Based on...
Books and films are two closely-related forms of art and entertainment. Since the science of film was first established in the late 1800s filmmakers have been using it to tell stories, and they soon began utilising the existing narratives and characters of novels. These films have succeeded (or not) to varying degrees in the transition, some accurately portraying the writer's intention, some building on it and some disappointing the original readers. No matter how well the adaptation is done however, it is still nice to be reminded that yes, happily, there is more to read than Harry Potter.
For screen translations of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Stephen King and many other notable authors click their links under this category, left. For adaptations of plays and Shakespeare, use the 'Alice's Playhouse' link.
Right: Kubrick's adaptation of Thackeray's novel 'Barry Lyndon'.
The Three Musketeers (2011)
5.8/10
Director: Paul W S Anderson
Starring: Milla Jovovich, Orlando Bloom, James Corden, Mads Mikkelsen, Logan Lerman, Chris...
The hot-headed young D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman) joins forces with three rogue Musketeers (Matthew MacFadyen, Luke Evans and Ray Stevenson) in this loos... Read more
The Town (2010)
7.6/10
Director: Ben Affleck
Starring: Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper, Pete Postlethwaite, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Titus Wel...
Ben Affleck co-wrote, directed, and stars in this crime thriller about a Boston bank robber who falls for a hostage (Rebecca Hall) he took while weari... Read more
The Tracey Fragments (2007)
6.2/10
Director: Bruce McDonald
Starring: Ellen Page, Erin McMurtry, Zie Souwand
Tracey Berkowitz (Ellen Page) is just your average, ordinary teenage girl - basically she hates herself and lives in her own fantasy world. Employing... Read more
The Treatment (2006)
5.9/10
Director: Olen Rudavsky
Starring: Chris Eigeman, Famke Janssen, Ian Holm, Harris Yulin, Stephanie March
Teacher Jake Singer (Chris Eigeman) has irretrievably parted ways with his long-time girlfriend and, finding single life difficult, embarks on a bit o... Read more
The Trial (1962)
7.8/10
Director: Orson Welles
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Jeanne Moreau, Romy Schneider, Orson Welles
An unnamed country. Joseph K. (Anthony Perkins) is awakened one morning by a man who tells him he is under arrest. Accused by everyone of a crime that... Read more
The Trial (1993)
6/10
Director: David Jones
Starring: Kyle MacLachlan, Anthony Hopkins, Jason Robards
Kafka's landmark novel is brought to life with a faithful Harold Pinter screenplay, superior Prague locations and an excellent cast including Kyle Mac... Read more
The Turn of the Screw (1999)
6/10
Director: Ben Bolt
Starring: Colin Firth, Pam Ferris, Jodhi May, Joe Sowerbutts, Grace Robinson, Jason Salkey...
A naive, young governess (Jodhi May) is hired by a charming bachelor (Colin Firth) to look after his two young children in a grand mansion in rural En... Read more
The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)
7.4/10
Director: Philip Kaufman
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche, Lena Olin
Czech author Milan Kundera's novel has been transferred to film by director Philip Kaufman ('The Right Stuff', 'Henry And June'). The emphasis is less... Read more
The Unit: Season 1 (2006)
8.1/10
Director: Bill L Norton, David Mamet, Steve Gomer, etc
Starring: Dennis Haysbert, Regina Taylor, Robert Patrick, Audrey Marie Anderson, Max Marti...
A fictionalized and dramatic look inside a covert Special Forces team that operates outside the military chain of command. Conceived by David Mamet, a... Read more
The Verdict (1982)
7.8/10
Director: Sidney Lumet
Starring: Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden, James Mason, Milo O'Shea
Paul Newman gives one of his finest peformances as a Boston Lawyer who's hit bottom, until a medical negligence case gives him a chance to restore his... Read more