Friday Favourites was originally hosted by Kibby on Something of the Book, but is now hosted by Geeky Galaxy. The rules are:
- There is a list of bookish topics
- Write up your post, however you feel, following the topic. Your list can be a list of 2 or a list of 50, whatever you feel like. Go wild!
- Don’t want to write your favourites? I fully support a list of least favourites too!
This week’s topic is Book to Movie Adaptation. I wanted to share movie adaptations that I haven’t read the book of yet. The horror right lol.
The Silence of the Lambs
Film: 1991
Director: Jonathan Demme
That The Silence of the Lambs is a great movie goes without saying – it won the Big Five (best film; best director; best actor/actress and best writing) at the Oscars. But it’s also a wonderfully sympathetic reworking of Harris’s original text. The horrific themes in Harris’s book are handled in a subtle and taut fashion.
Little Women
Film: 2019
Director: Greta Gerwig
Innumerable TV and movie adaptations of Alcott’s 1868 novel Little Women have been attempted over the years. But Greta Gerwig’s 2019 version is comfortably the best. It’s effortless and playful, painting the relationships of the March family sisters without dipping into the saccharine sentimentality that has given several earlier versions an unwanted aftertaste. The cast is superb too. Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan and Eliza Scanlen play the sisters. And both Laura Dern and Timothee Chalamet shine in supporting roles.
True Grit
Film: 2010
Director: The Coen brothers
The first adaptation of Charles Portis’s novel starred John Wayne and while noted for its excellence as a film, it certainly toned down the violent imagery and brutality in the book. The Coen brothers pay homage to the book by retaining much of the story; framing it squarely in the eyes of the original narrator Mattie Ross and ending the film like the book, 25 years after the events depicted. A marvellous film.
Silver Lining Playbook
Film: 2012
Director: David O. Russell
A critical and commercial success, David O. Russell’s adaptation of Matthew Quick’s acclaimed debut novel is a rare and marvellous thing. A superlative and sympathetically handled adaptation – a fact that deserves mention because of the sensitive subject material of bipolar disorder – it surprises, entertains and provokes in equal measure. Bradley Cooper is astounding in a serious role, and Jennifer Lawrence demonstrates a maturity way beyond her years. A film that will wear well, and, hopefully, send viewers to Quick’s excellent book.
Snow Piercer
Film: 2013
Director: Bong Joon-ho
A post-apocalyptic story people actually enjoy. Based on the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige, the 2013 film tells the story of a revolution on the train where humanity’s remnants live after a second ice age. Director ‘s English-language debut depicts how even after the world ends, the issues facing the last refugees — class divides, segregation, and uprising — don’t just go away because mankind is facing extinction, as revolutionary leader Curtis () battles the controlling Mason (an almost unrecognizable ) who works to keep the train and oppressive system propelling it forward moving. Snowpiercer was praised for its visually striking style , which until the film’s release, had only been available in French and Korean.
The Maze Runner
Film: 2014
Director: Wes Ball
James Dashner’s Maze Runner novels follow the story of Thomas and his friends as they try to survive in a dystopian world full of twists and turns, keeping readers on their feet throughout, and their journey on screen is no different. Dylan O’Brien was able to fully captivate the sense of urgency and responsibility that Thomas displays while being forced to endure a test he does not even know he is being subjected to. There may have been some differences from page to screen, but the underlying themes of danger and the will to do anything to save the ones you love remain.
A Wrinkle in Time
Film: 2016
Director: Ava DuVernay
Fourteen-year-old Meg Murry’s father goes missing after working on a government project, setting off Meg’s fantastical journey through space and time. Ava DuVernay will direct the adaptation, and the three Mrs. have been cast: Reese Witherspoon will play Mrs. Whatsit, Mindy Kaling will play Mrs. Who, and Oprah Winfrey will play Mrs. Which.
Ready Player One
Film: 2018
Director: Steven Spielberg
Teenager Wade Watts gets sucked into a virtual universe in a dystopian future society in 2044.
Trust me there are many many many more, but those are at least 8 that I could find that I haven’t read the original book of.
*Note: all information about the movies were found from Entertainment Weekly, Pop Sugar and Shortlist
