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'.
My House in Umbria (2003)
7/10
Director: Richard Loncraine
Starring: Maggie Smith, Ronnie Barker, Chris Cooper, Benno Furmann, Giancarlo Giannini, Ti...
A train, travelling gently through the rolling hills of the Italian countryside, explodes. In one carriage, there are four survivors: "The General" (R... Read more
My Left Foot (1989)
7.9/10
Director: Jim Sheridan
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Ray McAnally, Cyril Cusack
The acclaimed true story of Christy Brown, an Irish artist and writer who refused to let the cerebral palsy that crippled him since birth make him a p... Read more
My Left Foot (Blu-ray) (1989)
7.9/10
Director: Jim Sheridan
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Ray McAnally, Cyril Cusack
The acclaimed true story of Christy Brown, an Irish artist and writer who refused to let the cerebral palsy that crippled him since birth make him a p... Read more
My Sister Eileen (1955)
6.8/10
Director: Richard Quine
Starring: Janet Leigh, Jack Lemmon, Betty Garrett, Bob Fosse
Aspiring writer Ruth Sherwood (Betty Garrett) moves to New York with her man-magnet sister, Eileen (Janet Leigh). Editor Bob Baker (Jack Lemmon) help... Read more
My Sister's Keeper (2002)
6.1/10
Director: Ron Lagomarsino
Starring: Kathy Bates, Elizabeth Perkins, Lynn Redgrave, Kimberly Brown
Adapted from Margaret Moorman's book about two sisters struggling to come to terms with their mother's (Lynn Redgrave) death. Kathy Bates is Christin... Read more
Myra Breckinridge (1970)
4.3/10
Director: Michael Sarne
Starring: Mae West, John Huston, Raquel Welch, Rex Reed
Most critics consider this one of the worst films ever made. Blessed with a star-studded cast (Rex Reed, Mae West, Raquel Welch and John Huston) and b... Read more
Mysterious Skin (2004)
7.7/10
Director: Gregg Araki
Starring: Bill Sage, Elisabeth Shue, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michelle Trachtenberg, Brady Co...
Based on Scott Heim's novel, Gregg Araki's powerful drama sees two young men uncover a shared secret from their past. Brian (Brady Corbet) was just e... Read more
Nancy Drew (2007)
5.9/10
Director: Andrew Fleming
Starring: Emma Roberts, Josh Flitter, Max Thieriot, Rachael Leigh Cook, Tate Donovan, Caro...
Appearing in more than 170 mysteries over 78 years of crime-solving in books and TV, teen sleuth Nancy Drew is still a preppy 17 years old! Emma Robe... Read more
Nanny McPhee (2005)
6.6/10
Director: Kirk Jones
Starring: Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Angela Lansbury, Kelly Macdonald, Thomas Sangster, P...
Widower Colin Firth must return to work and decides to hire a nanny for his unruly brood of seven children. After a string of hapless women are sent... Read more
Napoleon (2002)
7.4/10
Director: Yves Simoneau
Starring: Christian Clavier, Gerard Depardieu, Isabella Rossellini, John Malkovich
From director Yves Simoneau (Nuremberg) comes one of the most ambitious productions in television history, with the script adapted from Max Gallo's be... Read more