As we get way too overexcited about the release of The Great Gatsby on 16 May (Leo! Jay Z! The greatest novel ever written!!), we decided to ponder other excellent movies we first heard of when the books were slapped on our desks in English lessons. Here’s our top five favourite English books turned blockbuster movies.
On The Road
Beat poetry coming-of-age drama On the Road by Jack Kerouac, was transformed into a film last year after several production companies tried and failed to bring the book to the big screen. Starring Kristen Stewart and Garrett Hedlund, our Advanced Higher English favourite definitely deserves a place on the list. If you didn’t read the book in school but are into a good road trip drama, this is the film for you. It’s full of partying, car theft, love triangles and poetry. What more could you ask for?
A Clockwork Orange
A book read by many in English classes around the country, A Clockwork Orange, written by Anthony Burgess, remains as much of a cult film today as it was when it was released in the 70s. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the film deals with themes of order in society, good versus evil and oppression – and it’s definitely one of the most bizarre films you’ll ever see. Main protagonist Alex, played by Malcolm McDowell, gives an amazing, terrifying performance in the film that went on to win him a nomination for a Golden Globe.
Nineteen Eighty Four
The original story of a ‘Big Brother’ society, Nineteen Eighty Four is another classic you can’t miss watching after reading the book. The film, based on the book by George Orwell, sees John Hurt (or wand maker Ollivander in Harry Potter) battle against the oppressive, totalitarian government under which he lives. The film, which was weirdly released in 1984, is a real nail biter and you’ll be hooked from the first couple of minutes. It’s absolutely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it yet.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Another school book classic, To Kill a Mockingbird was made into a film in 1962 and starred Hollywood hero Gregory Peck as Atticus Black. The movie deals with key themes like race, social inequalities and morality, and at the time of its release was a groundbreaking piece of film. As well as enjoying multiple award wins, To Kill a Mockingbird is still considered to be one of the greatest films of its time. Set in the 1930’s, it’s still a great film to watch even if it has been a few years since you read the book.
Othello
It wouldn’t be right not to include at least one Shakespeare play in our list! We’ve gone with our old Advanced Higher English favourite – Othello. It’s a tale of race, love, conflict and isolation; would it be a Shakespeare play without these themes? Othello was transformed into a film in 1995 and stars a few famous faces like Kenneth Branagh (Harry Potter) and Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix). For those looking to bring Shakespeare to life, this is the film for you. Reading the play right out of the book in your bedroom after school can be a little dry, but the film is word for word and puts some faces to the names. It might even help you remember some of those quotes!
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
