Any adaptation of the works of classical literature always attracts the close attention of both critics and spectators. Readers are more demanding than another audience, because generally recognized masterpieces, according to the majority, should be either well-screened or not screened at all. The point of view of directors and scriptwriters often does not coincide with the author’s idea, and too free interpretation can turn into a complete failure. However, this does not stop filmmakers, and they continue to embody famous literary images on the screen. Among the many films of this kind, there are quite a few unsuccessful failed tapes that have sunk into oblivion, but there are those that I want to review again and again, how to reread your favorite book. These are very successful and high-quality best adaptations of classical literature. Everyone has a list of their favorite tapes, but it is worth highlighting those paintings that have received worldwide recognition from viewers and critics.
The best adaptations of classical literature in the USSR
Few can argue with the fact that Soviet cinema gave the world a lot of gorgeous films that can safely be called masterpieces. And they loved and were able to make films on the most famous world and domestic works in the Union. In Soviet film studios, every film adaptation of classical literature was successful. Dostoevsky is one of the favorite authors of cinematographers, whether Russian or foreign, but the 1958 Idiot has never surpassed. Yuri Yakovlev, brilliantly embodying the image of Prince Myshkin, unfortunately, did not star in the second part of the film adaptation of the immortal novel by Fedor Mikhailovich, despite this, the film adaptation of the first part turned out to be beyond praise.
It is difficult to master Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” in four volumes, and even more difficult to shoot, but the greatest Soviet director Sergei Bondarchuk made it almost impossible. His eponymous film epic of 1965-1967 in four parts is the best example of the adaptation of the classic works of Russian literature. Everything is beautiful in it - great actors, amazing battles and the story itself, in great detail transmitted on the screen.
The first mystical Soviet films
Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol, one of the favorite domestic classics, whose works are inherent in a special flavor and unique zest. The films “Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka” in 1961 and “Wii” in 1967 are another confirmation of this. These are wonderful adaptations of classical literature that convey Gogol’s unique style with excellent directorial work and excellent cast are still loved by many generations. "Wii" was the first such film in the USSR in general, its success was indescribable, and Natalia Varley was not called Pannochka for a long time.
Satire in the cinema
Ilf and Petrov is already a classic of the twentieth century, and they started to shoot it actively already then. It is noteworthy that the first attempts to embody “12 chairs” on the screen were not in Russia. In the 70s, two such adaptations of classical literature were published in the USSR at once. The list includes both versions of the famous novel. The first in 1971 was a two-part film by Leonid Gaidai with Archil Gomiashvili in the role of Bender. In terms of staging and directorial work, this film clearly wins. And five years later, in 1976, Mark Zakharov released a television movie from four series, where the role of Ostap went to Andrei Mironov. An interesting fact: Mironov auditioned for this role in the film of Gaidai, but did not work for the director, although today it is him who is considered the real Ostap Bender in the whole post-Soviet space. So the televersion of Zakharov turned out to be more popular and popularly beloved.
Without the “Master and Margarita” - no way!
Various works of Mikhail Bulgakov tried to film everything to whom not laziness, and not only in our country, but also abroad. But you must definitely highlight the immortal comedy of Gaidai, based on the play by Mikhail Afanasevich in 1973, "Ivan Vasilievich is changing his profession." Despite the peculiar interpretation of the original text and the adaptation of the director, the script strictly adhered to the fundamentals of the play, but the catchphrases were taken exactly from the book. This is an example of an excellent non-canonical adaptation of classical literature, which has gained unheard of popularity and audience love for many decades. The film remains relevant to this day. But the most amazing, touching and accurate film was the 1988 two-part television project “Dog Heart”, which was highly praised by critics and received a lot of awards, and for many viewers this film is still the best and favorite. Director Vladimir Bortko made this film adaptation with the effect of “sepia” in order to better convey the atmosphere of that time, which he managed with brilliance. Well, for the main roles truly remarkable actors were chosen - Evgeny Evstigneev and Vladimir Tolokonnikov, who incredibly realistically recreated the images of Professor Preobrazhensky and Sharikov.
An example of the best film adaptation of classical works of Russian literature in the USA
Oddly enough, but Hollywood often tries to release screen versions of classic works of Russian literature, but, alas, for the most part they are pretty disastrous, because Americans never understand the mysterious Russian soul. However, not all of their attempts fail, to which a striking example is the film adaptation of Boris Pasternak’s Doctor Zhivago in 1965. Among all the films released by Metro Golden Mayer, this tape is perhaps one of the most successful. She also took eighth place in the list of highest grossing films in US history and received as many as five Oscars. The story turned out, surprisingly, very convincing and soulful.
