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 Devil Wears Prada (2006)
6.9/10
Director: David Frankel
Starring: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker, Adrian Gre...
Meryl Streep is the boss from hell in this comedy-drama about an idealistic, mid-west girl (Anne Hathaway) who comes to the big smoke to be a real jou... Read more
The Diary of a Nobody (2007)
7.4/10
Director: Susanna White
Starring: Hugh Bonneville
In a fantastic solo performance, Hugh Bonneville perfectly captures the small mind and large aspirations of Mr. Charles Pooter, a middle-aged, middle-... Read more
The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer (2003)
5.5/10
Director: Craig R Baxley
Starring: Lisa Brenner, Steven Brand, Kate Burton, Tsidii Leloka, Brad Greenquist
A prequel to 'Stephen King's Rose Red' and based on the novel by Ridley Pearson (writing under the pseudonym Joyce Reardon), this supernatural chiller... Read more
The Dirty Dozen (1967)
7.8/10
Director: Robert Aldrich
Starring: Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, Jim Brown, John Cassavetes, George...
Very tough, very funny and ultimately very violent film, based on EM Nathanson's novel, and featuring a great all-male cast that includes Lee Marvin,... Read more
The Dirty Dozen ( Blu-ray ) (1967)
7.8/10
Director: Andrew V McLaglen
Starring: Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, Jim Brown, John Cassavetes, Richar...
Very tough, very funny and ultimately very violent film, based on EM Nathanson's novel, and featuring a great all-male cast that includes Lee Marvin,... Read more
The Door in the Floor (2004)
6.7/10
Director: Tod Williams
Starring: Kim Basinger, Jeff Bridges, Jon Foster, Mimi Rogers, Elle Fanning
Tod Williams wrote and directed this drama, adapted from John Irving's best-seller 'A Widow for One Year'. Ted and Marion Cole (Jeff Bridges and Kim B... Read more
The Duellists (1977)
7.5/10
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Keith Carradine, Harvey Keitel, Edward Fox, Albert Finney
The Duellists is based on a story by Joseph Conrad, variously titled The Duel and The Point of Honour. Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel play officers... Read more
The Elephant Man (1980)
8.2/10
Director: David Lynch
Starring: Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Freddie J...
From the director of 'Eraserhead' and 'Dune', based on the true story of John Merrick, who suffered from a rare, physically distorting disease and was... Read more
The Elephant Man (Blu-ray) (1980)
8.2/10
Director: David Lynch
Starring: Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Freddie J...
From the director of 'Eraserhead' and 'Dune', based on the true story of John Merrick, who suffered from a rare, physically distorting disease and was... Read more
The English Patient (1996)
7.4/10
Director: Anthony Minghella
Starring: Colin Firth, Juliette Binoche, Jurgen Prochnow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Naveen And...
Nine Academy Awards, six Baftas and two Golden Globes confirm the acclaim that met this tale of the mysterious Count Almasy (Ralph Fiennes) and his ad... Read more