“The Hunger Games”
The trilogy by Suzanne Collins was already a topic of discussion even before the adaptation of its first installment, but true fame came to the author thanks to the film industry. The release of “The Hunger Games” on the big screen sparked a new wave of popularity for the literary genre of dystopia.
“The Martian”
The film received 7 Oscar nominations and 2 awards traditionally associated with comedies. What’s astonishing is that “The Martian” isn’t a comedy in the strictest sense, but rather a gritty science-fiction movie with adventure elements. The novel by Andy Weir, which served as the basis for the screenplay, became a bestseller of the year in nearly every country around the world.
“Cloud Atlas”
David Mitchell’s books are like nothing else. To adapt “Cloud Atlas” into a film, screenwriters and directors had to put in a lot of effort. The result was the most expensive independent film in history. Can you guess who’s in the lead role? Tom Hanks is a guarantee that the 172 minutes of watching the movie won’t be wasted.
“Game of Thrones”
The “Game of Thrones” series was watched by the whole planet, and writer George R.R. Martin is seriously considered one of the most influential people in the world. And how else to describe someone whose imagination captivated the minds of millions of people around the globe?
“The Day of the Triffids”
“The Day of the Triffids” – a classic of post-apocalyptic literature, was adapted into a two-part television film. After a remarkable phenomenon – a green meteor shower – the Earth’s surface becomes covered with carnivorous plants. Spores spread across the planet, and with no salvation in sight, the survivors must fight against an alien menace using their own intellect and courage.
“I Am Legend”
In the film adaptation of Richard Matheson’s book “I Am Legend” the story revolves around the sole survivor in a vast city. Robert Neville feels that way every day. He is the last inhabitant of New York, as the rest fell victim to the “zombie apocalypse” virus.
“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”
“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” is a lighthearted film adaptation of Douglas Adams’ book, depicting the adventures of a group of travelers through the Universe. Gart Jennings’ adventurous comedy will bring enjoyment to every member of the family.
“War of the Worlds”
H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds” is a classic science fiction novel that has been adapted for the screen multiple times. Steven Spielberg made an effort to create the best cinematic version of the book’s events. Humanity is attacked by extraterrestrials. Everything happened too quickly – it seems like there’s no chance. The characters have to get to know each other again in critical circumstances.
“The Lord of the Rings”
The novels that have been adapted into films are the alpha and omega of fantasy literature. Tolkien’s cycle is the most popular story in the world about the Great Journey and the struggle against evil. The film trilogy about the Ring of Power gave rise to an entire movement in pop culture called “Tolkienism”.
“1984”
George Orwell’s “1984” has become a classic of literature. This dystopian novel tells the story of Winston Smith, one of the millions of workers laboring for the benefit of his state, Oceania. One day, he realizes he is unhappy. Winston begins to suspect that his life could have been completely different and that the ideals imposed by the totalitarian regime are not the only possibilities.
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
In Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” the story revolves around a protagonist who is born as an elderly man. A genetic condition or a mysterious anomaly causes his body to age in reverse, defying the normal passage of time: born as an old man, Benjamin is destined to die as an infant. Director David Fincher managed to create a remarkably thought-provoking film adaptation, with Brad Pitt in the lead role.
“Shutter Island”
An island in the Atlantic. A closed psychiatric hospital. Heavy rain and stormy waves. The disappearance of a patient. An investigation unfolds. Unveiling mysteries better left untouched. This is the synopsis of the thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, adapted from the book “Shutter Island” by Dennis Lehane.
“Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”
The main character is a maniac obsessed with the idea of creating the perfect perfume. But achieving perfection is not that easy. The protagonist of Patrick Süskind’s novel and Tom Tykwer’s film leaves behind thirteen tortured corpses, but has he understood anything, committing horrific crimes and achieving his goal?
“The Silence of the Lambs”
The film adaptation of the novel “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris has numerous achievements. The awards shelf of Jonathan Demme’s film is one of the longest in the history of horror cinema. The thriller tells the story of the peculiar relationship between an FBI agent and the convicted Hannibal Lecter, who assists her in tracking down another criminal.
“No Country for Old Men”
The Coen Brothers successfully adapted Cormac McCarthy’s novel “No Country for Old Men” into a thrilling film. The plot revolves around a Vietnam War veteran who accidentally stumbles upon a crime scene in the Texas mountains. Near one of the corpses, he finds a case with $2 million. Unable to resist temptation, the main character takes the money, leading to a series of real problems.
