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 Heart of the Earth (2007)
6/10
Director: Antonio Cuadri
Starring: Catalina Sandino Moreno, Sienna Guillory, Philip Winchester, Bernard Hill, Joaqu...
Lavish historical epic begins with the brutal oppression of Spanish workers in the Rio Tinto coppermines in 1887. Owned by a British company, the mine... Read more
The Hedgehog (2010)
7.4/10
Director: Mona Achache
Starring: Anne Brochet, Josiane Balasko, Ariane Ascaride, Wladimir Yordanoff, Garance Le G...
Eleven-year-old Paloma Josse is bored beyond belief. Despite living in a gorgeous apartment in the legendary city of Paris, young Paloma feels no conn... Read more
The Hoax (2006)
6.7/10
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Starring: Richard Gere, Alfred Molina, Hope Davis, Marcia Gay Harden, Stanley Tucci, Julie...
In 1971, Clifford Irving pulled off a journalistic coup by obtaining the memoir of notoriously reclusive billionaire, Howard Hughes. No, actually he j... Read more
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
7.9/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Ian McKell...
The first in a trilogy of films based on the enduring masterpiece The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows title charac... Read more
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ( Blu-ray ) (2012)
7.9/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Ian McKell...
The first in a trilogy of films based on the enduring masterpiece The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows title charac... Read more
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ( Blu-ray ) (3D) (2012)
7.8/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Ian McKell...
The first in a trilogy of films based on the enduring masterpiece The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows title charac... Read more
The Hot Rock (1972)
6.8/10
Director: Peter Yates
Starring: Robert Redford, George Segal, Zero Mostel, Ron Leibman, Paul Sand, Moses Gunn
Fresh out of prison, thief Robert Redford is coaxed by brother-in-law George Segal to join his planned heist of a priceless diamond from a museum. The... Read more
The Hound of the Baskervilles (1978)
4.6/10
Director: Paul Morrissey
Starring: Dudley Moore, Peter Cook, Kenneth Williams, Denholm Elliott, Joan Greenwood, Hug...
Andy Warhol's filmmaker buddy, Paul Morrissey put together an all-star cast for this irreverent take on the Arthur Conan Doyle classic. Peter Cook and... Read more
The Hours (2002)
7.6/10
Director: Stephen Daldry
Starring: Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels, Ed Harris, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, John C Rei...
Nicole Kidman delivers an Oscar-winning performance as author Virginia Woolf in this poignant tale that focuses on three women, living in different ti... Read more
The House of Cards Trilogy: House of Cards / To Play the King / The Final Cut (1990)
Director: Paul Seed, Mike Vardy
Starring: Ian Richardson, Susannah Harker, David Lyon, Nicholas Selby, James Villiers, Mic...
The "House of Cards" Trilogy - "House of Cards" (1990), "To Play the King" (1993) and "The Final Cut" (1995). Francis Urquhart (Ian Richardson) is a p... Read more