Page to Screen – Part Two

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Page to Screen – Part Two Posted On 11 February 2021

In the second part of our feature of the best page to screen adaptations, check out these three flicks

Romeo + Juliet

In 1996, Baz Luhrmann directed this modern update of the classic Shakespeare tale. Set in the hip modern suburb of Verona, Luhrmann, who also directed The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge, creates a vivid depiction of the classic love story complete with its original dialogue.

And, with two big-hitters in Leonardo DiCaprio, in one of his early roles, and Claire Danes, this adaptation really is a must-see. The film won three BAFTAs including one for the film’s music which features a whole host of classic 90s pop.

IT – Parts one and two

It wouldn’t be a book to screen adaptation list without one of the most adapted writers in the world, featuring. Stephen King has had at least 86 film adaptations of his work including The Shawshank Redemption, The Shining, Misery, Stand by Me and The Green Mile, but today we are looking at the recent horror two-parter.

The first movie came out in 2017 and follows ‘The Loser’s club’ as they battle Pennywise, while the second chapter, 2019, follows the kids once they’re all grown up. Both films feature stellar casts with Finn Wolfhard, James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain with Bill Skarsgard as the monstrous clown.

L.A Confidential

James Ellroy is one of America’s most-loved crime writers, and one of his best books was adapted for the big screen in 1997. L.A. Confidential follows three policemen in the 1950s Los Angeles investigating a series of murders. The film was nominated for multiple Oscars including Best Picture and actress Kim Basinger won the award for Best Actress.

The rest of the cast is incredible too. Russell Crowe joins a young Guy Pearce, while old-timers Danny DeVito and James Cromwell complete the line-up. The film is a must for any noir-style detective lovers out there and with its twists and turns, will keep you guessing till the end.