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'.
Army in the Shadows ( aka Army of Shadows ) (1969)
Director: Jean-Pierre Melville
Starring: Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Simone Signoret
A.k.a. 'Army of Shadows'. Based on Joseph Kessel's novel, this war drama follows several months in the life of French Resistance fighter Philippe Gerb... Read more
Ask the Dust (2006)
5.8/10
Director: Robert Towne
Starring: Colin Farrell, Salma Hayek, Donald Sutherland, Eileen Atkins, Idina Menzel, Just...
Adapted from John Fante's Depression-era novel by director Robert Towne, this labour of love began in the 1970s when Towne met the author, during rese... Read more
Assassination ( aka Ansatsu ) (1964)
7.3/10
Director: Masahiro Shinoda
Starring: Shima Iwashita, Tetsuro Tamba, Eiji Okuda, Keiji Sada, Eitaro Ozawa
Based on the novel by Ryotaro Shiba, this samurai classic from director Masahiro Shinoda begins in the waning years of the Tokugawa Shogunate. As Ame... Read more
Asylum (2005)
6.1/10
Director: David Mackenzie
Starring: Natasha Richardson, Hugh Bonneville, Gus Lewis, Ian McKellen, Joss Ackland, Mart...
Stella (Natasha Richardson) is the neglected wife of Max (Hugh Bonneville), the new Deputy Superintendent of a maximum security psych hospital on the... Read more
ATL (2006)
6/10
Director: Chris Robinson
Starring: Tip Harris, Lauren London, Jackie Long, Lonette McKee, Antwan Andre Patton, Evan...
Based on a story by Antwone Fisher, this comedy/drama tells the story of four disillusioned teens preparing for life after high school. Rashad and hi... Read more
Atonement (2007)
7.8/10
Director: Joe Wright
Starring: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Vanessa Redgrave, Brenda Blethyn
Based on the acclaimed novel by Ian McEwan ('Enduring Love', 'The Comfort of Strangers'), this epic war-time romance is one of the finest studies of f... Read more
August (1995)
6.6/10
Director: Anthony Hopkins
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Kate Burton, Gawn Grainger
For his directorial debut Anthony Hopkins tackles Anton Chekhov's classic 'Uncle Vanya'. He also stars in the film, playing a gentleman living on a Br... Read more
Auntie Mame (1958)
8/10
Director: Morton DaCosta
Starring: Rosalind Russell, Forrest Tucker, Coral Browne
Rosalind Russell re-creates her Broadway triumph as the flashy, lovably eccentric socialite who takes her orphaned nephew under her wing and shows him... Read more
Autumn Hearts (2007)
Director: Paolo Barzman
Starring: Max von Sydow, Christopher Plummer, Susan Sarandon, Gabriel Byrne, Roy Dupuis
Thirty-five years after their internment at the hands of the Nazis, three friends reunite. Melanie (Susan Sarandon) is in an unsatisfying marriage to... Read more
Awakenings (1990)
7.8/10
Director: Penny Marshall
Starring: Julie Kavner, Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, John Heard, Penelope Ann Miller, M...
A remarkable, moving and true story, about a maverick doctor who awakens his catatonic patients after decades of darkness. Extraordinary performances... Read more