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'.
These Foolish Things (2006)
5.9/10
Director: Julia Taylor-Stanley
Starring: Anjelica Huston, Zoe Tapper, Andrew Lincoln, Terence Stamp, David Leon, Lauren B...
A gentle romantic comedy, set in London during the approach of World War II, with a young actress, a playwright and a director all struggling to advan... Read more
Third Man Out (2005)
6.7/10
Director: Ron Oliver
Starring: Chad Allen, Sebastian Spence, Sean Young
Detective Donald Strachey is in over his head when the outing of a popular public figure draws him into a dangerous web of lies, murder and politics.... Read more
Three Dollars (2005)
6.3/10
Director: Robert Connolly
Starring: David Wenham, Sarah Wynter, Frances O'Connor, Joanna Hunt-Prokhovnik, Nico Bille...
Sophomore effort from Aussie director Robert Connolly re-teams him with David Wenham ('The Bank') who plays Eddie, a public servant and father to six-... Read more
Three Men in a Boat (1957)
5.7/10
Director: Ken Annakin
Starring: Laurence Harvey, Jimmy Edwards, Shirley Eaton, David Tomlinson, Jill Ireland
Escaping their dull weekday pursuits, three pals take a pleasure excursion down the Thames in a small boat. Along the way they encounter all sorts of... Read more
Three Musketeers: The Serial 1-6 (1933)
6.7/10
Director: Armand Schaefer
Starring: John Wayne, Francis X Bushman, Ruth Hall, Lon Chaney Jr
'One for all and all for one!' Daredevil thrills and spills abound, as John Wayne and the men of the Foreign Legion battle villainous El Shaitan and h... Read more
Thumbsucker (2005)
6.6/10
Director: Mike Mills
Starring: Lou Taylor Pucci, Tilda Swinton, Vince Vaughn, Vincent D'Onofrio, Keanu Reeves,...
Striking the perfect balance between adolescent awkwardness and black comedy, this film stars Lou Taylor Pucci as a neurotic 17-year-old whose coping... Read more
Tideland (2005)
6.5/10
Director: Terry Gilliam
Starring: Jodelle Ferland, Jeff Bridges, Janet McTeer, Brendan Fletcher, Jennifer Tilly, D...
Terry Gilliam's macabre and surreal fairytale centres on young Jeliza-Rose, the neglected daughter of a couple of strung-out drug addicts (Jeff Bridge... Read more
Time Regained (1999)
6.8/10
Director: Raoul Ruiz
Starring: Catherine Deneuve, Emmanuelle Beart, John Malkovich, Vincent Perez
AKA 'Le Temps Retrouve'. A supremely elegant, beautifully designed adaptation of the last volume of Proust's masterwork 'Remembrance of Things Past'.... Read more
Timeline (2003)
5.6/10
Director: Richard Donner
Starring: Paul Walker, Frances O'Connor, Gerard Butler, Billy Connolly, David Thewlis
Based on the Michael Crichton novel, this time-travel adventure helmed by Richard Donner ("Ladyhawke") stars Paul Walker as a member of an archeologic... Read more
Timescape (1991)
6.3/10
Director: David Twohy
Starring: Jeff Daniels, Ariana Richards, Emilia Crow
Ben Wilson (Jeff Daniels) is a small-town widower with a loving daughter (Ariana Richards), a drinking problem and a life haunted by his wife's accide... Read more