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'.
Deep Water (2005)
7.8/10
Director: David S Marfield
Starring: Lucas Black, Peter Coyote, Mia Maestro, Lesley Ann Warren, Xander Berkeley, Mich...
Nat Banyon (Lucas Black) has just got out of hospital and is heading for Wyoming to take up ostrich farming when along the way he picks up a man named... Read more
Defiance (2008)
7.2/10
Director: Edward Zwick
Starring: Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell, Alexa Davalos, George MacKay, Allan Co...
Inspired by true events, this epic WWII drama tells the story of three Jewish brothers (Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell) who vow to avenge... Read more
Deliverance (1972)
7.7/10
Director: John Boorman
Starring: Ronny Cox, Ned Beatty, Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds
Four Atlanta businessmen's weekend canoe trip turns into a desperate fight for survival in John Boorman's riveting adaptation of James Dickey's novel.... Read more
Deliverance ( Blu-ray ) (1972)
7.7/10
Director: John Boorman
Starring: Ronny Cox, Ned Beatty, Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds
Four Atlanta businessmen's weekend canoe trip turns into a desperate fight for survival in John Boorman's riveting adaptation of James Dickey's novel.... Read more
Demon Seed (1977)
6.3/10
Director: Donald Cammell
Starring: Julie Christie, Fritz Weaver, Gerrit Graham
In one of her finest performances, Julie Christie plays a woman trapped in her automated house by a super-computer named Proteus. The film follows her... Read more
Desert Fury (1947)
6.7/10
Director: Lewis Allen
Starring: Lizabeth Scott, John Hodiak, Burt Lancaster, Mary Astor, Wendell Corey
In the sweltering heat of the Nevada desert lies the small gambling oasis Purple Sage, run by the tough talking Fritzi Haller who stubbornly controls... Read more
Desert Hearts (1985)
7/10
Director: Donna Deitch
Starring: Helen Shaver, Patricia Charbonneau, Audra Lindley
Wonderful love story between a repressed English professor who is waiting for a divorce at a dude ranch for women, and a beautiful casino worker in Re... Read more
Destination Moon (1950)
6.4/10
Director: Irving Pichel
Starring: Dick Wesson, Warner Anderson, John Archer
The first Hollywood science-fiction project to take a serious look at the possibilities of manned spaceflight, George Pal's Oscar-winning colour film... Read more
Dexter: Season 1 (2006)
8.7/10
Starring: Julie Benz, Jennifer Carpenter, Michael C Hall, James Remar, Erik King, Lauren V...
Orphaned at the age of four, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) is adopted by a police officer who recognizes his homicidal tendencies and guides him to... Read more
Dexter: Season 2 (2007)
8.7/10
Starring: Julie Benz, Jennifer Carpenter, Michael C Hall, James Remar, Erik King, Lauren V...
Pitch-perfect Michael C. Hall plays Dexter, the amiable forensic expert by day, who feeds his psychopathic bloodlust at night by hunting down the crim... Read more