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'.
Opal Dream (2005)
6.6/10
Director: Peter Cattaneo
Starring: Sapphire Boyce, Christian Byers, Vince Colosimo, Jacqueline McKenzie, Robert Mor...
8-year-old Kellyanne lives with her family in the outback opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge, where treasure-seekers live on the edge of poverty hopi... Read more
Oranges are Not the Only Fruit (1990)
7.7/10
Director: Beeban Kidron
Starring: Charlotte Coleman, Geraldine McEwan, Celia Imrie
With an upbringing spent learning the Bible and praying for 'heathens in hot countries', Jess unnerves both classmates and teachers when she begins sc... Read more
Orson Welles Collection: The Stranger / King Lear / David and Goliath / The Trial / The Herb Shriner Show (1956)
Director: Orson Welles
Starring: Edward G Robinson, Loretta Young, Orson Welles, Anthony Perkins, Jeanne Moreau,...
A collection of 4 classic films from acclaimed director/actor Orson Welles including: 'The Stranger' (1946) - A suspenseful cat-and-mouse thriller wit... Read more
Ossessione (1942)
7.8/10
Director: Luchino Visconti
Starring: Massimo Girotti, Clara Calamai, Juan Delanda
A.k.a. 'Obsession'. One of the great revelations of the cinema: Luchino Visconti's adaptation of James M. Cain's 'The Postman Always Rings Twice', abo... Read more
Out of the Blue (2006)
7.2/10
Director: Robert Sarkies
Starring: Karl Urban, Matthew Sunderland, Lois Lawn, Simon Ferry, Tandi Wright, Paul Glove...
The devastating true story of the 1990 Aramoana massacre is told with great care by director Robert Sarkies, based on the book 'Aramoana: 22 Hours of... Read more
Out on a Limb (1987)
7.1/10
Director: Robert Butler
Starring: Shirley MacLaine, Charles Dance, John Heard, Anne Jackson, Jerry Orbach
Shirley MacLaine plays herself in this mini-series based on her autobiographical best seller, which delves into her new age beliefs and its effects on... Read more
Papillon (2017)
7.1/10
Director: Michael Noer
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Rami Malek, Yorick van Wageningen, Roland Moller, Tommy Flanagan...
The epic story of Henri "Papillon" Charrière, a safecracker from the Parisian underworld who is framed for murder and condemned to life in the notorio... Read more
Paprika (2006)
7.7/10
Director: Satoshi Kon
Groundbreaking animator Satoshi Kon's visually stunning exploration of the boundaries between dreams and reality tells the magical tale of a revolutio... Read more
Paprika ( Blu-ray ) (2006)
7.7/10
Director: Satoshi Kon
Starring: Megumi Hayashibara, Toru Emori
Groundbreaking animator Satoshi Kon's visually stunning exploration of the boundaries between dreams and reality tells the magical tale of a revolutio... Read more
Paranoid Park (2007)
6.7/10
Director: Gus Van Sant
Starring: Gabe Nevins, Taylor Momsen, Dan Liu
A vivid, compelling portrait of adolescence, 'Paranoid Park' follows a Portland teenager hiding a dark secret. Thanks to needy girlfriend Jennifer (Ta... Read more