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'.
Love in the Afternoon (1957)
7.3/10
Director: Billy Wilder
Starring: Gary Cooper, Audrey Hepburn, Maurice Chevalier, John McGiver
The winning combination of Billy Wilder and writer I.A.L Diamond ('Some Like It Hot', 'The Apartment') and acting greats Audrey Hepburn and Gary Coope... Read more
Love in the Time of Cholera (2007)
6.4/10
Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Javier Bardem, John Leguizamo, Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Benjamin Bratt, Catalina Sa...
A sweeping and ambitious film adaptation of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's novel, set in early 1900s South America and tracking five decades of unrequited l... Read more
Loverboy (2004)
6/10
Director: Kevin Bacon
Starring: Kyra Sedgwick, Kevin Bacon, Matt Dillon, Oliver Platt, Campbell Scott, Marisa To...
Kevin Bacon's directorial debut is a moving drama based on Victoria Redel's best-selling novel about Emily (Kyra Sedgwick), a woman who was neglected... Read more
Lucie Aubrac (1997)
6.7/10
Director: Claude Berri
Starring: Carole Bouquet, Daniel Auteuil
Based on the dramatic true story "Outwitting the Gestapo", this is the nail-biting tale of undying love between a couple who are active members of the... Read more
Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married: The Complete Series (1999)
7.5/10
Director: Sarah Hellings, Brian Grant
Starring: Sam Loggin, Niall Buggy, Gerard Butler, Debbie Chazen, Letitia Dean, Zoe Eeles,...
What happens when a psychic tells Lucy that she'll be getting married within the year? Her roommates panic! What is going to happen to their blissful... Read more
Maddigan's Quest: The Complete Series (2005)
7.7/10
Director: Vanessa Alexander, Charlie Haskell, Peter Burger, Geoffrey Cawthorn
Starring: Michael Hurst, Danielle Cormack, Timothy Balme, Fleur Saville, Rawiri Pene, Pete...
A vivid tale of magic, adventure and time-travel, from renowned children's author Margaret Mahy. In a post-apocalyptic future, a troupe of circus perf... Read more
Made in USA (1966)
6.8/10
Director: Jean-Luc Godard
Starring: Marianne Faithfull, Anna Karina, Jean-Pierre Leaud, Laszlo Szabo
Set in the alternate-universe fictional location of Atlantic-Cite, with comic book-bright colours and playful sound effects, Jean-Luc Godard pays trib... Read more
Maigret: The Complete Series (1992)
7.7/10
Starring: Barbara Flynn, Michael Gambon, James Larkin, Geoffrey Hutchings, Ciaran Madden,...
Michael Gambon plays the Belgian, pipe-smoking Chief Inspector Maigret, one of television's classic fictional sleuths from the pen of Georges Simenon.... Read more
Mala Noche (1985)
6.7/10
Director: Gus Van Sant
Starring: Ray Monge, Tim Streeter, Doug Cooeyate
Writer/director Gus van Sant's debut feature, adapted from Walt Curtis' autobiographical novel. Living an isolated life in Portland, Oregon, slacker s... Read more
Man on Fire (2004)
7.7/10
Director: Tony Scott
Starring: Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Marc Anthony, Radha Mitch...
Denzel Washington reteamed with "Crimson Tide" director Tony Scott for this blazing actioner based on the novel by A.J. Quinnell. Hired to protect the... Read more