“Dark Places”
Gillian Flynn’s detective novel “Dark Places” was adapted into a film by Gilles Paquet-Brenner. The plot centers around a brutal crime that occurred 25 years ago in the Day family’s home in Texas. A 15-year-old boy, the sole son, killed his mother and two sisters. The horror of that day’s memories still haunts the surviving youngest sister, Libby. However, when she needs money, Libby decides that she can sell everything – even the story of her family’s death.
“Requiem for a Dream”
The film based on the book “Requiem for a Dream” tells the story of a girl who desires happiness. She feels that somehow only she and her surroundings are treated unfairly by fate. Someone hits the jackpot in the national lottery, someone inherits a fortune, but luck doesn’t seem to favor her. Therefore, it’s important not to judge those who, believing in a beautiful promise, risk everything and lose, even losing themselves.
“The Girl on the Train”
It’s the psychological thriller by Tate Taylor that keeps the audience on edge until the very last moments. This “18+” film is based on the novel of the same name by Paula Hawkins, written a year prior to its adaptation. The author’s talent for creating a sinister atmosphere was recognized by DreamWorks Pictures. The box office earnings exceeded the budget by almost four times!
“Gone Girl”
David Fincher managed to create a tense thriller based on Gillian Flynn’s book “Gone Girl”. The storyline bears some resemblance to Alfred Hitchcock’s films. Perhaps, to describe what this movie is about, the concise term “suspense” would be most fitting.
“The Jungle Book”
Rudyard Kipling’s immortal work “The Jungle Book” has maintained its popularity for 127 years among readers of all ages, and each adaptation of this book draws enthusiastic audiences to the theaters.
“Sherlock Holmes”
Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories about Sherlock Holmes provide modern filmmakers with ample room for imagination. Guy Ritchie borrowed from the writer only the image of the legendary detective and the historical era in which the events of his stories took place. The rest was the work of the screenwriters.
“The Children of Men”
Despite Alfonso Cuarón’s film based on Phyllis James’s book “The Children of Men” being a commercial failure, it received praise from critics and many philosophically inclined viewers. The dystopian tale set in the near future, where humanity has lost the ability to reproduce, delves into profound ethical dilemmas. Bloody regime and resistance – what do these concepts mean when there’s no future anyway?
“Angelique, the Marquise of the Angels”
The books by Anne and Serge Golon have educated generations of readers. The beautiful Angelique is forcibly married off to the Count de Peyrac. At first, the beauty resists submitting to the unloved man, but soon she discovers a kindred soul in him. The adaptation of the novel was well received by the audience.
“Oliver Twist”
Roman Polanski created a heartwarming film about the harsh fate of a young English orphan. In many ways, the adaptation appears to be a softened version of the original novel: Dickens’s work contains more cruelty and filth, while Polanski’s adaptation showcases mercy and a belief in the triumph of human goodness.
“Ben-Hur”
The adaptation of the renowned novel by Lew Wallace about Rome, religion, and humanity, the film won 11 Oscars. Those who haven’t read the books or watched the movie will be surprised by the perspective from which the crucifixion of Christ is depicted in these artistic works.
“Schindler’s List”
The book by Thomas Keneally is impossible to read without shuddering – as for Spielberg’s film, there’s nothing to say. Based on historically accurate facts, this story doesn’t need promotion: it’s enough that it happened for real. It’s the duty of each of us to remember and prevent the repetition of the horrors of the 20th century – repressions and the Holocaust.
“Arrival”
Many viewers, when watching “Arrival” in theaters, didn’t realize they were watching an adaptation of Ted Chiang’s story “Story of Your Life.” This fact didn’t hinder the success of Denis Villeneuve’s film: the story of inexplicable phenomena accompanying humanity’s contact with extraterrestrial intelligence received 8 Oscar nominations and a lot of enthusiastic feedback.
“The Long Road”
The melodrama directed by G. Tillman Jr. based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks tells the story of the whimsical dependency of fate on the coincidences that happen to us. It’s a life story of three people who must overcome their predicaments by entrusting each other with the most valuable things: memories and emotions.
“Les Misérables”
Adapting Victor Hugo’s classic novel “Les Misérables” into a film is a risky endeavor for any director. Perhaps seeking to be cautious, Tom Hooper assembled a whole array of star actors for his movie: here we have Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, which earned him a lot of positive reviews from the audience.
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
Speaking of Ken Kesey’s novel, it’s worth acknowledging that the popularity of the original source is hardly comparable to the fame of its adaptation. Jack Nicholson in the lead role and the screenplay based on the book ensured an explosion of audience adoration. Cinematography would not be complete without this film.
