Books are an intelligent man’s constant accomplice. However, books demand time. In this day and age, where people are constantly juggling between numerous tasks, it becomes quite impossible to find the time to read books and this is precisely where book to movie adaptations come to your rescue. Since the invention of cinema, innumerable classics have been made into motion pictures. However, there are only a few that have managed to make a lasting impression on the audiences. Here are the top 5 best movie to book adaptations of all time.
1. Lolita
Vladimir Nabokov immortalized himself by writing Lolita and Stanley Kubrick made ‘Lolita’ a household name after he adapted this classic into a film in 1962. Lolita is a revolutionizing film because it pushed boundaries and opened debates on tricky subjects like censorship and the portrayal of human sexuality on the bigger screen. James Mason and Sue Lyon did an excellent job of magically recreating two of Nabokov’s iconic characters — Humbert Humber and Dolores “Lolita” Haze.
2. The Godfather
Since Mario Puzo himself assisted with the screenplay of The Godfather, it was only quite expected that the film resembled the book in every way. The film can be seen again and again for its exceedingly talented cast which includes the name of stalwarts like Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. This mafia movie traces the journey of an immigrant dynasty in New York. Here’s an interesting fact — when The Godfather was released in 1972, it included a coded anti-Vietnam message to stop the war.
3. Fight Club
It is quite surprising that this masterpiece did not fare too well with the audiences when it was released. However, it has managed to create a cult status over the years. The film does an outstanding job of portraying Chuck Palahnuik’s ideas on the bigger screen. Its stand on modern day consumerism and personal empowerment is striking and reverberates with the youth. Edward Norton and Brad Pitt’s acting is flawless and so is David Fincher’s direction.
4. To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee’s modern classic, which won the Pulitzer Prize, has been a favourite of book lovers all over the world. In 1962, Robert Mulligan decided to make this heart warming book into a film. Gregory Peck was picked to play the role of Atticus Finch, a character that has managed to stay with readers ever since the book’s inception. Gregory’s outstanding acting won him won him accolades and an Academy Award for Best Actor. This film should be seen again and again for its exemplary screenplay and flawless adaptation.
5. Schindler’s List
Schindler’s List is one of the best films ever made about the Holocaust. Based on Thomas Keneally’s novel ‘Schindler’s Ark’, this film recounts the story of Oskarr Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust. The film opened to great reviews and managed to win applause from both critics as well as audiences. Not many people know that Steven Spielberg was quite hesitant about directing this timeless classic. Schindler’s List powerfully captures the nightmare that the Holocaust was through its strong screenplay and cinematography. This artistic genius won 12 Academy Awards and is one of the most powerful films ever made.
While these are certainty not the only books that have been adapted into great movies, there remains to be lots of future opportunity for great literature and self published work to be made into movies.
Perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy these movies, isn’t in your living room but rather outside. We, at Hylas Publishing, have recently discovered the joy of outdoor movies. Outdoor movies are a great way to enjoy books-turned-movies while getting both fresh air and feeling connected to the earth. All you need is an outdoor movie screen and you’re good to go.
Have a great summer everyone and let us know which books turned movies are your favorite.