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'.
All the President's Men (1976)
8/10
Director: Alan J Pakula
Starring: Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, Hal Holbrook, Jason...
In the Watergate Building, lights go on and four burglars are caught in the act. That night triggered revelations that drove a U.S. President from off... Read more
Amazing Adventure (1936)
6.3/10
Director: Alfred Zeisler
Starring: Cary Grant, Mary Brian, Henry Kendall, Leon M Lion
Based on the novel by E. Philips Oppenheim, this was an early showcase of Cary Grant's easy charm and helped establish him as a star in his native Eng... Read more
Amber Frey: Witness for the Prosecution (2005)
5.6/10
Director: Peter Werner
Starring: Terry Kinney, Janel Moloney, Nathan Anderson
This made-for-TV movie is based on Amber Frey's book following the sensational trial that involved her and her ex-lover Scott Peterson and captivated... Read more
American Psycho (2000)
7.6/10
Director: Mary Harron
Starring: Chloe Sevigny, Christian Bale, Guinevere Turner, Jared Leto, Reese Witherspoon,...
Bret Easton Ellis' infamous 1991 novel is turned into a darkly humourous horror show that slyly skewers 1980s values. Director Mary Harron ('I Shot An... Read more
American Psycho ( Blu-ray ) (2000)
7.6/10
Director: Mary Harron
Starring: Bill Sage, Chloe Sevigny, Christian Bale, Guinevere Turner, Jared Leto, Reese Wi...
Bret Easton Ellis' infamous 1991 novel is turned into a darkly humourous horror show that slyly skewers 1980s values. Director Mary Harron ('I Shot An... Read more
An Angel At My Table (1990)
7.6/10
Director: Jane Campion
Starring: Kerry Fox, Karen Fergusson, Alexia Keogh, Iris Churn
Jane Campion's remarkable award-winning film based on the autobiographical writing of Janet Frame is a portrait of a sweet-natured, imaginative, painf... Read more
An Angel For May (2002)
7.1/10
Director: Harley Cokliss
Starring: Matthew Beard, Charlotte Wakefield, Julie Cox, Tom Wilkinson, Anna Massey, Angel...
A troubled schoolboy is transported back to war-time England after he stumbles on a door through time in an old Yorkshire farmhouse. He meets a kindl... Read more
An Indecent Obsession (1984)
6.7/10
Director: Lex Marinos
Starring: Wendy Hughes, Gary Sweet, Richard Moir, Bill Hunter
Wendy Hughes stars in this story of feverish passion and jealousy set at the end of World War II. Sister Honour Langtry (Hughes) is a warm, sensitive... Read more
An Unfinished Life (2005)
7/10
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Starring: Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Lopez, Josh Lucas, Damian Lewis, Camryn...
Einar Gilkyson (Robert Redford) was a successful rancher until he turned to drink. His son was killed in a car wreck and Einar never forgave his son'... Read more
And When Did You Last See Your Father? (2007)
Director: Anand Tucker
Starring: Jim Broadbent, Colin Firth, Juliet Stevenson, Gina McKee, Elaine Cassidy, Sarah...
Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent star in this adaptation of poet Blake Morrison's best-selling memoir that explores the complex relationship between fath... Read more