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​The Great Books That Inspired Great Movies

23 Nov

How often does a film adaptation of a book you like meet your expectations? Only a few films have so impressed audiences that they are considered to be “as good as the novel". Does it make sense to compare such different art forms? A good film adaptation gives the viewer an opportunity to once more experience the feelings and delights that touched them whilst reading the book. It enables them to "visualize" what earlier had to be imagined. Let us recall some great works that gave rise to some great movies. Here are our TOP-7 books that inspired great films:

1. The Song of Hugh Glass

This is a poem about Hugh Glass, an American frontiersman, fur trapper, fur trader, hunter, and explorer, best known for his story of survival after being left for dead by companions after he was mauled by a grizzly bear. The life of Hugh Glass has been adapted into a highly acclaimed film The Revenant (2015), directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and staring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy. For his role playing Hugh Glass, DiCaprio earned an Academy Award, his first BAFTA, and a Golden Globe.

http://leopoldclassiclibrary.com/book/the-song-of-hugh-glass-57c58b379a185

2. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

An American children's novel written by L. Frank Baum, it is one of the best-known stories in American literature. Since its first publication in 1900, it has been adapted many times: for film, television, theatre, books, comics, games, and other media. Most famously in The Wizard of Oz, the 1939 film starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, and Bert Lahr. Notable for its use of Technicolor, fantasy storytelling, songs, special effects and unusual characters, over the years, it has become an icon of American popular culture.

http://leopoldclassiclibrary.com/book/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz

3. Frankenstein: Or, the Modern Prometheus

A novel written by English author Mary Shelley that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque creature. In 1994 Mary Shelley's Frankenstein appeared in theatres, directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, with Robert De Niro and Helena Bonham Carter. It is considered to be the most faithful film adaptation of the novel, despite the several differences and additions in plot.

http://leopoldclassiclibrary.com/book/frankenstein-or-the-modern-prometheus-57c681494570d

4. The Invisible Man

The first adaptation of this science fiction novella by H. G. Wells appeared in 1933. The film was directed by James Whale and produced by Universal Pictures. While there are several material differences, the basic framework of the story is largely the same as in the novel.

http://leopoldclassiclibrary.com/book/the-invisible-man-a-grotesque-romance

5. Les Misérables

This French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, is considered to be one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. Les Misérables has been popularized through numerous adaptations for the stage, television, film and musical. One of the best known adaptations is the 1998 film starring Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman and Claire Danes.

http://leopoldclassiclibrary.com/book/les-miserables-french-edition

6. White Fang

This is the adventure story by Jack London, whose main character is a wild wolfdog named White Fang. White Fang has been adapted for the screen numerous times, including a 1991 film starring Ethan Hawke.

http://leopoldclassiclibrary.com/book/white-fang

7. Hamlet

The famous tragedy written by William Shakespeare was adapted for the screen in 1996 by Kenneth Branagh, who both directed, and starred in it. The film is notable as the first unabridged theatrical film version of the play, running just over four hours. Hamlet was highly acclaimed by the majority of critics, and has been regarded as one of the best Shakespeare film adaptations ever made.

http://leopoldclassiclibrary.com/book/shakespeares-tragedy-of-hamlet-prince-of-denmark-57c527a385bcd

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