2011 Book to Film Adaptations

List of 2011 book to film adaptations, chronological by releases date if release date known. Films without confirmed Toronto or North American release date are listed alphabetically together at the end.

Ten films listed are included in the 2011 Book to Film Club with one more title to be added to the mix by the end of the year. You can join the Book to Film Club at any time!

Know of an upcoming adaptation? Leave a comment or let me know by email.

2011 Book to Film Adaptations

Incendies
Based on the play Scorched by Wadji Mouawad.
Heart-wrenching drama centred on searching through family history, this Canadian film is directed by Denis Villeneuve (Polytechnique, Next Floor, Maelstrom) and stars Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette and Rémy Girard. Oscar nominated for best foreign language film of the year.
Film Release Date: January 21, 2011

The Way Back
Based on the book The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom by Slavomir Rawicz
Inspired by true events, the film follows the long walk of gulag escapees.
Film is directed by Peter Weir (2003 Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, The Truman Show, Witness) and stars Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan & Mark Strong.
Film Release Date: January 21, 2011

The Rite
Based on the book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist by Matt Baglio.
Film adaptation is a supernatural horror centred on skeptical priest (Colin O'Donoghue) who learns how to perform exorcism. Also stars Anthony Hopkins, Ciarán Hinds, Alice Braga & directed by Mikael Håfström (Derailed, 1408).
Film Release Date: January 28, 2011

Robber, The / Der Räuber
Based on the book Der Räuber / On the Run by Martin Prinz about Johann Rettenberger, a bank robber in 1980's Austria who was also an amateur marathon runner.
Film stars Andreas Lust, Franziska Weisz, Florian Wotruba and is directed by Benjamin Heisenberg (Sleeper, At the Lake).
Film Release Date: February 4, 2011

Oliver Sherman
Based on the story story "Veterans" by Rachel Ingalls.
Canadian film starring Garret Dillahunt as Sherman Oliver, a man looking for the person who saved him during war. Also stars Molly Parker & Donal Logue, feature film directorial debut by Ryan Redford.
Film Release Date: February 4, 2011

The Eagle
Based on the book The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff.
The novel is a children's fiction, historically set during 2nd century Roman Britain and the film stars Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland and Mark Strong, directed by Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, State of Play, Touching the Void). I love any sword & sandals films so I am very much looking forward to this one!
Film Release Date: February 11, 2011 (UK release March 25, 2011)

From Prada to Nada
Adaptation of the novel Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.
Described as plot conceived from the book and given a Latina spin, it features to riches to rags sisters who move in with their estranged aunt. Stars Camilla Belle, Alexa Vega, Adriana Barraza, Kuno Becker and is the feature film directorial debut Angel Gracia.
Film Release Date: February 11, 2011

Gnomeo & Juliet
Adaptation of the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.
Very liberal and charming adaptation of Romeo & Juliet into an animated film with characters translated into garden gnomes. Features voice talents of James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Jason Statham, Maggie Smith & Julie Walters. Directed by Kelly Asbury (Shrek 2, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron).
Film Release Date: February 11, 2011

Just Go With It
Based on the film Cactus Flower, which was adapted from Broadway stage play written by Abe Burrows, which based on the French play Fleur de cactus by Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Gredy.
Three times removed, but still has a connection. The film follows a man who pretends to be married to attract women, although when he falls for someone he needs to plot out a divorce. Stars Adam Sandler, Jennifer Anniston and Brooklyn Decker.
Film Release Date: February 11, 2011



7 Sins Unforgiven / 7 Khoon Maaf
Based on the short story Susanna's Seven Husbands by Ruskin Bond.
Bollywood crime film featuring a woman who kills her 7 husbands. Stars Priyanka Chopra, Neil Nitin Mukesh, John Abraham, Irrfan Khan, Aleksandr Dyachenko, Annu Kapoor. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.
Film Release Date: February 18, 2011

I Am Number Four - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore (pseudonym), part one in a proposed six-book series called the Lorien Legacies.
A young adult science fiction novel with film adaptation starring Alex Pettyfer (Wild Child, Beastly), Timothy Olyphant (High Life), Teresa Palmer, Dianna Agron, Kevin Durand, and Callan McAuliffe. Directed by D. J. Caruso (Eagle Eye, The Salton Sea).
Film Release Date: February 18, 2011

Unknown
Based on the novel Out of My Head (English translation title( by Didier Van Cauwelaert.
Mystery film where identity thief is at the forefront, supplemented by action and thriller tones. Stars Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Quinn. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (Orphan).
Film Release Date: February 18, 2011

