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Top 10 Film Adaptations

By Cassiah Joski-Jethi · December 9, 2013

Adaptations are always a risky business. Undoubtedly, there will always be a loyal band of followers from the play, novel, short story, poem, whatever it might be, demanding somebody’s head if it is a disaster. While some people shake in horror at the thought of their favourite stories being adapted for the screen, others embrace it. And this list is evidential proof that there are a number of amazing adaptations out there. This list will look at adaptations from all sorts of sources, not only novels. So here we go with my list of Top Ten Film Adaptations.

10. Spiderman 2 (2004)

People tend to forget, but the ‘superhero movie’ genre is in fact adapted from comic books. Spiderman 2 is, of course, an adaptation from Stan Lee’s comic book stories about young Peter Parker who discovers he has spidey-powers. Although a sequel, and I am usually a firm believer that sequels are almost always never as good as the original, Spiderman 2 is the best sequel I have ever seen and one of the best superhero movies of all time. The relationship between Peter and Mary Jane is poignantly developed, and the big reveal of his identity at the end just as Mary Jane is about to be crushed by the building is gut wrenching. It also showcases Doctor Octopus, one of the greatest villains, for he is not simply ‘pure evil’ but is twisted and manipulated, and eventually is able to stand up for what is right.

9. About A Boy (2002)

About A Boy is an adaptation of Nick Hornby’s novel of the same name, and the movie captures the same wit, hilarity and dark tone in the story. Newcomer Nicholas Hoult portrays ‘nerdy, outcast’ Marcus perfectly; his blatant and serious attitude and mannerisms captured the character perfectly, making it even more hilarious when he breaks out singing, “shake ya ass”. Toni Collete also pulls a mind-blowing yet understated performance out of the bag as Marcus’ depressed Mother. And of course, Hugh Grant is so very ‘Hugh Grant’-like, but wonderful all the same. Their little dispute in the restaurant ending in Marcus screaming ‘cowabunga’ sums up their dysfunctional characters, and is an adaptation full with comedy and drama that is one to watch.

8. The Secret Garden (1993)

A childhood classic, The Secret Garden is a novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The movie is simply shot but beautiful, with outstanding performances, notably by Dame Maggie Smith who plays the cold, stern Mrs. Medlock. As a child, I absolutely hated her character. Now older, I appreciate that as fine acting! Even the performances from the children are outstanding – I find child actors are either terrible or amazing; there generally isn’t a middle ground. But Kate Maberly who plays Mary Lennox is in fact unforgettable. She is able to not be at all cute-sy or victimized as children in movies often tend to be, but she is plain faced and quite stern herself whilst keeping a likability factor about her. One of the best adaptations of a children’s novel, The Secret Garden is a special film that I will always hold dear in my heart.

7. The Hunger Games (2012)

When I first heard about The Hunger Games, I thought it might be another Twilight/Harry Potter-esque, over-dramatic, hormonal-driven movie diverting from developed plot and characterization in favour of explosive and repetitive moments of teenage angst. I was pleasantly surprised, notably with the opening twenty or so minutes set in District 12. There was something greatly unsettling about it; the direction and visuals eerily mirrored the representation of work camps from World War Two, complimented by the dark color scheme. This impressed me, and it is very true to the book, helped by the fact that writer Suzanne Collins also assisted with the screenplay. More than just a teenage fan film, it’s an adaptation worth watching.

6. The Shining (1980)

A horror classic, The Shining is an adaptation from Stephen King’s novel of the same name. This film has so many memorable moments, from Jack Nicholson’s manic “Here’s Johnny”! to Shelley Duvall’s hysterical crying whilst pathetically wielding a knife. The acting is tremendous, no doubt from Stanley Kubrick’s arguably unethical direction – it is rumored that he purposely alienated Duvall on set in order to keep her on edge. Never mind filming on location in that deserted hotel for over a year! Yet, the final movie produced is brilliant, and echoes the unnerving, tense atmosphere created in King’s original novel. The Shining is not one to miss, even if you don’t like horror films like me, you should still watch it!

