Movies based on books tend to be a touchy subject in the library world. I wouldn't say I love books over movies. Each art form holds its own merits. However, I have favorite books, which I can't bring myself to watch the movies. The Giver by Lois Lowry is a childhood favorite, and I don't want anything to alter that weird, disturbing, yet refreshing adventure the book sent me on.
The list of delightful movies below surprised me when I discovered they were based on books. A few of the books I have read, some I have not. See if the list surprises you.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
This Coen Brothers classic is fun from start to finish and is based on The Odyssey by Homer. The story moves you along at a great pace, and the soundtrack is divine.
Pitch Perfect
Non-fiction shoutout! It's based on Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate a Cappella Glory by Mickey Rapkin. The fictional movie follows an a cappella group as they traverse their challenging and hilarious competition season.
The Shawshank Redemption
Stephen King provides the foundation for this numerously award-nominated film. I had seen the movie before I read the novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It was not my favorite read, but I did enjoy finding funny details that remained in the movie that originated in the book. You can get the full story about why Morgan Freeman's character is called Red.
Fight Club
This psychological thriller became an instant favorite in high school. Its mix of weirdness, comedy, and edgyness hit me hard. When I discovered it was based on the book by Chuck Palahniuk, I had to read it. The book was respectfully adapted and contains the same head trip as the movie if not more intense.
GoodFellas
Not many can pull off a gritty gangster movie like Martin Scorsese. In this film, he had help from co-writer and non-fiction crime reporter Nicholas Pileggi with his book Wiseguy.
