Adaptations are still holding firm at cinemas, with many impressive films coming our way in 2015 based on novels and comics.
Here are the ones we’re excited about in 2015:
TESTAMENT OF YOUTH (January)
Based on the Vera Brittain World War One memoir which sees her coming of age as war begins, this adaptation stars Alicia Vikander and Kit Harington. It’s sure to pack an emotional punch and anyone already familiar with the memoir will know how much Vera goes through. The book goes into great detail about Vera’s life before, during and after the war and, as it is more than 600 pages, it will be interesting to see what is cut or amended for the film.
(Watch this space for more on the special BFI screening and Q&A of the film which will take place on Monday 12th January as we’ll be there with all the gossip!)
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY (February)
Love it, hate it, refuse to go near it, the E.L. James novel on which this film is based has proven ripe for debate. The film may yet prove popular with those who were perhaps not so keen on the novel. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson (NOWHERE BOY) and starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan in the two lead roles, the adaptation has a real art-house feel to it.
There was controversy and last minute casting changes but the film is now ready and due to arrive Valentine’s weekend.
Perhaps not great for a first date though…
AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON (April)
The Avengers are assembling again and we cannot wait! Familiar faces, new faces, new threats – this certainly looks set to be one of the biggest films of the year.
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD (May)
The classic Thomas Hardy novel follows the exploits of one headstrong woman and her many suitors and this new adaptation has the likes of Carey Mulligan, Juno Temple, Michael Sheen, Tom Sturridge and Matthias Schoenaerts on hand to take us back to Victorian England.
JUNGLE BOOK (October)
Not to be confused with the Andy Serkis adaptation (due 2017), Rudyard Kipling’s beloved story will be brought to the big screen at the end of this year by director Jon Favreau. The cast list boasts an impressive mix of talents that includes Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray, Sir Ben Kingsley, Lupita Nyong’o and Christopher Walken.
Really, we just want to hear Walken’s King Louie.
THE MARTIAN (November)
This book by Andy Weir is a firm favourite from 2014, proving both compelling and serious, quirky and funny. The film has Matt Damon in the lead role of Mark Watney and support from Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara and Kristen Wiig.
Which adaptation are you looking forward to in 2015? If you want to join the debate about any of these stories, use the hashtag #BookvsFilmClub.
Happy reading/viewing!
