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'.
Man on Fire ( Blu-ray ) (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
Man-Thing (2004)
4/10
Director: Brett Leonard
Starring: Rachael Taylor, Matthew Le Nevez, Jack Thompson
When nature fights back! Investigating a string of bizarre killings, the new Sheriff of Bywater Kyle Williams (Matt Le Nevez), begins to suspect that... Read more
Manhunter (1986)
7.2/10
Director: Michael Mann
Starring: William Petersen, Kim Greist, Joan Allen, Brian Cox
From the novel 'Red Dragon' by Thomas Harris ('The Silence of the Lambs', 'Hannibal') comes this thriller about a neurotic FBI agent specialising in s... Read more
Margaret's Museum (1995)
7.3/10
Director: Mort Ransen
Starring: Helena Bonham Carter, Clive Russell, Kate Nelligan
Based on several short stories by Sheldon Currie, this offbeat romantic tragedy is about a plucky woman's surprising love affair in a 1940s-era Nova S... Read more
Marie Antoinette (2006)
6.4/10
Director: Sofia Coppola
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Judy Davis, Kirsten Dunst, Rip Torn, Steve Coogan, Shirley He...
Kirsten Dunst stars as the ill-fated French queen in Sofia Coppola's lavish take on the bloated 18th century monarchy. Betrothed to young Louis XVI (... Read more
Marley and Me (2008)
Director: David Frankel
Starring: Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane, Kathleen Turner, Alan Arkin, Ann Dowd,...
Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston embark on the adventures of marriage, career, family - and the world's worst dog. Based on the best-selling autobiogr... Read more
Marnie (1964)
7.2/10
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Sean Connery, Tippi Hedren, Diane Baker
This story of habitual thief (Tippi Hedren) whose employer (Sean Connery) is determined to understand her illness was considered a misfire in 1964...... Read more
Married Life (2007)
6.3/10
Director: Ira Sachs
Starring: Chris Cooper, Patricia Clarkson, Pierce Brosnan, Rachel McAdams, David Wenham
Set in 1949, Chris Cooper is Harry, a middle-aged businessman agonising over how best to leave his wife, Pat (Patricia Clarkson), so he can marry Kay... Read more
Marsupilami: A Tail of Two Cities (2000)
6.3/10
Based on the popular Frencghh/Belgian comic book, the often off the wall, nonsensical, non-speaking antics of an animated creature with an enormously... Read more
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
7.4/10
Director: Peter Weir
Starring: Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, James D'Arcy, Billy Boyd
Director Peter Weir's ("Witness") riveting mix of sweeping high-seas action and intense character study stars Russell Crowe as the captain of a Britis... Read more