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'.
Goodbye Again (1961)
7/10
Director: Anatole Litvak
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Ingrid Bergman, Jessie Royce Landis, Yves Montand
Aka "Aimez-vous Brahms?". In this adaptation of Francoise Sagan's best selling novel, Ingrid Bergman is astonishing in her role as a fortyish Parisian... Read more
Goodbye Bafana (2007)
Director: Bille August
Starring: Joseph Fiennes, Diane Kruger, Dennis Haysbert
The surprising relationship that developed between Nelson Mandela and South African prison guard James Gregory is explored in this riveting biodrama.... Read more
Goodbye, Mr Chips (2002)
7.6/10
Director: Stuart Orme
Starring: Martin Clunes, Victoria Hamilton, Conleth Hill, John Wood, Patrick Malahide
Spanning over 50 years, this TV adaptation of James Hilton's novel tells the story of Mr Chipping (Martin Clunes), an earnest young Latin master and h... 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
Gormenghast (2000)
7.5/10
Director: Andy Wilson
Starring: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Stephen Fry, Richard Griffiths, Warren Mitchell, Spike Mil...
Mervyn Peake's epic book comes to life in one of the largest productions the BBC has ever undertaken. The story follows the young Titus Groan, heir to... Read more
Greed (1925)
7.9/10
Director: Erich Von Stroheim
Starring: Gibson Gowland, Zasu Pitts, Jean Hersholt
One of the wonders of film, this miracle of filmmaking made against the most impossible of odds, stars Gibson Gowland as a dentist who marries the dau... Read more
Gulliver's Travels (1996)
7/10
Director: Charles Sturridge
Starring: James Fox, Mary Steenburgen, Peter O'Toole, Ted Danson
Remaining loyal to Jonathan Swift's classic, we travel not only to the lands of giants and little people but also to a flying island of pseudo-intelle... Read more
Guns, Germs and Steel (2005)
7.6/10
Director: Tim Lambert, Cassian Harrison
Starring: Jared Diamond
Based on the Pulitzer prize-winning best seller by Jared Diamond, this documentary explores the connections between geography, technology and global h... Read more
Guy X (2005)
5.1/10
Director: Saul Metzstein
Starring: Jason Biggs, Natascha McElhone, Jeremy Northam, Hilmir Snaer Gudnason, Michael I...
It's 1979. Jason Biggs is Corporal Rudy Spruance who joined the army to avoid jail-time and now finds himself on the receiving end of a small but sign... Read more
Hamish Macbeth: Series 1 (1995)
7.8/10
Director: Various
Starring: Robert Carlyle, James Young, Brian Alexander, David Ashton, Mona Bruce
Robert Carlyle is the eponymous small-town bobby in the rugged Scottish West Coast town of Lochdubh. He has his own methods of law enforcement which... Read more