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'.
Bitter Harvest (2001)
6.1/10
Director: Goran Paskaljevic
Starring: Colm Meaney, Cillian Murphy, Kerry Condon, Adrian Dunbar
Irish farmer Harry (Colm Meaney) has the rather odd idea that a man is measured by his enemies and decides to take on George, the most powerful man in... Read more
Everything Is Illuminated (2005)
7.5/10
Director: Liev Schreiber
Starring: Elijah Wood, Eugene Hutz, Boris Leskin
Actor Liev Schreiber makes his directing debut with this quirky comedy/drama based on Jonathan Safran Foer's novel. Elijah Wood plays Jonathan, a sel... Read more
We Don't Live Here Anymore (2003)
6.3/10
Director: John Curran
Starring: Naomi Watts, Mark Ruffalo, Laura Dern, Peter Krause
From director John Curran ('Praise') comes an unflinching portrait of two marriages on the rocks. Mark Ruffalo and Laura Dern capture the casual crue... Read more
Opal Dream (2005)
6.6/10
Director: Peter Cattaneo
Starring: Sapphire Boyce, Christian Byers, Vince Colosimo, Jacqueline McKenzie, Robert Mor...
8-year-old Kellyanne lives with her family in the outback opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge, where treasure-seekers live on the edge of poverty hopi... Read more
Sharpe Vol. 2: Sharpe's Company / Sharpe's Enemy / Sharpe's Honour (1993)
Director: Tom Clegg
Starring: Sean Bean, Pete Postlethwaite, Elizabeth Hurley, Assumpta Serna, Hugh Fraser
'Sharpe's Company' - Spain 1812, Sharpe is relieved from Captaincy with the arrival of new officers. Among them is his old nemesis, Obadiah Hakeswill... Read more
Little Children (2006)
7.5/10
Director: Todd Field
Starring: Kate Winslet, Patrick Wilson, Jennifer Connelly, Noah Emmerich, Gregg Edelman, J...
Based on Tom Perrota's novel, and adapted for the screen by himself and director Todd Field, this darkly wry drama of suburban malaise, judgement and... Read more
Gandhi My Father (2007)
7.4/10
Director: Feroz Abbas Khan
Starring: Darshan Jariwala, Akshaye Khanna, Bhumika Chawla, Shefali Shah
Based on the biography of Gandhi's son, Harilal, and tracing the tumultuous relationship he had with his internationally renowned father. A thoughtfu... Read more
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
7.5/10
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Ben Whishaw, Alan Rickman, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Dustin Hoffman, Corinne Marchand
Born amidst the stench of 18th century Paris, Jean-Baptiste develops a highly sensitive sense of smell. As he grows older this keen sense obsesses him... Read more
Wycliffe: Series 1 (1994)
7.1/10
Director: Ferdinand Fairfax, A J Quinn, Martyn Friend
Starring: Jack Shepherd, Bill Nighy, Aaron Harris, Tim Wylton, Helen Masters, Jimmy Yuill
Based on the novels by W.J. Burley and set against the windswept Cornish coast, this acclaimed detective series follows the exploits of the meticulous... Read more
Bleak House (2005)
8.4/10
Director: Justin Chadwick, Susanna White
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Alun Armstrong, Charlie Brooks, Warren Clarke, Pauline Collins...
Another stellar Dickens adaptation here penned by Andrew Davies ('Bridget Jones' Diary', the BBC's 'Pride and Prejudice'). Thrilling and romantic, the... Read more