The Lovely Bones
Everybody in the Female First office is getting very excited about the release of Lovely Bones this week - so much so in fact, that it’s sparked us to reminisce on our favourite book adaptations of all time!
And while we could go on for days about odd cast choices and the exciting transition from paper to screen, we’ve decided to keep it simple with a list of our faves. Here's hoping we’ve snagged just a few of your favourites in a list of top book adaptations ever!
Oliver!
Who knew Charles Dickens’ tale of treachery, orphans and that difficult quest for love could become a cockney rhyming and dancing extravaganza? The musical adaptation of Charles Dickins’ novel ‘Oliver Twist’ told the story of the runaway orphan who hooks up with a group of boys trained to pickpocket by an elderly mentor.
The film is based on the stage musical 'Oliver!' By Lionel Bart who penned the most famous songs known today. We can't help but fall in love with Nancy and become charmed by Dodger!
Fight Club
Chuck Palanihuk's dark comedy of cynicism and living in a world of consumerism and non-essential products was ground breaking literature, but when David Fincher took the book to the big screen, the result was a gritty thriller that refused to hold back and left you hanging on by the skin of your teeth.
Shocking by it's very nature, the book's adaptation was blessed with an ensemble cast that couldn't have suited Palanihuk's characters any better. The incredible interpretations of the books characters were made edgy and real by Hollywood stars Brad Pitt, Ed Norton and Helena Bonham Carter.
Trainspotting
Trainspotting is possibly one of the greatest cinematic works of any genre, but the fact that it derives from a piece of literature makes it all the more special. Danny Boyle's inventive camera-work and award winning soundtrack helped make Irvine Welsh's invention of Scottish drug addict, Renton, infectiously funny and real to us film buffs.
With a stand-up cast, perfect for their individual roles, including Ewen McGregor and Robert Carlisle it was apparent that Trainspotting was never going to be anything less than genius, and it never let us down.
The Shining
The films that have been adapted from Stephen King's books are and always will be some of the best you'll ever see, which is why we've sneakily included more than one of his book adaptations into this feature, but The Shining without a doubt for us at FemaleFirst, is the greatest of all.
Stephen King's chilling story of a crazed novelist hell bent on satisfying his murderous instincts on his innocent family is complimented by Jack Nicholson's horrifyingly convincing acting and Stanley Kubrick's freaky mise-en-scene – who knew an empty hallway could make us feel so nervous?
The Beach
Alex Garland's story of a paradise lost is an amazing novel, with a film that humbly detracts from challenging, yet compliments magnificently.
Most argue the novel is better than the film because it explores characters like Swedish fishers Christo, Sten and Karl much more than in the film, but who can argue with Leonardo Di Caprio's incredible performance as the wayward backpacker in search of the legendary, idyllic beach, untouched by tourism?
The film, which was made by the Trainspotting production team including Danny Boyle as director is another winner with many thanks to the acting team included.
Control
Anton Corbijn's biopic is adapted from the autobiography of Ian Curtis' widow Debbie Curits called 'Touching From A Distance'. The film depicts the rise of enigmatic indie band, Joy Division, and subsequent suicide of the 23 year old front man and songwriter Ian Curtis.
The harrowing story is particularly bleak considering the point of view it's from, who Deborah Curtis, who married Ian at just 17 years-old. The film, which was filmed entirely in black and white elevates the tortured genius to the screen with excellent interpretations from all actors involved, but especially from lead actors Samantha Morton (Debbie Curtis) and Sam Riley (Ian). If you are a biopic newbie, try this out for size – cinematic art.
Misery
The second of Stephen King's adaptations to the big screen comes in with intelligent thriller, Misery. Another story centred around a novelist, however this time, author Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is the victim as he is kidnapped and held hostage by a crazed fan, hell bent on keeping him hers for as long as possible.
Kathy Bates' proved so perfect for the role of obsessive fan Annie Wilkes that she won both the Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe. The film perfectly depicts the crescendoing plot and certainly puts itself up there as one of the best adaptations of all of Stephen King's books.
The Green Mile
Okay, we promise, this is the last Stephen King film to be included in this list! The Green Mile is a three hour lesson of love, pain and desperation. Tom Hanks delivers another amazing performance as main guy and corrections officer on Death Row, Paul.
