Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Book Ideas: Oscar Edition

I thought the Oscars were a little snoozy the other night, but it reminded me that films could be a source of ideas for us down the road. Just throwing out some books have been adapted into movies, with Academy Award-nominated screenplays:
  • "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
  • "Little Children" by Tom Perrotta
  • "Notes on a Scandal" by Zoe Heller
  • "About a Boy" by Nick Hornby

You know, I'm using Wikipedia to find the adapted-screenplay nominees from the past few years, and there's a sad dearth of women writers. Not that that's a requirement. I was just looking for ideas of a different vein from, say, "No Country for Old Men."

And, yes, this post is partly an excuse to display a photo of James McAvoy. Could he have been any cuter when he was presenting at the Oscars? More on point: What other books-turned-movie have you been curious about?

4 comments:

Doris T. said...

I had to watch the Oscars with antenna on a 13-inch screen cos the satellite feed to my 27-inch TV was wonky. Boo. I think I missed McAvoy on the telecast.

I'd actually be interested to read the book by the "Juno" screenwriter. She sounds like she has an interesting past.

Krista said...

I just watched North and South, a British BBC production (your usual costume historic drama) that took place in the 1850s about the growing changes between the industrial north and agrarian, class-based south. If you're a fan of Pride and Prejudice,y you'd like this one. Turns out it was based on a book written by a women in 1855. Interesting to read something written by a contemporary at that time... (Maybe not for book club, but I thought I'd throw it out there.)

jen said...

Krista, you are after my own heart. I love North and South. The book's pretty good too! I thought the miniseries was a great adaptation of the novel.

Doris T. said...

I have read "North and South," but it's been a while. I'd be willing to revisit.