The Adjustment Bureau
Based on the short story "The Adjustment Team" by Philip K. Dick.
The film is a romance/thriller centred on a politician (Matt Damon) and a ballerina (Emily Blunt) and has a mildly science fiction feel going on. Also stars Terrance Stamp and is the feature film debut from The Bourne Ultimatum, Timeline & Oceans Twelve writer George Nolfi,
Film Release Date: March 4, 2011

Beastly
Based on the book Beastly by Alex Flinn.
This one is a which is modern day a re-imagining of Beauty and the Beast following a high schooler who has everything Kyle (Alex Pettyfer of I Am Number Four) but miffs off the wrong girl. Also starring Vanessa Hudgens, Mary-Kate Olsen and Peter Krause, directed by Daniel Barnz (Phoebe in Wonderland). I read and reviewed it in 2010 as it was originally to be released in 2010 before being bumped to 2011.
Film Release Date: March 4, 2011 (bumped back from March 18, 2011)

I Love You Phillip Morris
Based on the book I Love You Phillip Morris: A True Story of Life, Love, and Prison Breaks by Steve McVicker
Biopic that's in the vein of based on true story & person so it's got a so-crazy-it's-true view based on con man who falls in love with a fellow inmate in prison. Stars Jim Carrey & Ewan MacGregor; directed by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa (feature film directorial debuts)
Film Release Date: March 4, 2011

Mars Needs Moms!
Based on the book Mars Needs Moms! by Berkeley Breathed.
This animated science fiction about a boy whose Mom is she's taken by Martians to take care of Martian film features the voices of Seth Green, Dan Fogler, Elisabeth Harnois, Mindy Sterling, Kevin Cahoon & Joan Cusack and is directed by Simon Wells.
Film Release Date: March 11, 2011

Red Riding Hood
This one is a little less direct, as it's only loosely based on Le Petit Chaperon Rouge by Charles Perrault and Rotkäppchen / Redcape by The Brothers Grimm. There is now a movie-tie-in novelization written by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright and David Leslie Johnson.
The film adaptation is a horror film directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) and starring Amanda Seyfried (Chloe, Letters to Juliet, Dear John), Lukas Haas (Mars Attacks, Inception), Gary Oldman, Billy Burke (Twilight, Drive Angry), Julie Christie & Virginia Madsen.
Film Release Date: March 11, 2011

Jane Eyre - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.
Classic novel following female protagonist Jane Eyre, and this latest film adaptation stars Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland (2010)), Michael Fassbender (Fish Tank), Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot, The Eagle) & Judi Dench. Directed by Cary Fukunaga (Sin nombre).
Film Release Date: March 11, 2011

The Butcher, The Chef and the Swordsman / Dao Jian Xiao
Based on a short story by An Changhe.
The film is an action/comedy with a group of misfits and crazy kitchen and sword-ness, starring Masanobu Ando, You Benchang, Liu Xiaoye and is directored by Wuershan.
Film Release Date: March 18, 2011

Kill the Irishman
Based on the book To Kill the Irishman by Rick Porrello
1970's set biopic/crime film centred on Danny Greene (played by Ray Stevenson), who worked for mobsters in Cleveland. Also stars Christopher Walken, Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer, Linda Cardellini & Fionnula Flanagan and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh.
Film Release Date: March 18, 2011

Limitless
Based on the book The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn.
Science-fiction thriller centred on a writer (Bradley Cooper) who takes a drug which appears to make him more successful on all levels. Also stars Robert DeNiro, Abbie Cornish (Bright Star, Somersault) and is directed by Neil Burger (The Illusionist (2006), The Lucky Ones).
Film Release Date March 18, 2011

The Lincoln Lawyer
Based on the book The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly.
Film adaptation follows Mickey Haller, an Los Angeles lawyer who conducts business from his Lincoln car, who takes on a new big time client who is on trial for murder. client
The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Phillippe and Marisa Tomei and is directed by Brad Furman (The Take).
Film Release Date: March 18, 2011

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules
Based on the book Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney
Family/comedy and sequel to 2010 film Diary of the Wimpy Kid Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) is back in middle school and trying to deal with parental boding. Also stars Devon Bostick, Rachael Harris, Robert Capron & Steve Zahn. Directed by David Bowers.
Film Release Date: March 25, 2011

Winter in Wartime / Oorlogswinter
Based on the novel written by Jan Terlouw
Set in Holland during the end of WWII and following Michiel (Martijn Lakemeier) who in the end years of war time joins the resistance and also comes into his own. Also stars Jamie Campbell Bower and Yorick van Wageningen, directed by Martin Koolhoven.
Film Release Date: April 1, 2011