Passion for Karenina
Americans also love Leo Tolstoy, especially his "Anna Karenina." Two adaptations of the same name of classical literature - Russian, but with an American flavor - definitely need to see. The first one was released back in 1935, the role of Anna was played by the inimitable Greta Garbo, who became the best actress of the year precisely thanks to this film, and the latter, by the way, received the Grand Prix at the Venice Film Festival. The second time Hollywood decided to encroach on a great work in 2012. The production was very bright and spectacular, and the audience appreciated it, but, according to many of them, Keira Knightley could not fully get used to the image of Karenina. And in 1999, even Pushkin underwent a foreign film adaptation, moreover, successful. Rafe Fiennes and Liv Tyler coped well with their roles in Onegin, and Tyler, as the best foreign actress, was even noted by the Russian Guild of Film Critics.
English romanticism
Not a stranger to American filmmakers and the film adaptation of English classical literature. They especially like to embody on the screens the works of one of the favorite British writers Jane Austen. For example, “Pride and Prejudice” was filmed as much as eight times, but the most successful attempt was a mini-series from six episodes of 1995 with Colin Firth and Jennifer El in the lead roles. This beautiful production very accurately conveyed the spirit of that time and the essence of the entire work. Many nominations and prestigious awards, as well as grateful viewers, are the best indicator of a quality project.
Sisters Bronte
Emily Bronte’s main romantic book of all time, Wuthering Heights, suffered the same fate. This is her only novel, but it was filmed fifteen times: since 1920, films or series have been released based on this magnificent work. His classic production is a 1939 film starring Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier. However, in 2011 a somewhat arthouse version of the film adaptation of the classic novel by director Andrea Arnold was released. An unusual interpretation showed the dark side of this work, and the main character was made African American, which is much closer to the plot of the book itself. The film turned out to be very rich and impressive.
Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Air” was screened a little less, only nine times, nevertheless, this beautiful and sad love story was most expressively and sensually presented in the 1996 film of the same name directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The above films are the most striking and interesting adaptations of the classic literature of English romanticism.
English realism
Charles Dickens is a master of revealing the human nature, vices, he brought out the most unsightly sides of it. Perhaps that is why his books are so powerful and exciting. In this case, the film adaptation of classical literature turned out to be very strong. As, for example, the film of the infamous genius Roman Polanski's "Oliver Twist", released in 2005. And although the director has changed a lot in history, making it more humane, the essence of the work of Dickens was not lost from this, but, on the contrary, was conveyed in its original form.
Another good attempt to film the works of an immortal English writer is the 2012 drama titled Great Expectations, a joint product of Britain and the United States. A wonderful selection of actors and an indescribable atmosphere compensate for the certain unhurriedness of the plot, but the spirit of English classics is conveyed perfectly.
Legendary movie
Love stories have always been the focus of cinema, because viewers love them so much. And if this is a famous love story that came to light thanks to the genius of stunning writers, then such adaptations of classical literature are in the center of attention in the first place. In 1939, the first full-length color film shot using Technolor technology was the Gone With the Wind melodrama directed by Victor Fleming, based on the novel by Margaret Mitchell, which became a cult romantic movie of the twentieth century. She received a record number of Oscars. Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, or rather, their characters, Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, became symbols of their time.
Classic literature of the USA of the twentieth century
Among American writers, there are also many prominent personalities who can safely be called classics and film based on their creations. The book Goodbye Weapons! They managed to film Ernest Hemingway during his lifetime, and although the author himself was indignant at the alternative ending of the production, the 1932 film with the inimitable Gary Cooper turned out to be just wonderful. In 1962, the adaptation of Harper Lee's novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” was released, thanks to which the writer entered the annals of classical American literature. The main actor of this dramatic film, the leading Hollywood actor of that time, Gregory Peck, received an Oscar for the role of Atticus Finch, as well as the approval and real delight of the author of the novel. Thirteen years after the publication of Ken Kesey’s book “Flying Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in 1975, the world saw the film of the same name with the brilliant Jack Nicholson in the title role, which almost became more popular than the book itself. Screen adaptations of classical literature - a fertile field in the cinema. So expect new and interesting paintings.