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It has long been said that the world has no new stories, and the fertile fields of adaptations coming our way seem to prove that point each and every year.
While some productions base their stories around magazine articles or even video games, books remain the most popular sources for cinemas. And that process makes a lot of sense, bringing along an existing audience excited to see how their favourite titles are translated to the big screen, and engaging new viewers along the way.
We’re taking a look forward at some of the major book adaptations which will be arriving on screens in 2017. Not only that but in partnership with Eason, we’re also giving you the chance to win a prize pack of these books, as well as cinema tickets to a film of your choice. Check out the competition at the bottom of the post.
The pack contains two tickets to any screening* at the IFI, as well as five books which are all coming to the silver screen soon. The Sense of an Ending, A Man Called Ove, The Circle, Wonder, and The Snowman.
These adaptations are arriving in cinemas in the next few months, find out more about the cast and crew bringing them to the big screen.
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes A 2011 novel by British writer Barnes, this tale of an older man reflecting on his youth went on to win the Man Booker Prize. The adaptation comes from director Ritesh Batra, who made quite the splash with The Lunchbox a few years back.
The cast includes Jim Broadbent in the lead role, with Billy Howle playing him as a younger man. There’s support from Michelle Dockery, Emily Mortimer and Oscar-nominee Charlotte Rampling. The Sense of an Ending recently premiered at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and it will be coming to cinemas in the earlier part of 2017.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Swedish author Backman released A Man Called Ove in 2012, with an English translation following in 2013 and even a stage adaptation in 2015. It’s no surprise a film version has also been produced.
The story follows the titular curmudgeon who is hiding a secret pain that’s slowly revealed through his interactions with his lively new neighbours. The film was directed by Hannes Holm and stars Rolf Lassgård as Ove, and it’s currently in the running as the Swedish entry for the 2017 Oscars. Expect to see it in cinemas in mid-2017.
The Circle by David Eggers Prolific author David Eggers published The Circle in 2013. It centres an IT worker called Mae Holland who joins a huge tech company and quickly finds herself drawn in by the culture and mysteries behind The Circle.
This film adaptation has an impressive cast including Emma Watson as Mae, John Boyega, Karen Gillan and Patton Oswalt, but the real standout is Tom Hanks as Bailey, the Steve Jobs-like leader of the company. The Spectacular Now helmer James Ponsoldt takes on both directing and screenwriting duties in what looks to be a fast-paced thriller. Releasing in mid-2017.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio This 2012 children’s novel written by R.J. Palacio is about a 10 year old boy called Auggie who was born with a severe facial deformity. He must face up to the challenge of going to school for the first time, with triumphs and disasters along the way.
The breakout star of Room, Jacob Tremblay, plays Auggie, while Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson are his parents. That’s a very impressive cast, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower director Stephen Chbosky has a firm hand on the tiller for this one. Coming in April 2017.
The Snowman by Jo Nesbø Crime novels from Norway hit a real high in the 2000s, and Jo Nesbø was right in the middle of that action. The Snowman was released in 2007 and revolves around a new case for detective Harry Hole, who is investigating a series of grisly murders, with each victim having a strange connection to the others.
A film adaptation has been in the works for several years, with the legendary Martin Scorsese originally lined up to direct. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’s Tomas Alfredson took over more recently and has managed to recruit a cast including Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, J.K. Simmons, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Val Kilmer. Set to release in late 2017.
*Restrictions may apply
*THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED*
ALL YOU NEED IS DEATH 16:00, 20:45
ARCHIVE AT LUNCHTIME: SPRING FORWARD (PROGRAMME 1) 13.20
BALTIMORE 13:30
DUNE: PART TWO (70MM) 19.40
FROM THE VAULTS: ABBAS KIAROSTAMI: THE ART OF LIVING 18.30
IO CAPITANO 15:50
JEANNE DU BARRY 14:30, 18:10
ON THE WATERFRONT 70TH ANNIVERSARY 13:40
PERFECT DAYS 20:30
THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE 17:15
WILD STRAWBERRIES: THAT THEY MAY FACE THE RISING SUN 11.00 (OC)
The IFI is supported by The Arts Council
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