Image ‘The beatles vinyl record sleeve photo’ by Tyson Moultrie, via Unsplash, free to use under the Unsplash licence.
Stuck for some movie/reading recommendations? Look no further, because we have curated the ultimate list for your next tandem read-watch marathon!
Deciding which is better – the book or the movie – is often a pretty contentious issue. Here is a selection of books available at the Library that have movie adaptations:
The Fault in Our Stars
Book by John Green, Film by Josh Boone
Heartbreakingly beautiful and magnificently clever, The Fault in Our Stars follows the story of Hazel and Augustus, two cancer-afflicted teenagers who meet and build a friendship (and more!) at a cancer support group. Their heartbreaking journey is articulated in easy-to-read prose, imagery that tugs at the heartstrings and language that immerses you into the lives of Hazel and Augustus.
The film brings this story to life, with a modern soundtrack and incredible cinematography. By realising the characters and visualising their journey, the film is equally as impactful as the novel.
Novel available from the City Campus library. Film available on Disney+ and more.
Holding the Man
Book by Timothy Conigrave, Film by Neil Armfield
An essential read in the Australian canon and one of our favorite picks from the queer collection, Holding the Man plays into the 1970s Australian romance of Tim and John: Catholic high school peers- turned-lovers. Uplifting and moving, funny and heartbreaking, this novel is a celebration and examination of growing up queer in mid-seventies Melbourne.
The film brings to light Conigrave’s experiences to a new generation of viewers. The character development in particular is extraordinary, where the cast realise those from the novel in exciting and accurate ways.
Novel available from the City Campus library. Film available on Netflix, Stan, Binge, and more.
The Dressmaker
Book by Rosalie Ham, Film by Jocelyn Moorhouse
A darkly satirical novel of love, revenge, and 1950s haute couture, The Dressmaker is an Australian historical fiction classic that explores the fashion business of Tilly Dunnage, where old resentments surface and Tilly’s mind is set on a darker design: exacting revenge on those who wronged her.
The film is quirky, dark, beautiful, romantic, and captures Tilly’s twisted reality in striking ways. Filmed in some perhaps recognisable sceneries of Victoria, the Australian production casts the likes of Kate Winslet and Liam Hemsworth.
Novel available from the City Campus library. Film available on Stan, Binge, and more.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Book and film by Stephen Chbosky
This novel is a deeply affective coming-of-age story, taking readers through the experiences of Charlie as he grows up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie’s letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating, and illustrate his uncharted day-to-day experiences.
The film helps us visualise the love, grief, happiness, and pain: all authentic to the original text. We see Charlie’s struggles realised by the talented Logan Lerman, and see the storytelling take place on the big screen.
Novel available from the East Campus library. Film available on Stan, Amazon Prime, and more.
Five Feet Apart
Book by Rachel Lippioncott, Film by Justin Baldoni
An incredible story of romance, sickness, and human strength, Five Feet Apart follows Stella as she fights cystic fibrosis, forced to remain six feet away from anyone for the sake of her health. When Will Newman becomes sick of his treatments and meets Stella, staying fix feet apart doesn’t feel like safety, it feels like punishment.
Similarly testing the waters of love and strength, hope and heartbreak, the film articulates the quotidian and connection.
Novel available from the City Campus library. Film available on Stan, Amazon Prime, Binge, and more.
Gone Girl
Book by Gillian Flynn, Film by David Fincher
When Nick Dunne wakes on the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary to his wife Amy missing, we see mystery and thriller play out. Close friends reveal secrets, strange persistent phone calls and internet searches evoke suspense, all to ask: where has Amy gone?
The film is a modern psychological thriller masterpiece, one that is dark, moody, twisting, and surprising. Exciting film techniques and building in suspense right the way through, the film has both incredibly engaging cinematography and scripting.
Novel available from the City Campus library. Film available on Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Book by Stieg Larsson, Film by David Fincher
A combination of mystery, family affairs, and with a hint of financial intrigue, Steig Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a satisfying complex and entertainingly atmospheric novel that explores crime and corruption. Larsson embeds context and character development in inciting ways, and keeps the reader on their edge of their seat.
The film uses stand-out casting and directing in realising the novel, and is a masterpiece in adapting the original text with rigor and depth. Targeted towards an 18+ audience given the visual violent content, there is a close attention paid to the ominous mood of crime thrillers.
Novel available from the City Campus library. Film available on Amazon Prime and more.
Words by Ashlee Simpson, Digital & Library Engagement Officer.
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