When he encounters a extraordinary force in new prisoner, John Coffey played by Michael Clarke Duncan, the story begins and takes us on one of the most emotional journey's you could wish for in such an epic story. The film, directed and adapted by Frank Darabont was nominated for four Academy Awards.
New Moon
In all honesty, this option is partly here because some of the girls here at FemaleFirst would cause a revolt if it wasn't. Nevertheless, one can't deny that the film, no matter how much it might seem a bit of a squirmy teen-fest, meets it's target audience perfectly.
The beautiful R-Patz and the buff Taylor Lautner alongside the quirky Kristen Stewart help make Stephanie Meyer's novel Twilight an absolute dream film for ex-Buffy/Bring it on fanatics. Don't pretend you can't see the link between the two!
So there you have it! Each of these films are worth a watch so grab some popcorn whip out the DVD's and have yourself an adaptations film night, courtesy of our fool-proof guide right here!
FemaleFirst – Carla Pearce
Everybody in the Female First office is getting very excited about the release of Lovely Bones this week - so much so in fact, that it’s sparked us to reminisce on our favourite book adaptations of all time!
And while we could go on for days about odd cast choices and the exciting transition from paper to screen, we’ve decided to keep it simple with a list of our faves. Here's hoping we’ve snagged just a few of your favourites in a list of top book adaptations ever!
Oliver!
Who knew Charles Dickens’ tale of treachery, orphans and that difficult quest for love could become a cockney rhyming and dancing extravaganza? The musical adaptation of Charles Dickins’ novel ‘Oliver Twist’ told the story of the runaway orphan who hooks up with a group of boys trained to pickpocket by an elderly mentor.
The film is based on the stage musical 'Oliver!' By Lionel Bart who penned the most famous songs known today. We can't help but fall in love with Nancy and become charmed by Dodger!
Fight Club
Chuck Palanihuk's dark comedy of cynicism and living in a world of consumerism and non-essential products was ground breaking literature, but when David Fincher took the book to the big screen, the result was a gritty thriller that refused to hold back and left you hanging on by the skin of your teeth.
Shocking by it's very nature, the book's adaptation was blessed with an ensemble cast that couldn't have suited Palanihuk's characters any better. The incredible interpretations of the books characters were made edgy and real by Hollywood stars Brad Pitt, Ed Norton and Helena Bonham Carter.
Trainspotting
Trainspotting is possibly one of the greatest cinematic works of any genre, but the fact that it derives from a piece of literature makes it all the more special. Danny Boyle's inventive camera-work and award winning soundtrack helped make Irvine Welsh's invention of Scottish drug addict, Renton, infectiously funny and real to us film buffs.
With a stand-up cast, perfect for their individual roles, including Ewen McGregor and Robert Carlisle it was apparent that Trainspotting was never going to be anything less than genius, and it never let us down.
The Shining
The films that have been adapted from Stephen King's books are and always will be some of the best you'll ever see, which is why we've sneakily included more than one of his book adaptations into this feature, but The Shining without a doubt for us at FemaleFirst, is the greatest of all.
Stephen King's chilling story of a crazed novelist hell bent on satisfying his murderous instincts on his innocent family is complimented by Jack Nicholson's horrifyingly convincing acting and Stanley Kubrick's freaky mise-en-scene – who knew an empty hallway could make us feel so nervous?
The Beach
Alex Garland's story of a paradise lost is an amazing novel, with a film that humbly detracts from challenging, yet compliments magnificently.
Most argue the novel is better than the film because it explores characters like Swedish fishers Christo, Sten and Karl much more than in the film, but who can argue with Leonardo Di Caprio's incredible performance as the wayward backpacker in search of the legendary, idyllic beach, untouched by tourism?
The film, which was made by the Trainspotting production team including Danny Boyle as director is another winner with many thanks to the acting team included.
Control
Anton Corbijn's biopic is adapted from the autobiography of Ian Curtis' widow Debbie Curits called 'Touching From A Distance'. The film depicts the rise of enigmatic indie band, Joy Division, and subsequent suicide of the 23 year old front man and songwriter Ian Curtis.
The harrowing story is particularly bleak considering the point of view it's from, who Deborah Curtis, who married Ian at just 17 years-old. The film, which was filmed entirely in black and white elevates the tortured genius to the screen with excellent interpretations from all actors involved, but especially from lead actors Samantha Morton (Debbie Curtis) and Sam Riley (Ian). If you are a biopic newbie, try this out for size – cinematic art.
Tagged in Fight Club