote also sheds light on the often complex and challenging process of adapting literature into film. While selling the rights to a studio can provide financial gain for the author, it also entails relinquishing creative control over the adaptation process. This can lead to disappointment if the envisioned films never materialize, or if the resulting adaptations deviate significantly from the author's original vision.

Le Carré's statement serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of careful consideration when it comes to selling the rights to one's literary works. It underscores the need for authors to weigh the potential financial benefits against the risk of losing creative control and the possibility of their works being left unadapted or adapted in ways that diverge from their intentions.

Additionally, the quote raises broader questions about the relationship between literature and film, as well as the challenges and complexities inherent in the adaptation process. It highlights the significance of preserving the integrity of literary works when bringing them to the screen, and the importance of ensuring that authors' voices are respected in the adaptation process.

In conclusion, John le Carré's quote encapsulates the disappointment and regret of an author who made decisions regarding the rights to his books that ultimately led to missed opportunities for cinematic adaptation. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls of selling literary rights to film studios, and the importance of carefully navigating the balance between financial gain and creative control.