5 Must Watch Book-to-Film Adaptations
Who else is super excited to watch Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel “The Underground Railroad”? The first episode airs tonight on Amazon Prime!
Judging from early reviews, it looks like it’s going to be phenomenal.
So, in honor of tonight’s premiere, I’d like to revisit some of my favorite book-to-film adaptations.
And it seems only appropriate to start this list off with another Barry Jenkins’ adaptation…
1) If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
Film Version: 2018 | Written and Directed by Barry Jenkins
Jenkins’ films have a beautifully poetic nature to them. They are a beautiful cohesion of striking visuals, heart wrenching musical scores, and expressive dialogue.
For that reason, I believe Jenkins was the perfect filmmaker to adapt James Baldwin’s classic novel. Baldwin himself had a vibrant, lyrical writing style — one that reaches into the depths of your soul and connects instantly with your heart.
At its core, it’s a story about love — whether romantic, familial, or lifelong friendship. Despite incredible injustices, love ultimately prevails.
It’s also the film that earned Regina King her first Oscar — way overdue and much deserved for her mesmerizing performance as Sharon Rivers. King has terrific chemistry with everyone, especially Colman Domingo (who plays her husband, Joseph). KiKi Layne and Stephen James perfectly portray the soft, yet passionate love between Tish and Fonny.
2) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Film Version: 1994 | Written by Robin Swicord, Directed by Gillian Armstrong
True, there have been several adaptations of this classic novel. I’m partial to the 1994 version.
Perhaps I’m biased because this is the version I grew up with. It’s also a family favorite. I’m the youngest of three sisters and we all really connected to this version. We would fight over which character we were most like. As the youngest, I resented the fact that I would always be compared to Amy…why couldn’t I be Jo?! My mom also has a very striking resemblance to Susan Sarandon (who plays Marmee in this version).
Despite my personal connection to the film, I still believe this is a very solid adaptation. Winona Ryder is the perfect Jo. Christian Bale is the perfect Laurie. Across the board, the casting is spot on. Director Gillian Armstrong did an excellent job of creating the excitement of the sisters’ youth and their gradual (and somewhat reluctant) maturation into adult women.
You are transported to 19th century New England in a way that doesn’t seem stuffy or phony. The actors make the characters three-dimensional. They are effortlessly grounded in the time period while also honoring the era’s customs and movement patterns. Plus, the costumes and set design are gorgeous and authentic.
It’s full of fun, romance, and heartbreak. I’ve seen this film maybe 20 times in my life and it still makes me cry.
Besides. It wouldn’t be a list of the top book-to-film adaptations without “Little Women” and this next one…
3) To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Film Version: 1962 | Written by Horton Foote, Directed by Robert Mulligan
The first time I watched this movie (after reading the book in 5th grade), I gasped when Boo Radley came on screen. It was just how I’d imagined him to look when I read the book!
Atticus Finch’s closing speech in the courtroom is still one of the greatest speeches in cinema. Gregory Peck truly was Atticus Finch. It’s a brilliant performance and you can tell that the entire ensemble of actors felt like he was the perfect Atticus. Indeed, co-star Brock Peters (Tom Robinson) delivered the eulogy at Gregory Peck’s funeral. In addition, Peck was a father figure in co-star Mary Badham’s (Scout) life — he continually checked in on her after her father died tragically young.
It can be difficult to adapt a classic novel like this. Before I watched it as a kid, I was worried that it would be cheesy or boring. Thankfully, it’s not. The film is incredibly grounded and nuanced — you feel as if you’ve been instantly transported into the novel.
The filmmakers truly brought the book to life.
4) Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Film Version: 2014 | Written by Gillian Flynn, Directed by David Fincher
Fincher is a master at book adaptations. Fight Club, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network, and Mindhunter are all masterful adaptations in their own right. Any one of them could be included in this list. But Gone Girl is my favorite.
Spoiler alerts ahead.
I say that because the twist was ruined for me. And this is one of the greatest twists EVER. I’m still upset about it. So, if you haven’t read the book or seen the movie, skip ahead to #5.
Speaking of the twist…Fincher handled it brilliantly. The first half of the movie builds the tension beautifully. If you didn’t read the book (or if the twist wasn’t spoiled for you), you definitely did not see this coming.
This is also a testament to the writing. Gillian Flynn did a wonderful translation of her writing from novel to film.
And the “cool girl” monologue is some of the best writing ever. As an audience member, you totally agree with Amy’s insightful take on modern misogyny. And yet, at the same time you cringe: “Am I rooting for a psychopathic murderer?”
But that’s the thing. Amy Dunne is a fantastic villain. And like any well-written villain, you subconsciously root for her.
Just like the book, the film is a captivating and eerie psychological trip.
5) Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Film Version: 1995 | Written by Emma Thompson, Directed by Ang Lee
Another sister story! And just like Little Women, this film is an authentic depiction of sister relationships.
Kate Winslet is the youthful, passionate, and deeply sensitive Marianne; Emma Thompson is the wise, reasonable, and guarded Elinor. They are a perfect complement to one another.
Their love interests are expertly cast as well. Greg Wise is the devastatingly handsome and charming Willoughby; Alan Rickman is the genuinely kind and gentlemanly Colonel Brandon; Hugh Grant is the bumbling but endearing Edward Ferrars.
Austen’s novels depict the incredibly specific Regency Era time period in England. As such, many of the customs and references can be difficult to relate to for the modern audience. Thompson’s script makes the somewhat archaic incredibly relatable. Because at the end of the day, Austen’s characters just love excellent gossip. And honestly, who doesn’t?
The last 20 minutes of this film are deeply romantic. Get ready for some tears, y’all.
Honorable Mentions:
Fences by August Wilson
Film Version: 2016 | Directed by Denzel Washington
It’s a play, which is why I didn’t include it in the list above. But this is a really beautiful adaptation. The performances are mesmerizing and Viola Davis’ infamous scene will always make me cry.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Film Version: 1987 | Directed by Rob Reiner
It’s a classic for a reason.
There’s More to Come!
And the book-to-movie adaptations just keep coming! No doubt this list will need to be updated in a few years.
So…let me know! What are your favorite adaptations? What book would you like to see adapted next?
