I’m back to brighten up your summer. If you are a cinephile or a bookworm or, like me, you are both at the same time this is a list tailor-made for you. I’ve been dying to share this list with you. It wasn’t easy to choose which film adaptations were going to make the cut. Here I give a list of my favorite films that brought books to life and, with it, I’m literally granting you with a two for one: for each film that you should watch you’ll also have a marvellous book you should read.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
The Wizard of Oz is based on the children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz written by L. Frank Baum in 1900. Victor Fleming turned the book into one of the best films in cinema history. His directing was threatened by his full-time job directing Gone with the Wind (1939). Fleming had the great assistance of Cuckor and, together, they brought The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to life. The artistry behind The Wizard of Oz (1939) is undeniable. In order to capture the essence of the book that described Kansas as a grey place and Oz as a colorful one, Fleming used black and white for the scenes set in Kansas and bright colors – see the yellow brick road and red shoes – for the scenes set in Oz.
Both the book and the film explore the insecurities of childhood. And, of course, the beloved characters of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, Cowardly Lion, The Good witch of the North, the Wicked witch of the West and Toto have a very special place in our hearts. All of them feel like home, and you know what they say… «There’s no place like home».
The importance of wishing upon stars and daydreaming is perfectly captured by the film, especially on the timeless scene and song performed by Judy Garland. Almost 80 years have gone by since the film was released, and the world still knows the lyrics of Over the rainbow by heart. The film won two Academy Awards for best original score and best song.
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
I’ve already talked about To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) in one of my previous posts (you can check it out here.) But Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) is one of my top 3 favorite books of all time so, here it is again. If you haven’t watched the film or read the book… This is your summer! As I already wrote about it I’m going to try to keep it short.
To Kill a Mockingbird tells a story about justice, morality, and endless life lessons. The novel won the prestigious Pulitzer price and the film won the Academy Award for Best Actor which went to Gregory Peck. Atticus Finch aka Gregory Peck soon became the heroe of a generation as the theme perfectly reflected the civil rights movement that was shaking the US at the time. The film managed to transmit the viewers the feeling of innocence brought by witty-Scout in the book. But my absolute favorite character in both the book and the film is Boo Radley. If you want to know why… Read and watch!
In Cold Blood (1967)
Truman Capote wrote In Cold Blood in 1965. This work is a masterpiece of journalism. Capote and his long-time friend Harper Lee (yes! The same Harper Lee that wrote To kill a mockingbird) embarked themselves in the investigation of the murder in 1959 of a Kansas farmer, his wife, and children. A murder that shocked the US and kept its citizens on their toes.
The film and the book lead you through the complete journey from the crime to its punishment. Most strikingly both the book and the film make an indepth study of the murderers, Perry Smith and Dick Hickok , the monsters that are entirely and terrifyingly human. The film and the book have Tarantinesque-vibes as they portray the repulsive facts in full detail, literally, in cold blood. Robert Blake as Perry Smith and Scott Willson as Hickock take their roles very siriously gripping the audience from start to finish.
The book and the film shocked me when I first encountered them, Although I highly recommend them both, I’m aware not everyone is capable to stand a bloodshell. If the trailer above doesn’t tease you enough, I’ll give a second recommendation: Breakfast at Tiffany’s. A novel also written by Truman Capote that became a classic film starring Audrey Hepburn.
Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
As a bookworm I must confess I’ve read almost all, if not all, of Aghata Christie’s novels and, with all my respects and love to the incredible Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirrot «the Belgian, not French» fictional detective created by Christie has to be my favorite detective ever.
Aghata Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express in 1935. As the title already unravels, a murder occurs aboard the Orient Express, it seems as the perfect crime but Hercule Poirot , is one of the passengers and he never leaves a crime unresolved. This journey on the Orient Express will make you suspect of every passenger and keep you on the edge till the final credits, or the last pages.
Murder on the Orient Express (1974) may probably have the best cast of all times. It reunites the best of Hollywood’s Golden Age: Ingrid Bergman who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, Lauren Bacall, Anthony Perkins, John Guielgud, Richard Widmark, Albert Finney as the perfect Hercule Poirot, Sean Connery, Jacqueline Bisset and Vanessa Redgrave among many others. A cast like this is a delight for the senses. It’s impossible not to love this film and the book that inspired it. If you want to know who committed the Murder on the Orient Express you’ll have to grab the book or play the film…
The Great Gatsby (1974)
F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote the classiest of classics in 1925. The Great Gatsby paints a perfect picture of the «roaring twenties» and tells the dark and glittering love story between Gatsby and Daisy, a timeless couple with an unforgettable story that will be ingrained in your mind and soul forever.
Gatsby and Daisy’s story is beautifully brought to life through the performances of Robert Redford and Mia Farrow making their personas completely associated to their characters.
It was directed by Jack Clyton and screenplayed by Francis Ford Coppola. With Sam Waterston as the perfect Nick the film is the finest adaptation of Fitzgerald’s finest novel.
As a cinephile and bookworm I love to dive myself into stories in which «the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true», in which «you can seek the truth within not without». And so, I hope you follow my recommendations and enjoy these stories as much as I do.
Bibliography:
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (1900)
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)
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In Cold Blood (1967)
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (1965)
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Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Murder on the Orient Express by Aghatha Christie (1935)
The Great Gatsby (1974)
The Great Gatsby (1925)
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