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'.
The Nightcomers (1972)
6.1/10
Director: Michael Winner
Starring: Marlon Brando, Stephanie Beacham, Thora Hird
Conceived of as a prequel to Henry James' "The Turn of the Screw," this brutal and sensual drama stars Marlon Brando as a drunken lout hired by a Vict... Read more
The Odyssey (1997)
7/10
Director: Andrei Konchalovsky
Starring: Armand Assante, Greta Scacchi, Isabella Rossellini, Vanessa Williams, Geraldine...
This lavish adaptation of Homer's 'The Odyssey' stars Armand Assante as Odysseus, a mighty warrior-king, who, after reaping victory in the Trojan War,... Read more
The Old Man Who Read Love Stories (2002)
6.6/10
Director: Rolf de Heer
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Timothy Spall, Hugo Weaving, Cathy Tyson
This extraordinary film, at once thrilling and deeply moving, is set in the wild reaches of the upper Amazon. Widower Antonio Bolivar (Richard Dreyfus... Read more
The Omega Man (1971)
6.6/10
Director: Boris Sagal
Starring: Rosalind Cash, Charlton Heston, Anthony Zerbe
Charlton Heston stars in this fast-paced futuristic thriller as the only human survivor of the Last War. By day, he's alone, but by night he must cont... Read more
The Omega Man ( Blu-ray ) (1971)
6.6/10
Director: Boris Sagal
Starring: Rosalind Cash, Charlton Heston, Anthony Zerbe
Charlton Heston stars in this fast-paced futuristic thriller as the only human survivor of the Last War. By day, he's alone, but by night he must cont... Read more
The Onion Field (1979)
6.9/10
Director: Harold Becker
Starring: John Savage, James Woods, Ted Danson, Ronny Cox
Powerful film version of Joseph Wambaugh's fact-based novel about the killing of a policeman and his partner's eventual breakdown. James Wood's electr... Read more
The Other (1972)
7/10
Director: Robert Mulligan
Starring: Uta Hagen, Diana Muldaur, Chris Udvarnoky, Martin Udvarnoky, Norma Connolly, Vic...
An eerie occult horror set on a an idyllic farm in 1930s New England, where twin brothers Holland and Niles live with their family. Niles is outgoing... Read more
The Other (Blu-ray) (1972)
6.9/10
Director: Robert Mulligan
Starring: Uta Hagen, Diana Muldaur, Chris Udvarnoky, Martin Udvarnoky, Norma Connolly, Vic...
An eerie occult horror set on a an idyllic farm in 1930s New England, where twin brothers Holland and Niles live with their family. Niles is outgoing... Read more
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
6.7/10
Director: Justin Chadwick
Starring: Eric Bana, Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, Kristin Scott Thomas, David Morr...
Outstanding performances highlight this lavish romantic drama chronicling the rivalry between Boleyn sisters Mary (Scarlett Johansson) and Anne (Natal... 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