Books to Film
When I read a book, I often find myself wondering if it will eventually make its way to the big screen. Many times, when I see a film adaptation of a story I've loved, I'm drawn to both the dialogue and the visual elements. Today, I want to share some books I've read that have been brought to life on screen, and I'll continue to update this list as I explore more.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
Published in 1891, Tess of the D'Urbervilles was controversial for its time, as it challenged the norms of Victorian society. I absolutely adore the 1998 film adaptation, which I feel stays remarkably true to the book. Justine Waddell's portrayal of Tess Durbeyfield captured the complexity of the character as she navigates manipulation from Angel Clare (Oliver Milburn) and her cousin Alec D'Urberville (Jason Flemyng). The cinematography in this version is stunning, and the breathtaking scenery alone makes it worth a rewatch. The film does a great job depicting the class structures of the time, and I appreciated how it portrayed Tess’s mother's manipulative influence—an element that is so central to the novel.
One concern I had, though, was Jason Flemyng's portrayal of Alec. While his manipulation of Tess was convincingly portrayed, Flemyng seemed a bit too mature for the role of a 24-year-old Alec.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
The 2020 film adaptation of Rebecca brings the classic 1938 novel to life with a stellar cast, including Lily James as Mrs. de Winter, Armie Hammer as Maxim de Winter, and Kristin Scott Thomas as the ever-creepy Mrs. Danvers. I thought the emotional depth of the characters really conveyed why Rebecca’s presence still looms large. The setting of the Manderley estate was beautifully filmed, and while I loved the book's original ending, I found the 2020 film's conclusion less satisfying. Still, it’s a visually rich adaptation.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Based on Delia Owens' bestselling 2018 novel, this 2022 film adaptation is set in the coastal marshes of North Carolina. The story of Kya, abandoned by her family and left to survive alone, is deeply moving. The film downplays Kya’s father’s abusive nature, but I found the emphasis on nature, especially the marshlands, to be captivating. The ending, which some viewers might find vague, leaves a lot to the visual storytelling, which I found significant as a nature lover.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
This 2014 novel by Gabrielle Zevin was a personal favorite, blending emotions, literature, and deep personal connections. The 2022 film adaptation, featuring Kunal Nayyar, Lucy Hale, and Christina Hendricks, beautifully explores the themes of love, loss, and the power of books. I was touched by the way the movie handled grief and adoption, while the bookstore setting was visually inviting, complete with some lovely aerial shots.
The Sound of Violet
In this 2022 film, based on the novel by Allen Wolf, we see a unique exploration of high-functioning autism, diabetes, and human trafficking. Wolf also made the bold choice to relocate certain scenes to Seattle, showing off the city’s beautiful landscapes and lesser-seen spots, which added an interesting visual element to the story. The film’s emotional depth is something that stayed with me long after watching.
Mary Poppins & Mary Poppins Returns
I’ve watched both Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins Returns countless times, and I never get tired of them. The original film, with its enchanting songs by the Sherman Brothers, is a childhood favorite, and I’ll always remember the joy of flying kites with my family, inspired by the movie. Saving Mr. Banks, a 2013 film about the life of P.L. Travers, offers an insightful look at the woman behind Mary Poppins, revealing her struggle with her past and the challenges she faced in seeing her books adapted.
The Extraordinary Ordinary by Natalie Rodriguez
This story, also adapted into a 2019 film, tackles the challenges of trauma and mental health in a very relatable way. Three new friends, struggling with their own issues, help each other heal through their friendship. The story emphasizes self-awareness and personal growth, and I think it’s an important one to watch for anyone grappling with their own mental health journey.
Jane Austen Adaptations
Jane Austen’s novels have been adapted to film numerous times, and my favorites include Emma (1996 and 2020), Pride and Prejudice (1995), and Sense and Sensibility (1995). Austen’s clever commentary on love, marriage, and social expectations shines through in each adaptation, and the period settings—especially the beautiful gardens in Emma—are simply mesmerizing. Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice remains iconic, while Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility is a brilliant rendition of family dynamics and financial struggles.
