First book, then movie. I miss lots of new-release movies because I haven’t read the book. In fact, my chief-movie-going-pal often gives me advance warning of movies she wants to see with a simple “Read the book now because the movie is out in a month.” I have lovely, considerate friends.
Even though the book is nearly always better than the movie (nearly), it doesn’t stop me imagining the movie version of books I’ve loved. Some books just scream ‘screenplay please’. This week’s Top Ten topic, hosted by The Broke and Bookish, is Books I Would Love To See As A Movie.
1. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles – the first thing I thought when I finished this glorious book last week was – Film. Stat.
2. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent – the Icelandic landscape is just calling for a camera…
3. Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead – they’d have to tread carefully with some scenes (notably exploding whale and rooftop bits which could look ridiculous on screen) but done well, it’d be brilliant.
4. Swimming Home by Deborah Levy – the Stealing Beauty of this decade.
5. All That I Am by Anna Funder – so I didn’t love the book but it would be sensational on film.
6. The Deep Whatsis by Peter Mattei – calling out for an Easton-Ellis/ Tarantino treatment.
7. Foal’s Bread by Gillian Mears – to showcase the Australian landscape (the horse/Australian landscape thing may not be terribly original but it is nice to look at).
8. The Post Office Girl by Stefan Zweig – I’m still a bit in love with this story…
9. My Notorious Life by Kate Manning – another book I’ve only just finished but seriously, if the film rights aren’t being negotiated at this very moment, I’ll eat my hat.
10. The Last Banquet by Jonathan Grimwood – I’m halfway through this book but already it’s banquets, French nobility and the promise of a costume EXTRAVAGANZA.
(Image via Etsy store Book Fiend)
