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'.
The Colour of Magic (2008)
Director: Vadim Jean
Starring: Sean Astin, David Bradley, Liz May Brice, James Cosmo, Brian Cox, Tim Curry, Lau...
The first two novels of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series are adapted for the small screen with David Jason once again starring (he was Death's sidek... Read more
The Conformist (1970)
8.1/10
Director: Bernardo Bertolucci
Starring: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Stefania Sandrelli, Dominique Sanda, Pierre Clementi
Derived from the novel by Alberto Moravia, acclaimed director Bernardo Bertolucci's visually electrifying masterpiece about sex, politics, repression... Read more
The Count of Monte Cristo (1998)
8/10
Director: Josee Dayan
Starring: Gerard Depardieu, Ornella Muti, Jean Rochefort, Pierre Arditi, Sergio Rubini, Fl...
From the novel by Alexandre Dumas, 'The Count of Monte Cristo' tells the dramatic story of Edmond Dantes, a young French sailor who is falsely denounc... Read more
The Crooked E: The Unshredded Truth About Enron (2003)
6.3/10
Director: Penelope Spheeris
Starring: Cameron Bancroft, Brian Dennehy, Shannon Elizabeth, Mike Farrell, Christian Kane...
Based on Brian Cruver's startling book, 'Anatomy of Greed', this strident, made-for-TV movie chronicles the rise and fall of the notorious, Houston-ba... Read more
The Cross and the Switchblade (1970)
6.2/10
Director: Don Murray
Starring: Pat Boone, Erik Estrada
Pat Boone is minister David Wilkerson, on a mission to drive juvenile delinquency off the streets of New York City. Boone faces his toughest opponent... Read more
The Cry of the Owl (1987)
6.5/10
Director: Claude Chabrol
Starring: Christophe Malavoy, Mathilda May, Virginie Thevenet, Jean-Pierre Kalfon, Jacques...
Following a divorce that has left him feeling depressed, Robert (Christophe Malavoy) moves into a quiet neighbourhood in the hopes of finding some pea... Read more
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
7.8/10
Director: David Fincher
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Elias Koteas, Julia Ormond, Tilda Swinton
"I was born under unusual circumstances..." Thus begins 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', the Academy Award-winning film starring Brad Pitt as a... Read more
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ( Blu-ray ) (2008)
7.8/10
Director: David Fincher
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Elias Koteas, Jason Flemyng, Julia Ormond, Tilda Swin...
"I was born under unusual circumstances..." Thus begins 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', the Academy Award-winning film starring Brad Pitt as a... Read more
The Da Vinci Code (2006)
6.6/10
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno, Paul Bettany, Alfred Molina,...
Ron Howard's blockbuster interpretation of Dan Brown's best-selling book stars Tom Hanks as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon who finds himself summo... Read more
The Da Vinci Code: Extended Edition ( Blu-ray ) (2006)
6.6/10
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Alfred Molina, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno, Jurgen Prochnow, Tom Hanks, Paul Bettany...
Ron Howard's blockbuster interpretation of Dan Brown's best-selling book stars Tom Hanks as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon who finds himself summo... Read more