Are film adaptations a genre? They should be. And whatever they are, I love them. Yes, I’m aware how controversial that is in the bookish world but I’m coming from the film school world.
It started with a class called “Film and Literature.” We weren’t always reading the exact book that the movie was based on, because often another of the author’s books or a similarly themed novel was a better contrast.
Comparing the two mediums became an obsession that has followed me decades later and even seeped into our podcast. We’ve done a few episodes of a series called “Novel vs Film” including—Mystic River, If Beale Street Could Talk, and others mentioned below.
Some people argue that a film adaptation ruins a good book, but I guess I’m able to compartmentalize and keep the two versions of the story separate. The book is still there as is, and it’s not diminished in any way by the film version. Though different, a film will still give you a wonderful experience of the story. So, check out my list of the best book to film adaptations, and then pick your poison: page or screen.
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Jette’s Take on the Best Book to Film Adaptations
1. The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (Film by Sophia Coppola)
This film came out when I was in film school and I was blown away. I didn’t even know it was based on a novel when I fell in love with it. I still have the essay I wrote on it, marked up by my professor.
Eugenides’ novel reads just as beautifully as Coppola’s film comes across on the screen. I think I actually prefer the film because of the visuals. The way Coppola uses colour to convey the emotion of the novel is unparalleled. You’re going to have a wonderful experience with either version but I highly recommend both. Be sure to listen to our episode where we discuss this adaptation.
2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (Film directed by David Fincher)
I can remember reading this book so fast because this time I wanted to read it before seeing the film. Typically, I don’t care which version I encounter first but I knew that this story would be special. I wanted to savour turning the page and finding out the truth and being shocked.
As soon as I finished the book, I couldn’t wait to see what Fincher did with Flynn’s story. Fincher always creates a beautiful vision of any plot and this was no exception. If you’re a fan of Flynn, you should also watch HBO’s TV adaptation of Sharp Objects—another great discussion on the podcast.
3. Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton (Film directed by Steven Spielberg)
It was a Saturday afternoon. I remember having my Care Bear blanket wrapped around me and I was glued to the screen watching Jurassic Park. I’m pretty sure I read Jurassic Park before the film came out but I was 12 when the movie was released so I can’t say for sure which happened first.
What I do know is that I loved both. In this instance, characters are different from novel to film with the children, Tim and Lex, being flipped so that Lex was the older computer whiz. Honestly, this may be one of the best examples of a novel being realized on the screen. The T-Rex? Come on.
4. Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk (Film directed by David Fincher)
Fincher again. I know! This has to be the one film that everyone saw before reading the book. Did you know it was based on a book? Probably not.
As with so many others, this was a novel I read after seeing the movie. It was actually many years later that I learned it was based on a book and I just had to have both versions in my life.
I realize that I’m not the norm here, but I will forever be obsessed with film adaptations. Plus, in this movie, Edward Norton and Brad Pitt were perfect. I have a friend that I call my Tyler Durden—is she real? Maybe not, but I’m glad I read the book and saw the movie anyway!
5. The Martian by Andy Weir (Film directed by Ridley Scott)
Not only is The Martian a novel you should read before you turn 40 but it’s also a must-see film. Matt Damon science-ing the shit out of Mars will never get old. While a few things were altered and the science was maybe a touch more approachable, this adaptation is as thrilling to watch as it was to read. I was obsessed with the book, getting up at 6am to read on my balcony one summer and I will always watch the film when I have a chance.
Should I Share the Top 10 Book to Film Adaptations Next?
I was going to give a brief list of honourable mentions but there were so many that I might have to make this a blog series. I’m always going to be that person that loves a film adaptation. I can’t change that.
Some people will never watch a film that was adapted from a book. On the other hand, as soon as I watch a film and learn it was a book, I will go out and get the book so I can purposely dissect and contrast the two.
Yes, sometimes I will make sure to read a book before I watch the film but it’s not the end of the world for me. Spoilers be damned. Just give me both page and screen and let me live in the world of the story that much longer.
Let us know what you think the best book to film adaptations are below!
