Books and movies have a complicated relationship. While there are times when a movie becomes the reason for a book’s popularization, there are times when a popular bestseller is picked up by the filmmaker and turns it into a motion picture. These two mediums of entertainment have been long intertwined!
There are always arguments about which is better – the book or the movie. Many who prefer reading over watching the motion film argue that the movies don’t do justice to the characters or the plot. But here’s the thing, there is only so much that the maker can accommodate in 140 minutes on screen and having said that, many movies have got a seal of approval from the readers. Some of the most successful on-screen adaptations have been sensitive to the plot and characters of the story.
Here are some of the best adaptations, according to us, that you should watch this weekend.
The Godfather
Adapted from: The Godfather by Mario Puzo
The movie was destined to become one of the classics. With the author of the book Mario Puzo assisting on the screenplay, it film was bound to be true to the quality of the book. Even though some of the backstories were eliminated from the movie and the film’s ending is sadder than in the book, the movie remains one of the most appreciated movies when it comes to adaptations with the book and the movie complementing each other. In fact, Derek Malcolm, who reviewed the movie for Guardian said, “It's a bloody good story, or a good bloody story and you can't take that away from it. Puzo's book hasn't half its artifice and style.”
The movie has also been appreciated for a strong, very strong cast. Even though Marlon Brando has limited screen time, his presence is commanding as usual. Saturday dinner and this movie go hand-in-hand.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Videos, YouTube Movies
IMDb rating: 9.2
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Marlon Brandon, Al Pacino, and James Caan, among others.
Watch the trailer:
The White Tiger
Adapted from: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
This is one of the most watchable movies released in recent years. Interestingly, the movie has been most appreciated for the adaptive screenplay. In her review, Alissa Wilkinson wrote, “The White Tiger feels like a fable, one that illustrates how trapping people in poverty so there will always be someone to do wealthier folks' bidding is as much a function of psychology and culture as of economic opportunity.”
If you are one of those who have not watched this one yet, you should!
Where to watch: Netflix
IMDb rating: 7.1
Director: Ramin Bahrani
Starring: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Adarsh Gourav and Rajkummar Rao, among others.
Watch the trailer:
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Adapted from: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
One of the most romantic classic by Jane Austen is also one of her most adapted works in other forms – movies, series, and even in the theatre. This particular movie is one of the closest adaptations to the book and has all goods from the book. To see Elizabeth Bennet meet single, rich, and proud Mr Darcy, once again with Keira Knightley essaying Elizabeth’s character is transports to you the age and era. In her review, Claudia Puig wrote, “A stellar adaptation, bewitching the viewer completely and incandescently with an exquisite blend of emotion and wit.”
And even though there were some dramatic changes made in the film, the movie is adored by Austen’s fans.
Where to watch: YouTube Movies, Google play
IMDb rating: 7.8
Director: Joe Wright
Starring: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, and Brenda Blethyn, among others.
Watch the trailer:
Gone Girl
Adapted from: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The psychological thriller received a positive response not only from the critics but the moviegoers too. The film is not only appreciated for its screenplay but also for its direction, editing, score, visual style, and acting. It’s a skillfully packaged movie in which the book’s reader a run for their money. If you are one of those who have read the book and not seen the movie, it’s never too late. And if you are one of those who have watched the movie, give it another go maybe you’ve missed noticing something. In his review, Christopher Orr called the movie a “faithful adaptation of the bestselling thriller.”
Where to watch: Prime
IMDb rating: 8.1
Director: David Fincher
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Carrie Coon and Neil Patrick Harris, among others.
Watch the trailer:
Hidden Figures
Adapted from: Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
The movie is engaging, entertaining and commands your attention. If you are in the mood for a feel-good movie, this is it. It’s not one of the stories that have been taught in the school, thus the curiosity. Based on true-life events, the lead actors Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe play three women of colour who worked for NASA during the initial years of the space program.
It is one of those movies which not only did just to the book but also created an international debate on identity and history. Even though the movie is infused with drama, the struggle is real.
One of the most interesting things for us about this movie is that the movie is an adaptation of non-fiction.
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar, YouTube, Google Play
IMDb rating: 7.8
Director: Theodore Melfi
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, among others.
Watch the trailer:
The Shawshank Redemption
Adapted from: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King
It is undoubtedly considered to be the greatest films of all time. Now there are some recognizable differences between the book and the movie, but all in all the movie has done justice to the book and has been appreciated for it. In his review, Peter Snack appreciated the performances and wrote, “Thanks to fine performances and beautiful photography, you get that inspirational jump-start frame after frame.” It’s a good watch for the Sunday brunch.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
IMDb rating: 9.3
Director: Frank Darabont
Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman and William Sadler, among others
Watch the trailer:
