More information about Top Ten Tuesday from here.
FREEBIE: MY FAVORITE BOOK-BASED FILMS
(I will not include comic-book based films on this list because otherwise the list would probably be mostly those :D )
1. A Clockwork Orange (1971, dir. Stanley Kubrick) based on the novel by Anthony Burgess
The film is bit different than the novel, but equally amazing. Since I have both read the book and seen the movie several times, it is hard to say which one I like more- actually it is impossible. This is one of those films that inspired me to apply to study film. Stanley Kubrick is a genius.
2. Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask (1972, dir. Woody Allen) based on a book by David Reuben
Oh dear, this film is SO FUNNY! If you are familiar with the style of Woody Allen and you like it, you will LOVE this one. Collection of "short" stories about different aspects connected to sex. Here is a little clip: (and yes, Woody Allen is also a genius and a great inspiration to me)
3. The Social Network (2010, dir. David Fincher) based on 'The Accidental Billionaires' by Ben Mezrich
One of my favorite films made in the past few years. I was very prejudiced about this one because I really didn't think a story about Facebook would be that interesting. But this film is brilliant- Jesse Eisenberg is mind-blowing.
4. The Shining (1980, dir. Stanley Kubrick) based on 'The Shining' by Stephen King
Not completely "loyal" to the novel, but the basic idea is the same. Jack Nicholson is great in this film- it is so interesting to follow the increasing of his insanity. Once again, Kubrick RULES!
5. My Own Private Idaho (1991, dir. Gus Van Sant) based on 'Henry IV part 1', Henry IV part 2' and 'Henry V' by William Shakespeare
Very interesting, very underrated film; I feel like NO ONE has heard about this one. Elements of the storyline from the mentioned Shakespeare plays; at parts the language is very "Shakespearean" since in many scenes the dialogue is taken straight from the mentioned plays.
6. The Time Machine (1960, dir. George Pal) based on 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells
If you like science fiction, you will LOVE this one. I love the set pieces from the 60s; if you are familiar with Star Trek- the Original Series you know what I am talking about.
7. The Wizard of Oz (1939, dir. Victor Fleming) based on the book by L.Frank Baum
So colorful and happy. I love the music, the characters and the way the film is made. One of my favorite musicals of all time. (It was hard to pick between this and Phantom of the Opera as the musical to include to this list)
8. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007, dir. Julian Schnabel) based on the book by Jean-Dominique Bauby
Such a beautiful, inspiring and heart breaking story about a man who's life changes in a blink. Based on a true story. This one will make you cry!
9. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951, dir. Elia Kazan) based on a play by Tennessee Williams
One of my favorite plays, one of my favorite directors, one of my favorite actors - this film is a great package. Marlon Brando is phenomenal.
10. Bicycle Thieves (1948, dir. Vittorio De Sica) based on the novel by Luigi Bartolini
Extremely inspiring and beautiful story! They truly knew how to do it already in the late 40s. A much watch for a film buff.
Have you seen any of these films? What are your favorite films based on books?
Awesome topic and interesting choices! I loved The Shining, which I think is the only movie I've seen from this list.
ReplyDeleteThe Shining is amazing- not scary in the traditional horror movie sense, but because it is insane to follow how the main character just becomes crazier and crazier.
DeleteTerrific list. My favorite is To Kill a Mockingbird. Would love for you to stop by to check out my Top Ten.
ReplyDeleteOh, To Kill a Mockingbird would have been an amazing addition to this list! It was so hard not to include some films like Shutter Island and 127 Hours.
DeleteGreat topic! Who doesn't love The Wizard of Oz? It's so different from the book, but enchanting all the same. I'm not sure what my favorite book-based movie would be... maybe Peter Pan (the live action one with the blonde kid). It stuck to the book very well!
ReplyDeleteWizard of Oz is amazing- it always makes me feel really happy - I think it is all the colors, characters and the music.
DeleteI don't think I have seen that Peter Pan, but I will have to check it out. :)
Oh I don't thinkI have really seen any other than Wizard of Oz. However the Everything you want to know about sex looks funny. I really might have to see that.
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea!
Everything.... is SO FUNNY! I promise it will make everyone laugh; it is so absurd you can not be laughing.
DeleteI reviewed the book of THE SHINING a while ago, and based on what I'd read of the movie, I think I would prefer the book. But I haven't seen the movie, so it might be one of those things where you need to judge each on their own merits and not compare. On my blog tomorrow, I'll be discussing a movie that I preferred over the novel (a rare thing!). :)
ReplyDeleteI saw the film first, and since I am a big time Kubrick enthusiast, the film is like a drug to me. It is different, but equally excellent. I will definitely stop by at your blog to see your discussion. :)
DeleteGreat list! Growing up, I was always thrilled whenever The Wizard of Oz aired on TV. Definitely a childhood favorite for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
I never saw Wizard when I was a child, I only saw it the first time during my late teens. But I know I would have loved it as a child - my favorite as a child was Singin' in the Rain.
DeleteThat was a really interesting list. I don't think I've read any of the books, and there's only a couple of films I've watched on it. It was great to hear your thoughts on why you liked them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by :)
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