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 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
The Prestige ( Blu-ray ) (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
The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (Blu-ray) (1968)
7.6/10
Director: Ronald Neame
Starring: Maggie Smith, Robert Stephens, Gordon Jackson
Maggie Smith, in her Oscar-winning performance, is superb as the unconventional, eccentric teacher in an all-girls school in Edinburgh. Set during th... Read more
The Princess Bride (1987)
8.1/10
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: Cary Elwes, Christopher Guest, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon, Wal...
A very special, engaging fairy-tale comedy which mixes romance, magic and swashbuckling action as told to a young boy by his grandfather (Peter Falk).... Read more
The Question of God: Sigmund Freud and CS Lewis (2004)
8.3/10
Starring: Sigmund Freud, CS Lewis
What is happiness? How do we find meaning and purpose in our lives? How do we reconcile the conflict between love and sexuality? And how do we cope wi... Read more
The Quiet Earth (1985)
6.8/10
Director: Geoff Murphy
Starring: Bruno Lawrence, Alison Routledge, Peter Smith
A brilliant kiwi sci-fi thriller with Bruno Lawrence believing he is the last person on earth - until he stumbles on two more survivors, one a young w... Read more
The Railway Children (2000)
7.3/10
Director: Catherine Morshead
Starring: Jenny Agutter, Richard Attenborough, Michael Kitchen
Jenny Agutter (who played Bobbie in the 1970 film version) stars as Mother alongside Sir Richard Attenborough in a Masterpiece Theater presentation of... Read more
The Reader (2008)
7.6/10
Director: Stephen Daldry
Starring: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, Bruno Ganz, Matthias Habich, Susanne Lothar, Lena O...
Kate Winslet won an Oscar and a BAFTA for her complex and gripping portrayal of a post-war German woman who discovers a sick teenage boy in the street... Read more
The Reader (Blu-ray) (2008)
7.6/10
Director: Stephen Daldry
Starring: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, Bruno Ganz, Matthias Habich, Susanne Lothar, Lena O...
Kate Winslet won an Oscar and a BAFTA for her complex and gripping portrayal of a post-war German woman who discovers a sick teenage boy in the street... Read more
The Reckless Moment (1949)
7.2/10
Director: Max Ophuls
Starring: James Mason, Joan Bennett, Geraldine Brooks, Henry O'Neill, Shepperd Strudwick
A noir-soaked drama based on a story, 'The Blank Wall', by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding. Joan Bennett stars as a mother who finds the body of her daughte... Read more