Some of the great classics of drama are often turned into movies—frequently more than one. How many movie versions of Hamlet do we have? (I can't count that high.) Many of us find differences or interpretations interesting, but sadly, many movies of classic drama (or remakes of classic movies) look like boring, shot-for-shot copies.
On the other hand, brilliant playwrights such as Tom Stoddard and Orson Welles, and novelists such as Percival Everett and Madeline Miller, have given us a new way to look at old stories through the eyes and the lives of the supporting characters.
Chimes at Midnight DVD
Orson Welles adapted from Shakespeare's plays most of the scenes in which the character "Falstaff" appears. He then directed and, of course, cast himself in the leading role. One of the great works of black and white cinematography. The MI library has the Criterion Collection DVD of this film.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead DVD
This movie version of Stoddard's famous play features brilliant, deadpan performances by Gary Oldman and Tim Roth.
Maleficent DVD
Sleeping Beauty from the evil fairy's viewpoint.
Wicked: the life and times of the wicked witch of the West / by Gregory Maguire. Fic Maguire
This novel forms the basis for the musical and the movie. The story traces her career as a nun, nurse, pro-democracy activist, and animal rights defender.
James: a novel / Percival Everett. Fic Everett
The story of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of "Jim" the escaped slave. "Jim's agency, intelligence, and compassion are shown in a radically new light…" (Publisher's summary)
The song of Achilles / Madeline Miller. Fic Miller
The Trojan War from Achilles' perspective. A very popular novel, we still see this mentioned in reviews and essays even now 12 years after its publication.
