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'.
Rain Man (1988)
8/10
Director: Barry Levinson
Starring: Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Dustin Hoffman, Michael D Roberts, Bonnie Hunt
It's a road movie about two brothers who didn't know the other existed until fate brought them together. Similaraties to the movie 'Twins' with Danny... Read more
Ramona and Beezus (103)
6.6/10
Director: Elizabeth Allen
Starring: John Corbett, Sandra Oh, Bridget Moynahan, Josh Duhamel, Ginnifer Goodwin, Selen...
The misadventures of spunky third-grader Ramona Quimby come to life in this charming family comedy based on the best-selling books by Beverly Cleary.... Read more
Rampo Noir (2005)
6.4/10
Director: Akio Jissoji, Sato Hisayasu, Takeuchi Suguru, Kaneko Atsushi
Starring: Tadanobu Asano
Sensuality and shock bleed together in these vivid adaptations of the short stories by Taro Hirai - the 'Japanese Edgar Allan Poe'. Four auteur direct... Read more
Re-Animator (1985)
7.2/10
Director: Stuart Gordon
Starring: Bruce Abbott, Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton, David Gale, Robert Sampson
This stylishly grotesque and gory filming of H.P. Lovecraft's 'Herbert West, Re-Animator' hits the mark, as we follow a brilliant young medical studen... Read more
Reach for the Sky (1956)
7.3/10
Director: Lewis Gilbert
Starring: Kenneth More, Muriel Pavlow, Alexander Knox
A well told account of British pilot Douglas Bader (Kenneth More) who overcame the loss of both legs, to become one of the most remarkable fighter ace... Read more
Rebecca (1940)
8.1/10
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, George Sanders
Hitchcock's first American film, based on a Du Maurier gothic romance. With Laurence Olivier and a fine performance by Joan Fontaine as a shy young wo... Read more
Rebus: Black & Blue / The Hanging Garden / Dead Souls (2000)
7.5/10
Director: Maurice Phillips, Martyn Friend
Starring: John Hannah, Sara Stewart, Gayanne Potter, Rony Bridges, Jenny Ryan
John Hannah produced, and stars in, these gritty adaptations of the best-selling detective novels by acclaimed Scottish author, Ian Rankin. Rebus conf... Read more
Red Dragon (2002)
7.2/10
Director: Brett Ratner
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, Mary...
The final film in the "Hannibal Lecter Trilogy" (though based on Thomas Harris' first Lecter novel) finds anthropophagous psychiatrist Anthony Hopkins... Read more
Red Dust (2004)
6.9/10
Director: Tom Hooper
Starring: Hilary Swank, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jamie Bartlett, Marius Weyers
Set against the backdrop of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission Hearings, Hilary Swank is an ex-pat South African practising law in the... Read more
Red Lights (2004)
6.8/10
Director: Cedric Kahn
Starring: Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Carole Bouquet, Vincent Deniard, Charline Paul, Jean-Pie...
Based on the novel by Georges Simenon about a married couple that set out for a quiet holiday in the country. Helene (Carole Bouquet) and Antoine (Pie... Read more