Soul Surfer
Based on the book Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton, Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh.
Biopic on surfer Bethany Hamilton who loses and arm in a shark attack. Stars AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany, and also stars Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Lorraine Nicholson, Ross Thomas, Kevin Sorbo, Carrie Underwood & Cody Gomes; directed by Sean McNamara (Raise Your Voice).
Film Release Date: April 8, 2011

Water for Elephants - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.
Follows a veterinary student who runs away with the traveling circus as their vet.
Film adaptation stars Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, James Frain, Hal Holbrook and Paul Schneider, directed by Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend).
Film Release Date April 22, 2011

Something Borrowed
Based on the novel Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin.
Romantic comedy following Darcy who often falls in the shadow of friend Rachel until things start to change and morals come into question. Stars Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield and John Krasinski; directed by Luke Greenfield (The Girl Next Door).
Film Release Date May 6, 2011

Thor
Based on the comic book character from the comic book by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber & Jack Kirby.
Action/fantasy/science fiction film following the Nordic God Thor (Chris Hemsworth of Star Trek) as he is cast into the world of mortals. Also stars Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, Rene Russo, Skarsgård, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings and Ray Stevenson; directed by Kenneth Branagh (Henry V (1989), Dead Again).
Film Release Date May 6, 2011

Pitoche
Based on the play Pitoche by Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Grédy.
French comedy set in 1977 and staring Catherine Deneuve as a submissive wife, also stars Gérard Depardieu, Fabrice Luchini, Karin Viard, Judith Godreche Potiche; directed by François Ozon (8 Women, Swimming Pool, Angel).
Film Release Date May 13, 2011

Priest (2011)
Based on the graphic novel series Priest by Min-Woo Hyung.
Post-apocalyptic/western feel supernatural action film starring Paul Bettany as a warrior priest trained to fight vampires. Also stars Maggie Q, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet, Lily Collins, Brad Dourif, Stephen Moyer and Christopher Plummer; directed by Scott Charles Stewart (Legion).
Film Release Date May 13, 2011

One Day - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book One Day by David Nicholls.
This one looks amazing! It follows 2 people who reconnect on same day for 20 year. Film version stars Anne Hathaway (Devil Wears Prada, Rachel Getting Married) and Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, Heartless), directed by Lone Scherfig (An Education).
Film Release Date July 8, 2011

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Based on the book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling, the 7th and last book in the Harry Potter series.
The epic fantasy saga and hero story comes to a close with this second part film which along with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 completes the adaptation of the last book in the book series by J.K. Rowlings. All the regulars in the cast return including the primary trio of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson along with Ralph Fiennes as the big bad of Voldemort. Directed by David Yates (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1).
Film Release: Date July 15, 2011.

Winnie the Pooh
Based on the characters from the Winnie the Pooh books by A.A. Milne, and will be from 5 previously unadapted stories.
Animated film following the adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Roo and Christopher Robbins, featuring the voices of # Jim Cummings, Tom Kenny, Craig Ferguson, Travis Oates, Bud Luckey, Jack Boulter, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Wyatt Hall and John Cleese; directed by Stephen J. Anderson (Meet the Robinsons) and Don Hall (directorial debut).
Film Release: Date July 15, 2011.

The Help - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book The Help by Kathryn Stockett.
Set in Mississippi during the early 1960s the centred on unlikely friendships and courageous women. Sounds good to me! The film Stars Emma Stone (Paper Man), Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, Directed by Tate Taylor (Pretty Ugly People).
Film Release Date August 10, 2011 (moved up from August 12, 2011)

The Killer Elite
Based on the book The Feather Men by Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
The book has had a bit of controversy to it on whether it's based on true events or not, and it follows 4 soldiers who are a hit squad known as "The Clinic". The film adaptation is into an action film that stars Jason Statham, Clive Owen, Yvonne Strahovski, Robert De Niro and Dominic Purcell. The film is directed by Gary McKendry. USA/Australia co-production.
Film Release Date: September 23, 2011

The Thing (2011)
Based on the 1938 novella Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell Jr.
Lots of history with this one, and the latest version is actually a prequel to the The Thing (1982), which was a remake of The Thing From Another World. The 2011 film is a science fiction/horror film set in Antarctica research station where things go amok. Stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Eric Christian Olsen; feature film directorial debut form Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.
Film Release Date October 14, 2011

The Three Musketeers - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
Classic adventure tale that has seen many adaptaions, this film version stars Logan Lerman, Matthew Macfadyen, Mads Mikkelsen, Ray Stevenson, Milla Jovovich, Christoph Watlz and Orlando Bloom, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Death Race (2008), AVP: Alien vs Predator). All for one, one for all!
Film Release Date October 14, 2011

