Best Adaptations of Novels

I think it was Phillip Pullman who commented on the close relationship between novels and cinema, in that both genres have the ability to direct the viewer/reader to what the director/author wants to focus on - as opposed to the the theatre where the audience is free to concentrate on whatever it wants to.

Thus it's interesting to see such a range of novels in this list of the best adaptations:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/books-life/6166774/25-best-book-to-film-adaptations.html

It's difficult to argue with most of them, and I'm particularly pleased to see The Remains of the Day, which I thought was one of the best adaptations ever, on the list.  It's also good to see the Harry Potter films as well as The Lord of the Rings trilogy included: both of these were epic in every sense of the word.

the only addition I'd like to make is to propose Notes on a Scandal, which is a brilliant version of an excellent novel that at first reading seems impossible to adapt.

 

Twelve Best Soundtracks

The Guardian has followed up the recent BBC series on soundtracks by nominating 12 of the best soundtracks:

http://www.theguardian.com/music/filmblog/2013/sep/18/twelve-best-film-soundtracks

It's good to see Howard Shore's soundtrack for The Lord of the Rings trilogy on the list, as it is music that I return to on a regular basis. 

However I was disppopinted not see see some of my other favourites on the list, particularly Michael Nyman for his early work with Peter Greenaway and Philip Glass for films such as The Hours and Notes on a Scandal.

Here are a few reminders: