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'.
Ballet Shoes (2007)
6.8/10
Director: Sandra Goldbacher
Starring: Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Victoria Wood, Emilia Fox
In 1930s London, three orphans (Emma Watson, Yasmin Paige and Lucy Boynton) are adopted by eccentric explorer Richard Griffiths and raised by his self... Read more
Lord of the Flies (1963)
7/10
Director: Peter Brook
Starring: James Aubrey, Tom Chapin, Hugh Edwards, Roger Elwin
"Lord of the Flies" is famed theater director Peter Brook's daring translation of William Golding's brilliant novel. The story of thirty English sch... Read more
The Thin Red Line (1998)
7.6/10
Director: Terrence Malick
Starring: Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Jim Caviezel, Elias Koteas, Woody Harrelson, John Cusack
Returning to the screen after a 20-year absence, writer/director Terence Malick adapts James Jones' semi-autobiographical novel about the pivotal WWII... Read more
The Prestige (2006)
8.5/10
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Piper Perabo, D...
Two budding magicians start out as friendly competitors and end up deadly enemies in this hypnotic, turn of the century thriller from director Christo... Read more
Rain Man (1988)
8/10
Director: Barry Levinson
Starring: Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Dustin Hoffman, Michael D Roberts, Bonnie Hunt
It's a road movie about two brothers who didn't know the other existed until fate brought them together. Similaraties to the movie 'Twins' with Danny... Read more
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
8/10
Director: Roman Polanski
Starring: John Cassavetes, Mia Farrow, Ralph Bellamy, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer, Mauric...
Horrifying and darkly comic, "Rosemarys Baby" was Roman Polanski's Hollywood debut. This wildly entertaining nightmare, faithfully adapted from Ira L... Read more
Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000)
6.9/10
Director: Stefan Scaini
Starring: Megan Follows, Jonathan Crombie, Cameron Daddo
Anne moves to New York with her fiance Gilbert, hoping to begin her writing career as he begins work in his first big city hospital. Unfortunately, Av... Read more
Barry Lyndon (1975)
8.1/10
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Starring: Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Ryan O'Neal, Hardy Kruger
How does an Irish lad without prospects become part of 18th-century English nobility? For Barry Lyndon (Ryan O'Neal) the answer is: any way he can! Hi... Read more
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
7.9/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Ian McKell...
The first in a trilogy of films based on the enduring masterpiece The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows title charac... Read more
The Silence of the Lambs (1990)
8.6/10
Director: Jonathan Demme
Starring: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine
Young FBI agent Clarice Starling is assigned to help find a missing woman to save her from a psychopathic serial killer who skins his victims. Clarice... Read more