As well as the books I love, I also enjoy a good film, and the last post I published on films based on books I so thoroughly enjoyed writing that I thought I might do another one. It should be noted though, before we get into this piece proper, that where I mention streaming options for some of these films I am basing those details on what is available here, in the UK. Sorry, everyone else. I do still love you though.
Room (based on the novel by Emma Donoghue)
I've read the book, but not seen the film. However, with a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 93%, I am expecting the adaptation to be quite good.
Brie Larson won an Academy Award and Golden Globe for her performance in this film. She plays Jack's mother, trying to give her five-year-old son as normal an upbringing as she possibly can. A tall order when Jack has spent the entirety of his life so far in one room! Having been held captive by her abductor for years, Jack's "Ma" decides they must try and escape. And so, Jack will be introduced to something greater than he has known so far - the world outside the room.
Room is currently available to stream on Netflix.
Rosemary's Baby (based on the novel by Ira Levin)
Ira Levin's novel was the bestselling horror novel of the 1960's, and the film is one of the best horror films ever made. With a wonderful performance from Mia Farrow as Rosemary, and an Oscar winning performance from Ruth Gordon as one of her odd neighbours, if you haven't seen this perfect horror, it might be time you did so.
Rosemary's husband, an ambitious but, so far, unsuccessful actor, makes a pact with the devil. And, from that act, the horror unfolds.
Rosemary's Baby is currently available on Amazon Prime from £2.49
IT (based on the novel by Stephen King)
They don't come much creepier than killer clowns. And Pennywise is about as creepy a killer clown as they come. Partly, of course, because he is much more than a simple murderous clown.
If you've read the book, you'll know what a hefty thing it is (clocking in at over 1000 pages), and so, when it was adapted for the big screen a few years ago now, it might come as no surprise the story was split into two films.
I enjoyed the book, and I enjoyed the film. The book is well crafted, and if you're a Stephen King fan but you've not read this one, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Though, like I say, it is a biggun. Of course, films based on King books can be a bit hit and miss, but I think this film is enjoyable enough.
IT is currently available on Amazon Prime from £3.49
Joker (based on the Batman comics character, created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson)
From one murderous clown to another . . .
Anyone familiar with the Batman comics will know that this character is the Dark Knight's most dangerous adversary. Seemingly completely detached from reality, but intelligent and with a desire for destruction, the Joker is the character that keeps coming back. He is also the adversary that has most affected the hero of the comics.
When Todd Phillips' Joker was released in 2019, there were some questions raised as to the need for a film about this character (a murderous white man), but I don't think there's any denying that the performances are solid and the story is decently told. And, as for those objections, I don't think we ought to sympathise with the character, but understanding the descent of the character might be worth the time.
Joker is currently available on Amazon Prime from £13.99
Let The Right One In (based on the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist)
There is a distinctly bloody and horrific theme running throughout these suggestions. Well, why break the habit now!?
However, Let The Right One In, like the novel it is based on, is not quite a straightforward vampire horror story. No, in this story you will find themes of what it is to be an outsider, and forging a friendship even when it might seem doomed. And, the vampire here is no cardboard cutout vampire, but a cursed and tormented character. It is also a beautiful portrait of adolescence. It is perhaps that more than it is a vampire film.
Let The Right One In is currently available on Amazon Prime.
American Psycho (based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis)
It's another bloody one. Sheesh! I know!
Patrick Bateman is a monster that fits nicely into the 1980s world of greed, money, and shallow self service. He has very little interest in anything beyond maintaining a pleasing veneer, and exploring the dark and intensely violent urges he has. And, though he often fears that his mask of sanity is slipping, it seems as though the world in which he lives is one that does not recognise the monster he is. For, it seems, it is not only he that is only interested in superficial and selfish desires.
The book is not an easy read. The film is not an easy watch. There is much violence. And, as I say, Bateman is a monster.
American Psycho is currently available on Netflix.
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