When it comes to Hollywood book adaptations, we all are aware of Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and The Hunger Games. While those are certainly finely done adaptations, there are others which, while not as famous, are certainly no less of an achievement. So, here are 5 underrated book adaptations by hollywood that you need to watch.
1. Forrest Gump (1994)
“Life is like a box of chocolates”
Adapted from Winston Groom’s novel of the same name, Forrest Gump is a landmark film achievement and one of the most brilliantly done book adaptations in movie history. And, just for good measure, it even won 6 Academy Awards!
2. The English Patient (1996)
“Swoon, I’ll catch you”
This World War 2 based romantic saga was adapted from Michael Ondaatje’s novel of the same name. Not only was this a beautifully made film (it won 9 Oscars!), but it also showed scriptwriters an effective way of adapting epics.
3. Adaptation (2002)
“I’ve written myself into my screenplay”
Adaptation is a film about adapting a book. And since this film itself is adapted from the 1998 non-fiction book ‘The Orchid Thief’ by Susan Orlean, it’s perhaps one of the most challenging (and brilliant) adaptations to have ever graced the screen.
4. The Help (2011)
“You’re godless woman”
Even Kathryn Stockett, on whose 2009 book this film is based on, wouldn’t have imagined just how brilliant an adaptation Tate Taylor would manage. The over 200 million dollars of gross collections as well as the four Oscar nominations it received make it a complete success.
5. Life of Pi (2012)
“Life becomes an act of letting go”
Life of Pi, the book by Yann Martel, was considered to be unfilmable. But with the way David Magee brought this book to life and the beautiful way Ang Lee shot it, Life of Pi becomes one of the most innovative and fascinating adaptations of all time.
Author Name: Aayaan Upadhyaya
