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'.
Seance (2000)
6.7/10
Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Starring: Koji Yakusho, Jun Fubuki
Based on the successful Martin Heidegger novel 'Seance on a Wet Afternoon', this Japanese thriller builds a terrifically creepy atmosphere as it follo... Read more
Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1964)
7.9/10
Director: Bryan Forbes
Starring: Kim Stanley, Richard Attenborough, Nanette Newman, Patrick Magee
Kim Stanley plays a crooked medium who has become slightly unhinged since the death of her son. Craving money and publicity, she concocts a scheme wit... Read more
Secret Ceremony (1968)
6.5/10
Director: Joseph Losey
Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Mia Farrow, Robert Mitchum, Peggy Ashcroft, Pamela Brown
Based on the short story by Marco Denevi, this psychological thriller from acclaimed director Joseph Losey stars Mia Farrow as an unbalanced girl, who... Read more
Separate Lies (2005)
6.5/10
Director: Julian Fellowes
Starring: Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Hermione Norris, Rupert Everett, John Warnaby
A tragic accident is the catalyst that unravels a web of deceit in this intriguing drama based on Nigel Bachin's novel and written by screenwriter and... Read more
Shake Hands With The Devil: The Journey of Romeo Dallaire (2004)
8.2/10
Director: Peter Raymont
In the North American spring of 1994, the world was gripped by OJ Simpson and his gloves, as 800, 000 men, women and children were literally hacked to... Read more
Shane (1953)
7.7/10
Director: George Stevens
Starring: Alan Ladd, Ben Johnson, Edgar Buchanan, Jack Palance, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, B...
George Stevens' legendary rendition of the archetypal Western myth earned six Academy Award nominations including Best Screenplay, Best Director and B... Read more
Shane Maloney: The Brush-off (2004)
Director: Sam Neill
Starring: David Wenham, Mick Molloy, Bruce Spence, Steve Bisley
Sam Neill takes the helm for this adaptation of Shane Maloney's novel. When a dead artist is being fished from the ornamental moat outside an art gall... Read more
Shanghai Surprise (1986)
3.1/10
Director: Jim Goddard
Starring: Sean Penn, Madonna , Paul Freeman, Richard Griffiths
Perhaps the only real surprise is that anyone let Madonna near a film set again after this muddled romantic adventure sank like a rock. Playing like a... Read more
Sharpe Vol. 1: Sharpe's Rifles / Sharpe's Eagle (1993)
Director: Tom Clegg
Starring: Sean Bean, Darragh O'Malley, Brian Cox, Assumpta Serna
'Sharpe's Rifles' - Portugal 1809, the Peninsular War in the age of Napoleon. A British sergeant (Sean Bean) in the 95th Rifles saves the life of Arth... Read more
Sharpe Vol. 2: Sharpe's Company / Sharpe's Enemy / Sharpe's Honour (1993)
Director: Tom Clegg
Starring: Sean Bean, Pete Postlethwaite, Elizabeth Hurley, Assumpta Serna, Hugh Fraser
'Sharpe's Company' - Spain 1812, Sharpe is relieved from Captaincy with the arrival of new officers. Among them is his old nemesis, Obadiah Hakeswill... Read more