Winnie-the-Pooh & Christopher Robin
The 2018 film Christopher Robin offers a delightful exploration of the Hundred Acre Wood, blending childhood nostalgia with a deeper emotional journey. I loved how the movie expanded on Pooh’s adventures while maintaining the charm of the original books.
Lord of the Flies
William Golding's 1954 novel about a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island is a brilliant commentary on human nature, chaos, and civilization. The 1963 and 1990 film adaptations do justice to the book, highlighting key symbols like the conch and the parachutist, and the stark transition from innocence to savagery.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Published in 1869, Little Women follows the lives of the four March sisters. I’ve always loved the different adaptations of this story, and the 2019 film, starring Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh, is particularly poignant. I’ve always admired the strength and resilience of the March sisters, and seeing their stories unfold on screen never fails to move me.
The Diary of Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s diary is a powerful, emotional read, and I’ve seen many adaptations over the years. Her writings about her life hiding from Nazi forces in Amsterdam are a testament to the human spirit. The various film versions bring Anne's story to life in different ways, but each remains deeply impactful.
The Outsiders
S.E. Hinton’s 1967 novel, which was turned into a 1983 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, remains a classic. The coming-of-age story about rival gangs and the struggles of adolescence was both heartbreaking and thought-provoking, and the film adaptation did a great job capturing the intensity of the book.
Brave New World
Aldous Huxley’s 1931 dystopian novel Brave New World was the only book my parents ever had to sign off on for me to read. The 1980 and 1998 TV adaptations explore the futuristic society Huxley envisioned, and the concept of genetic engineering, brainwashing, and social control remains eerily relevant today.
Of Mice and Men
John Steinbeck’s novella has been adapted into film several times, with the 1939 and 1992 versions being particularly noteworthy. The heart-wrenching story of two disenfranchised men during the Great Depression is both simple and profound.
Frankenstein (1931)
Mary Shelley's iconic novel Frankenstein was adapted into a 1931 film starring Boris Karloff as the creature. The film is still one of the most memorable adaptations of the classic tale about scientific ambition and the consequences of playing God.
The Great Gatsby
I have yet to see The Great Gatsby film adaptations, but I’ve always enjoyed the 2011 film Midnight in Paris, which features characters like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda Fitzgerald. It’s a lovely tribute to the Jazz Age and includes appearances from iconic figures such as Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso.
Into the Wild
Based on Jon Krakauer’s nonfiction account of Christopher McCandless’s ill-fated journey into the Alaskan wilderness, Into the Wild (2007) is a moving film. I read the book in 2000, and it’s a poignant reminder that sometimes, the journeys we embark on don’t turn out as expected.
Into Thin Air: Death on Everest – A Heart-Stopping Retelling of Tragedy on the Mountain
In 1997, Into Thin Air: Death on Everest brought the heartbreaking events of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster to the small screen, based on Jon Krakauer’s best-selling memoir Into Thin Air (1997). Directed by Robert Markowitz, the film dives deep into the harrowing story of climbers caught in an unforgiving storm while attempting to conquer the world's highest peak.
I remember vividly reading Krakauer’s memoir, a frenetic journey that left me breathless. The narrative felt all too real, painting an intense picture of the struggle faced by climbers, and it stuck with me long after I turned the last page. What resonated most was the sheer authenticity of it all. Hiking and climbing, even in ideal conditions, can be incredibly challenging. But when you add in blizzard conditions, especially while ascending or descending a treacherous summit, it becomes nearly impossible.
Yet, there is an undeniable reverence for the mountain – something that pulls many of us into the wilderness, despite the risks. The mountain calls to us, even in its most dangerous form, reminding us of the beauty and peril of doing what we love.
One of the aspects I truly appreciated in both the film and the book was how they highlighted the critical importance of proper gear and the buddy system. In extreme conditions, every decision, every piece of equipment, and every person matters. The story of the 1996 Everest disaster is a cautionary tale of how everything can go wrong in the blink of an eye, but also a reminder of the bravery and the bonds forged in the face of nature’s unyielding force.
Into Thin Air remains a powerful reminder of the human spirit and the immense challenges that come with pushing oneself to the edge of the world.