Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Reading the Movies

Oscar Recap
Oscar's favorite films were by majority based on books.  More than a few of the books-to-film were bestsellers.  Others found an audience by way of a big screen adaptation.  Catch up on your post-Oscar reading and viewing or in advance of the latest DVD releases.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Whoa! So much consistent demand for this one (in all formats) and we don't wonder why.  Octavia Spencer won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Albert Nobbs by George Moore
Irish writer George Moore's novella was first published in 1927, was out of print for years, but found it's way to film last year. Glenn Close was nominated for a Best Actress award for her portrayal of Albert, a woman passing as man in 19th century Dublin.  The DVD is slated for release in May 2012.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Martin Scorsese's adaptation of Selznick's Caldecott Award-winning novel garnered five Oscars.  The book is extraordinary and so is the film.  Loved the Best Picture winner but still...

The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings
George Clooney plays the confused but well-meaning dad in a film that won the gold for Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay).  The book was Hemmings' debut novel.  The DVD is slated for release on March 13.

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Based on a great historical fiction book and nominated for six awards including Best Picture, the DVD is set for release on April 3.

Moneyball by Michael Lewis
We've mentioned this one before. With six nominations, the film offered an insightful take on a great book.

My Week With Marilyn by Colin Clark
Michele Williams channels Marilyn Monroe in her Oscar-nominated role.  DVD on March 13.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
Foer's heartbreaking 9/11 novel goes small screen on March 27.

Don't forget Tinker Tailor Soldier SpyJohn Le Carré's masterful novel.  On March 20, we'll be holding the book's second translation-to-screen incarnation.  Who'll be your favorite George Smiley : Gary Oldman or Alec Guinness?