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'.
Solaris (1972)
8.1/10
Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
Starring: Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Juri Jarvet
A mind-bending, metaphysical film about an investigation into why astronauts on a space station situated above the planet Solaris have suffered mental... Read more
The Great Gatsby (1974)
6.4/10
Director: Jack Clayton
Starring: Karen Black, Bruce Dern, Mia Farrow, Robert Redford, Scott Wilson, Sam Waterston...
Robert Redford and Mia Farrow with a script by Francis Coppola, adapted from the book by F Scott Fitzgerald about a golden boy who crashes Long Island... Read more
Children of Men (2006)
7.9/10
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Charlie Hunnam, Danny Huston, Pete...
In the year 2027, the human race has lost its ability to procreate and society is rapidly descending into chaos. Alfonso Cuaron's adaptation of PD Jam... Read more
Schindler's List (1993)
8.9/10
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagalle, Em...
Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) is a Nazi Party member out to profit from the war. The local Jewish population provide a ready source of cheap labour fo... Read more
Lie With Me (2005)
5.4/10
Director: Clement Virgo
Starring: Lauren Lee Smith, Eric Balfour, Polly Shannon, Don Francks
Based on Tamara Faith Berger's erotic novel and telling the story of Leila (Lauren Lee Smith) and David (Eric Balfour) who shun middle class mediocrit... Read more
The Graduate (1967)
8/10
Director: Mike Nichols
Starring: Anne Bancroft, Dustin Hoffman, Katharine Ross, Murray Hamilton, William Daniels
A landmark film of the late '60s that's still just as pungent and funny. Dustin Hoffman, in his first major film role, plays an ultra-naive college gr... Read more
A Year in Provence (1993)
7.6/10
Director: David Tucker
Starring: John Thaw, Lindsay Duncan
Having decided to leave their jobs, London and the rat race behind them, the Mayles head off to the South of France, seduced by the prospect of the id... 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 Godfather Part II (1974)
9/10
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: John Cazale, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Talia Shire
The story of the Corleone clan continues, as new boss Al Pacino launches a violent campaign to extend his family's power, while flashbacks with Robert... Read more
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
7.9/10
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Ri...
Alfonso Cuaron ('A Little Princess') takes over the directing reigns for this terrific third instalment (of a projected seven) in the beloved fantasy... Read more