There is a circumstance in which the book lovers and film buffs meet and, very often, clash: this occurs when a novel has been able to obtain an extraordinary success and, consequently, it was produced as a film adaptation: in this way, even those that are not particularly fond of the written word can enjoy the show on the big screen.
At this point, the question that arises is: is it better the film or the book? The whole world is divided between those who defend with drawn sword the value and the communicative power of the novels and those who think that the declination in image makes greater justice to the written word because through it the imagination takes shape and becomes a reality. In short, it is an eternal struggle between opposing factions, with occasional switchings; it is not possible to define who is wrong.
This year the practice of the film adaptation of the novel will be particularly present among the new releases in cinemas. We will see, then, some of the most significant examples that, we foresee, will collect a positive response on the part of the public, readers included.
LIVE BY THE NIGHT
Already released in American theaters on the 13th of January, the movie takes place in the United States during the Prohibition years (1920s); the novel by Dennis Lehane from which it was taken tells the story of a thief in Boston (Joe Coughlin) that finds a way to improve his lifestyle thanks to the rum running. Son of a police commissioner, Coughlin will become smuggler of alcoholic beverages and subsequently will arrive to play the role of a gangster. The film was produced, directed and interpreted by the multifaceted Ben Affleck, and between producers stands out the name of Leonardo DiCaprio too. Even the cast is exceptional: Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldana and the young Elle Fanning, protagonists of a story of power and money, but also of humanity and of repentance. The novel won, in 2013, the Edgar Award, the most important American recognition for thriller films, TV series and novels.
THE LOST CITY OF Z
A true story with a pinch of mystery set in 1925: the film (produced by Amazon, it will be released in America on 14th April) was taken from the novel of the same name by David Grann, which narrates the adventures of the British explorer Percy Fawcett (interpreted by Charlie Hunnam) in the Amazon forest, in the obsessive research for an ancient civilization, in particular in search of the lost city of Z: the famous El Dorado, according to Fawcett; but he never found it out because he disappeared into the forest with his son. The novel explains the likely circumstances in which the explorer died, one step away from the discovery that he had chased for so long: the author himself, obsessed from the happenings, penetrated in the dangerous Amazon forest in order to reveal the mystery of Fawcett. In the film version, alongside Hunnam we find Robert Pattinson and Sienna Miller, who plays the wife of the explorer. A restless mind, a journey without return, for one of the adventures that could have written a new chapter in the history of humanity.
THE CIRCLE
Release set for April 2017 the film is based on the novel by Dave Eggers and will have as interpreters actors of large-caliber as Emma Watson and Tom Hanks. The story talks about of the life of a young woman, Mae Hollan, who is hired by a large but mysterious society which deals with internet and technology in general. Tom Hanks interprets the mogul of this start-up, in a dystopic tale along the lines of the Big Brother of Orwell; a terrible secret that is about to be revealed: how would you behave if you knew you were constantly observed by a giant eye that never sleeps? Needless to say that with Watson and Hanks the film will be a great success.
MY COUSIN RACHEL
Directed by Roger Michell (“Notting Hill”), the film will be released in American cinemas on the 14th of July starring Rachel Weisz and Sam Claflin, who has made us pour rivers of tears in “Me before you”. Drawn from the homonymous classic (written by Daphne du Maurier), it recounts the story of Philip and his cousin, who seems to be wrapped in an aura of mystery as she could be involved and even guilty of the murder of a member of their family. Set in an enigmatic and disturbing house, it tells how Philip conspires behind his cousin Rachel’s back in an alternation of suspense, intrigue and games of seduction. This is not the first film version of the novel: in 1952 it was brought on the big screen, starring Richard Burton, who received a nomination for the Oscar as Best Supporting Actor.
THE DARK TOWER
The talent of the master of horror Stephen King is once again reported on movie: this year the protagonists of the Black Tower series will become alive in a sci-fi Western played by Matthew McConaughey (the so-called “man in black”) and Idris Elba (Roland of Gilead) that will be in cinemas on the 28th of July in America. The Black Tower series, as well as its film adaptation, is a complex mix of different genres: fantasy and science fiction mingle with the horror and the western to create a unique work of art and of great entertainment. Unfortunately for the moment has not yet been distributed the official trailer of the film, we will have to settle for some photograph taken directly from the set.
THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US
We find again Idris Elba in a decidedly different guise with respect to the film described above: together with Kate Winslet, he is the protagonist of the story of a surgeon and a writer who, after the cancellation of their flight, find themselves on the same private airplane. Here begins the misadventure: the pilot has a heart attack and the aircraft precipitates in a forest; the protagonists survive, wounded, and must be mutually supportive and find a way to escape. A romantic drama that will demonstrate how to trust one another can ensure the salvation and the way out in a desperate situation and danger. The film, based on the novel by Charles Martin, will be released in the United States on the 20th of October.
THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE
The movie will be released in America on the 31st of March. It is the adaptation of the homonymous novel written by Diane Ackerman, which in turn was based on journals kept by the wife of the Director of Warsaw zoo, Jan Zabinski: in these pages, we read that the courageous Antonina risked her own life to hide and save hundreds of Jews in the difficult years of the Second World War. The cunning protagonist managed to save many people by making them exit clandestinely from the Country inside cages for animals. Jessica Chastain interprets Antonina in a moving story with a bitter aftertaste based on true facts: between fear and the feeling of loss, Antonina manages to instill a sense of hope to those that have no more. The disappointment in the respect of the human race is evident in the eyes of the protagonist, who says that it is precisely for this reason that her love for animals is so strong: when you look them in their eyes, you know perfectly what is in their hearts.
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Derived from the thriller genius of Agatha Christie, the title already ensures the success of the film. Visit the page to learn more.
IT
Stephen King works are adapted to film versions very well, and “It” is not exception: subject known to all, this year it will be a remake that will bring some changes with respect to the first version. To learn more go to page.
ARRIVAL
From a science-fiction series of tales by Ted Chiang, “Arrival” arrives on the big screen and leaves without words: we reviewed it for you, go to the page.
SILENCE
Shūsaku Endō exposes a difficult issue and raises many questions and concerns; the master Martin Scorsese has been able to present it anew on the big screen in an effective and unforgettable manner. Read the review on the page.
HIDDEN FIGURES
Margot Lee Shetterly introduces us Mary, Katherine and Dorothy, serving NASA in one of the most important events in the history of man. Read the review of the page.
