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'.
Little Women (1994)
7.3/10
Director: Gillian Armstrong
Starring: Gabriel Byrne, Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Trini Alvarado, Samantha Mathis, Ki...
An exquisite rendering of Louisa May Alcott's Civil War-era classic about four devoted sisters who eventually have to leave their New England nest. Fi... Read more
Gorky Park (1983)
6.8/10
Director: Michael Apted
Starring: Brian Dennehy, Ian Bannen, Lee Marvin, William Hurt
Three mutilated bodies are found in a Moscow park, and its up to a Russian policeman (William Hurt) to find the maniacal killer. Based on the best-sel... Read more
The Godfather Trilogy ( The Godfather / The Godfather Part II / The Godfather Part III ) (1972)
9.2/10
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Marlon Brando, John Cazale, Andy Garcia, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Robert Duval...
Francis Ford Coppola's stunning trilogy is gathered together here in its entirety, following the epic criminal exploits of the Corleone family through... Read more
The Outsiders (1983)
7.2/10
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: C Thomas Howell, Diane Lane, Emilio Estevez, Leif Garrett, Matt Dillon, Patrick...
Set in 1960s Oklahoma, Francis Ford Coppola's exciting adaptation of S.E. Hinton's classic tale chronicles a bitter gang war between the working-class... Read more
Rebus: Black & Blue / The Hanging Garden / Dead Souls (2000)
7.5/10
Director: Maurice Phillips, Martyn Friend
Starring: John Hannah, Sara Stewart, Gayanne Potter, Rony Bridges, Jenny Ryan
John Hannah produced, and stars in, these gritty adaptations of the best-selling detective novels by acclaimed Scottish author, Ian Rankin. Rebus conf... Read more
A Good Year (2006)
7/10
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Russell Crowe, Freddie Highmore, Albert Finney, Archie Panjabi, Rafe Spall, Mari...
Max Skinner (Russel Crowe) is a high-powered city trader and self-proclaimed 'greedy bastard' who hears that his once-beloved uncle (Albert Finney) ha... Read more
The Golden Bowl (2000)
6/10
Director: James Ivory
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, James Fox, Anjelica Huston, Nick Nolte, Jeremy Northam, Madelei...
This adaptation of Henry James' novel centers on an opulent family in England and Italy during the early 1900s. Jeremy Northam is convinced by tycoon... Read more
I, Robot (2004)
7.1/10
Director: Alex Proyas
Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell, Chi McBride, Alan...
In the year 2035, robots are an everyday household item, and everyone trusts them, except one, slightly paranoid detective (Will Smith) investigating... Read more
To Sir, With Love (1966)
7.7/10
Director: James Clavell
Starring: Sidney Poitier, Judy Geeson, Christian Roberts, Suzy Kendall, Lulu
Sidney Poitier is Mark Thackery, a no-vice teacher assigned to a slum school in London's East End. Faced with tough opposition from the disinterested... Read more
Notes on a Scandal (2006)
7.4/10
Director: Richard Eyre
Starring: Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, Tom Georgeson, Michael Maloney, Shaun Parkes, Joanna...
With an Oscar-nominated screenplay by Patrick Marber ('Closer'), adapted from the novel by Zoe Heller, this dark psychological drama stars a magnetic... Read more