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'.
I, Robot (2004)
7.1/10
Director: Alex Proyas
Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell, Chi McBride, Alan...
In the year 2035, robots are an everyday household item, and everyone trusts them, except one, slightly paranoid detective (Will Smith) investigating... Read more
I, Robot ( Blu-ray ) (2004)
7.1/10
Director: Alex Proyas
Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell, Chi McBride, Alan...
In the year 2035, robots are an everyday household item, and everyone trusts them, except one, slightly paranoid detective (Will Smith) investigating... Read more
Ice Blues (2008)
6.4/10
Director: Ron Oliver
Starring: Chad Allen, Sebastian Spence, Daryl Shuttleworth, Nelson Wong, Brittney Wilson
Everyone's favourite gay P.I., Donald Strachey, takes on the most complicated case of his career when his long-time partner, Tim, asks him to uncover... Read more
Ice Station Zebra (1968)
6.6/10
Director: John Sturges
Starring: Ernest Borgnine, Rock Hudson, Patrick McGoohan, Jim Brown
This potent Cold War thriller stars Rock Hudson as a sub commander whose secret mission to the North Pole sets the stage for a showdown with the Russi... Read more
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
7.2/10
Director: Barry Jenkins
Starring: KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Regina King, Teyonah Parris, Colman Domingo, Brian Ty...
In early 1970s Harlem, daughter and wife-to-be Tish vividly recalls the passion, respect and trust that have connected her and her artist fiancé Alonz... Read more
In Her Shoes (2005)
6.5/10
Director: Curtis Hanson
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Shirley MacLaine, Toni Collette, Mark Feuerstein, Brooke Smith, Ri...
Sisters Maggie (Cameron Diaz) and Rose (Toni Collette) couldn't be more different. Maggie is irresponsible and free-spirited, always leaning on her s... Read more
In My Country (2004)
6.1/10
Director: John Boorman
Starring: Samuel L Jackson, Juliette Binoche, Brendan Gleeson, Menzi Ngubane, Sam Ngakane
In newly post-apartheid South Africa the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was set up, bringing perpetrators and victims of racial violence together... Read more
In My Father's Den (2004)
7.6/10
Director: Brad McGann
Starring: Matthew Macfadyen, Miranda Otto, Emily Barclay, Colin Moy, Jodie Rimmer, Vicky H...
Paul (Matthew Macfadyen), a prize-winning war journalist, returns to his remote New Zealand hometown due to the death of his father, battle-scarred an... Read more
In Search of Myths and Heroes (2005)
8.3/10
Director: Jeremy Jeffs
Starring: Hosted By, Michael Wood
Author Michael Wood explores four of the most famous myths in the world: Shangri-la, the Golden Fleece, the Queen of Sheba, and the Holy Grail. His j... Read more
Infamous (2006)
7.1/10
Director: Douglas McGrath
Starring: Toby Jones, Sandra Bullock, Daniel Craig, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hope Davis, Jeff Dani...
The second film to examine Truman Capote's role in the murder trial that culminated in his book, 'In Cold Blood'. Shot just a few months after 'Capot... Read more