5. A Little Princess (1995)

A tear-jerker and a half, A Little Princess is a movie that will pull on your heartstrings. Although the movie changes the ending of the original novel to a much happier one, it still manages to have me in tears every time I watch it! As previously mentioned, my beef that I usually have with child actors is not true with Liesel Matthews who plays Sara Crewe. Her performance in A Little Princess is the best I have ever seen from a child actor. As she cries out ‘Papa’ when lying in the ‘magic circle’ drawn by a piece of chalk is the most poignant and moving moment in the film. Her innocence yet strength is endearing and very mature for a young actor. Playing opposite her is Eleanor Bron, who performs the cruel and hurting Miss Minchin. They relate spectacularly, with Matthews taking on Bron’s strength and Bron taking on Matthew’s sensitivity in the scene with their exchange “you don’t still fancy yourself a princess?” By no means is this merely a ‘children’s’ movie, but one for everyone to remind you how precious life and love is. 

4. The Princess Bride (1987)

The Princess Bride is an interesting adaptation; particularly since the movie adaptation written by William Goldman is based on his own novel, an abridgement of the (claimed) original novel by S. Morgenstern. As Goldman asserted, his novel and screenplay kept “the best bits in”. In the film, having The Princess Bride read out as a novel by a loving Grandfather makes the sense of fairytales, romance and adventure all that much more nostalgic. The movie loses no sense of the novel’s wit and fun, bringing characters even more to life. Inigo Montoya’s “you killed my father, prepare to die” resounds in the audience’s mind hearing Mandy Pantakin’s determined voice and successfully executed Spanish accent repeat this phrase until Montoya finally triumphs over the six fingered man! The sense of pace in the movie also reflects the pace in the novel; a new exciting twist constantly interrupting the love of Buttercup and Wesley wherever they turn. One of the most adventurous, romantic and true to the original adaptations ever made.

3. The Dark Knight (2008)

“Why so serious?” are the famous words from the Joker, eerily brought to life with a new sinister edge by the great Heath Ledger. Many Batman films in the past have been, excuse the wording, joker-esque in the literal clown sense: comical, not too serious and colorful. Christopher Nolan explored the deep, humanistic side of Batman and his contemporaries, bringing them into a much grittier, darker Gotham city. He also brings about much more moral and ethical questions into the film, best demonstrated by the scene when the citizens and prisoners of Gotham have to decide which boat to detonate. There is an encouraging message that shines through when both decide to let the other live. The Dark Knight is the best Batman film in my opinion, and a fine adaptation.

2. The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

People said that it would be impossible to adapt J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord Of The Rings into films. But as I stand today, it is one of my favourite movie trilogies ever. I actually read The Lord Of The Rings trilogy after The Fellowship Of The Ring came out, but I was only 9! I then cracked on and finished the entire trilogy before The Two Towers came out. The books were so entrancing, so detailed, and the films matched that. Somehow, Peter Jackson was able to translate the entire world of Middle Earth. I’d love to get inside his mind! Not to glass over the negatives, it is really long standing at almost twelve hours of screen time altogether with the extended edition. But if you’re passionate about the story and the world, you don’t even notice the length. I say this because when I saw The Fellowship Of The Ring, it is certainly possible that I fell asleep. Remember, I was only 9! But now, I have such respect for the novels and the movies, and it’s definitely one of the best adaptations in cinema history.

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Based on Stephen King’s short story Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, the film The Shawshank Redemption is widely recognised as one of the best films of all time, taking the #1 spot on IMDb.com’s top 250 films. Frank Darabont directs this movie classic, and wisely utilises the greatest asset of the film: the actors. The acting is realistic, moving and gritty. The unassuming yet brave protagonist Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) and his best mate, Ellis Boyd ‘Red’ Redding (Morgan Freeman) are two of the most unforgettable film characters of all time. And with a supporting cast, all of which are beautifully crafted, such as the self-serving hypocritical Warden Norton and the sadistic Captain Hadley, or even convicts such as Brooks Hatlen and Tommy, both of whom encourage empathy despite their past crimes, what results is a truly amazing film. The Shawshank Redemption is an inspiration of hope and perseverance, and clearly on of the best adaptations ever. Period!