From 'Gone Girl' to 'Shutter Island': 5 thrillers based on best-selling novels you must watch
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The adaptation of novels into movies has been a long-standing tradition. Some of the best movies ever made are based on novels.
Whether it's the world of the 'Harry Potter' franchise or classic romantic films like 'The Notebook,' book-to-movie adaptations have always captivated audiences when executed with perfection.
Similarly, the thriller genre has also witnessed several book-to-film adaptations over the years. While some movies fell short of expectations, a select few made cinematic history, attaining 'cult' status over the years. Let's explore five thriller movies based on best-selling novels.
'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991)
'The Silence of the Lambs' is a psychological horror thriller film based on Thomas Harris' 1988 novel of the same name.
Under Jonathan Demme's direction, the film became only the third in Oscar history to win Academy Awards in these five categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
The film revolves around Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), a young FBI trainee who seeks the advice of an imprisoned brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, Dr Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to hunt down another serial killer named Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine).
'American Psycho' (2000)
American author Bret Easton Ellis's most controversial and successful novel 'American Psycho’ (1991), found its way to the screen under the direction of Canadian filmmaker Mary Harron. The film features Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, an investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer.
'American Psycho' not only achieved box office success but also attained a 'cult' status over the years.
'Shutter Island' (2010)
'Shutter Island' starring Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most engaging psychological thriller films ever made. It was directed by celebrated filmmaker Martin Scorsese and based on a beautiful adaptation of Dennis Lehane's popular novel of the same name.
The plot revolves around a Deputy US Marshal who is investigating a psychiatric facility on Shutter Island after the mysterious disappearance of one of the patients.
'Gone Girl' (2014)
The gripping plot of 'Gone Girl', directed by David Fincher, revolves around a man who becomes the prime suspect in the sudden disappearance of his wife. The film features Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, and Tyler Perry in central roles.
The film is based on Gillian Flynn's 2012 novel of the same name that made it to the list of 'New York Times Best Seller'. Both the novel and the film have received positive reviews for their plot twist, mystery, and narration.
'The Girl on the Train' (2016)
The 2016 film is based on British novelist Paula Hawkins' popular debut novel of the same title. It follows the story of an alcoholic divorcée who finds herself in a missing person investigation.
The psychological thriller film is directed by Tate Taylor and features Emily Blunt in the lead role. The Indian adaption featured actress Parineeti Chopra in the lead role.