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'.
Two English Girls ( Anne and Muriel ) (1971)
7.5/10
Director: Francois Truffaut
Starring: Jean-Pierre Leaud, Kika Markham, Stacy Tendeter
A.k.a. 'Anne and Muriel'. At the turn of the century, an aspiring young writer (Jean-Pierre Le'aud) spends a holiday on the Welsh coast with two Engli... Read more
Un Secret (2007)
4.1/10
Director: Claude Miller
Starring: Cecile De France, Ludivine Sagnier, Julie Depardieu, Mathieu Amalric, Patrick Br...
Based on the autobiographical novel by Philippe Grimbert, this moving drama recalls the tragic events that occurred during the German occupation of Fr... Read more
Underbelly: Series 1 (2008)
8.2/10
Starring: Gyton Grantley, Rodger Corser, Caroline Craig, Kat Stewart, Robert Mammone, Fran...
Based on the factual book 'Leadbelly' by Melbourne Age journalists John Silvester and Andrew Rule, this is the compelling dramatization of Melbourne's... Read more
Untold Scandal (2003)
7.1/10
Director: Je-yong Lee
Starring: Mi-suk Lee, Do-yeon Jeon, Yong-jun Bae, Hyeon-jae Jo, So-yeon Lee
An excellent Korean adaptation of the French novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, set amidst the aristocracy of the 18th century Chosun Dynasty. Lady Cho... Read more
Up Periscope (1959)
6.5/10
Director: Gordon Douglas
Starring: James Garner, Edmond O'Brien, Andrea Martin, Alan Hale, Warren Oates
A thrilling, intelligent WWII tale about a tough by-the-book captain of a submarine (Edmond O'Brien) whose problems with a young demolitions expert (... Read more
Valmont (1989)
7/10
Director: Milos Forman
Starring: Colin Firth, Annette Bening, Meg Tilly, Fairuza Balk, Sian Phillips, Jeffrey Jon...
Based on the novel 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' and directed by Milos Forman ('Amadeus'), this adaptation stars Colin Firth as the titular lothario and... Read more
Vanity Fair (2004)
6.2/10
Director: Mira Nair
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Eileen Atkins, Jim Broadbent, Gabriel Byrne, Romola Garai, Bo...
Reese Witherspoon gives a vibrant, captivating performance as one of the greatest female characters of all time, Becky Sharp, in this sumptuous and se... Read more
Vanity Fair (BBC) (1999)
6.2/10
Director: Marc Munden
Starring: Frances Grey, Natasha Little, Jeremy Swift, Tom Ward, Nathaniel Parker, Miriam M...
Meet Becky Sharp - Governess, temptress and social climber supreme. A woman who more than compensates with brains and beauty for what she conspicuousl... Read more
Vertigo (1958)
8.3/10
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Barbara Bel Geddes, Kim Novak, James Stewart, Tom Helmore, Henry Jones
Critics have hailed 'Vertigo' as Alfred Hitchcock's ultimate masterpiece. This haunting tale of obsession, fear and murder stars Hitchcock's favourite... Read more
Village of the Damned (1960)
7.3/10
Director: Wolf Rilla
Starring: George Sanders, Barbara Shelley, Michael Gwynn
An extremely effective adaptation of John Wyndham's novel 'The Midwich Cuckoos', about strange goings on in a small English village after all the wome... Read more