There are a lot of complaints about how Hollywood has run out of original ideas, turning instead to books for “inspiration.” Too often they bastardize our favorite books by cutting key scenes or ruining chemistry between two characters. Sometimes the source material isn’t even original enough to merit a movie version. But among the horribly repetitive Nicholas Sparks movies and unfaithful adaptations like “Beowulf” are truly great and faithful adaptations. Here are some of our favorites.
“Rebecca,” recommended by Rebecca Sedlak
No, I’m not being vain by choosing this film (and book). If you’re at all familiar with the storyline, you might know why I wish I didn’t share my name with the titular character. I first read Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 novel “Rebecca” in eighth grade, and even though it was around 400 pages and had a slow start, I couldn’t put it down. Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 film adaptation of the same name is just as Gothic and nail-biting as the novel — and it won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Laurence Olivier stars as Maxim de Winter, a wealthy widower who marries a naive, young girl played by Joan Fontaine. He brings the second Mrs. de Winter (whose first name is never revealed) home to Manderley, his English estate. Everything appears happy at first in the honeymoon stage — but the memory of Rebecca, the first Mrs. de Winter, seems to haunt the house, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, is ruthlessly creepy. Thus begins the struggle between the second Mrs. de Winter and Rebecca for Manderley, Maxim’s love and personal sanity. @@http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032976/@@ @@http://www.dumaurier.org/reviews-rebecca.html@@
This stark thriller from 2007 stars Josh Brolin as Llewelyn Moss, a West Texas resident who stumbles upon the scene of a drug deal gone awry. When he takes off with dead men’s money, he finds himself pursued by the hitman Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), who turns out to be far more than a common hired gun. Based on the novel of the same name by Cormac McCarthy, director/producer team Joel and Ethan Coen replicated nearly every scene from the text with startling accuracy. But the performances are what make the movie exceed the source material. Bardem’s turn as Chigurh, a psychopath with a code of conduct mysterious to everyone but himself, is especially riveting. He elevates McCarthy’s character and owns every scene he’s in. While not a great date movie, “No Country” is easily one of the greatest adaptations in film canon. @@http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0477348/@@ @@http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-country-for-old-men-cormac-mccarthy/1100265482@@
“Fight Club,” recommended by Kevin Piaskowski
No other film captured the hearts of America’s youth like the adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk’s most famous novel, “Fight Club.” The film was a cleverly discreet call to action against “social oppression” and exploited youthful angst through its alpha-male protagonists, Edward Norton and Brad Pitt. It made audiences angry, curious, violent, and most of all, enamored with Tyler Durden. Although not everybody walked away with the urge to destroy the world, one thing is for certain: No one will ever forget the first (and second) rule of Fight Club. @@http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137523/@@
“Blade Runner,” recommended by Ben Kendall
“Blade Runner” is a film adaptation of the novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Phillip K. Dick. Harrison Ford stars as Rick Deckard, a member of a special police unit (called Blade Runners) tasked with hunting down and “retiring” rogue replicants (androids) that are illegal on Earth except at the corporation where they’re made. The androids are self-aware and look human but have enhanced strength, agility and intelligence. “Blade Runner” set the bar for “future noir” films. The special effects still look good today given that it was released in 1982, and that is remarkable in itself. Directed by Ridley Scott (“Alien,” “Gladiator,” “Kingdom of Heaven”), this movie is really his best work. It also has quite the ensemble cast joining Ford with Daryl Hannah, Rutger Hauer, Edward James Olmos, and a few working actors who will make you say, “Hey! I know that guy!” An awesome soundtrack, off-the-wall set design and good performances make this movie one of the best ever made as far as adaptations go. Or one of the best science fiction films, take your pick. @@http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000631/@@ @@http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083658/@@ @@http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/do-androids-dream-of-electric-sheep-philip-k-dick/1100079897?ean=9780345404473@@