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Based on the book Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré
Espionage story set during cold war and following George Smiley an intelligence expert pulled out semi-retirement. Film stars Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Ciarán Hinds (The Eclipse), directed by Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in).
Film Release Date: November 18, 2011 (North American), September 16, 2011 (UK)

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
Based on the book Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyers, the fourth and final book in the Twilight Series.
The film is Part 1 of 2 (Part 2 to be released November 2012), that continues the romantic adventure of human Bella and vampire Edward that has began and unfolded with Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse. This film also chronicles the conflicts with the nearby Quiluette werewolf tribe and the Volturi, the vampire council. The film features the returning cast of Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and many, many more.
Film Release Date November 18, 2011

Hugo - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
This one if s a little bit different as the book is a combination written & illustrated book and was inspired by "Georges Méliès, his surviving films, and his collection of mechanical, wind-up figures called automata. (source)". I hope the film keep sthat kind of feel! The film stars Asa Butterfield, Chloë Moretz, Michael Pitt, Jude Law, Ben Kingsley and Sacha Baron Cohen and is directed by Martin Scorcese (Shutter Island, The Departed, Gangs of New York, Goodfellas). Film renamed from Hugo Cabret to simply Hugo.
Film Release Date November 23, 2011 (revised from December 9, 2011)

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Based on characters from the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Not a direct book to film adaptation but does include characters of Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Watson and Professor Moriaty. Returning cast from Sherlock Holmes (2009) include Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams & Eddie Marsan and new cast includes Jared Harris and Noomi Rapace. Guy Ritchie returns to direct.
Film Release Date December 16, 2011

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Based on the Swedish book Män som hatar kvinnor (Men Who Hate Women) by Stieg Larsson, the book is part 1 of The Millennium Trilogy.
The Film is a US/UK/German/Swedish co-production and will star Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig, Stellan Skarsgård and Christopher Plumber and will be directed by David Fincher (Fight Club, Zodiac, The Social Network).
This is the second book to film adaptation, as we have already seen Swedish adaptations of the entire trilogy released in 2010: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo / Män som hatar kvinnor, The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest / Luftslottet som sprängdes
Film Release Date December 21, 2011

The Adventures of Tintin
Based on the series of comic books created by Belgian artist Georges "Hergé" Remi, specifically the three of: The Crab with the Golden Claws, The Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackham's Treasure.
I've seen this one noted also with the title The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn, although the posters and trailers I've seen around town do not have the subtitle. The film is a "performance capture" 3D film directed by Steven Spielberg, with a cast including Jamie Bell as Tintin, Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock, Daniel Craig as Red Rackham and Simon Pegg & Nick Frost as Thomson & Thompson. I never read the comic books so I'm not familiar with the stories but the trailer looks amazingly dark & adventureous.
Film Release Date December 23, 2011

Release Dates To Be Confirmed
Alphabetical by title, with North American release date to be confirmed.
International release date noted if known.

Bel Ami - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant.
The book Bel Ami was first published in 1885, and follows one mans pursuit of power through the manipulation of powerful and wealthy women.
Film stars Robert Pattinson, Christina Ricci, Uma Thurman, Kristen Scott Thomas and Colm Meaney and is the feature film directorial debut from Declan Donnellan & Nick Ormerod
Film Release Date noted as May 12, 2011 (release date source, but still awaiting release date). Finally did see a trailer for Bel Ami which you can watch here.

Brighton Rock - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book Brighton Rock by Graham Greene.
The book is a crime thriller set in the 1930's, and the film adaptation shifts the setting to the 60's. Film stars Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn), Andrea Riseborough, Andy Serkis, John Hurt and Helen Mirren and is directed by Rowan Joffe.
Film Release Date: Feb 4, 2011 (UK), Opens in New York & LA August 26, 2011. Still awaiting confirmation on wider North American release date.

The Eye of the Storm
Based on the book The Eye of the Storm by Patrick White.
Australian drama film following a powerful matriarch, film starrs Charlotte Rampling, Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis and directed by Fred Schepisi (Last Orders, Six Degrees of Separation, Roxanne).
Film Release Date: 2011, specific date to be confirmed although it has been announced that it will be shown at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

The Hunter
Based on the book The Hunter by Julia Leigh
This one piqued my interested as it was termed a "Tasmanian Gothic", which was a term I had never even heard of before. It follows a mercenary on the hunt for a Tasmanian Devil. Film stars Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill, Francis O'Connor, Dan Wyllie and Sullivan Stapleton, directed by Daniel Nettheim (Angst).
Film Release Date: 2011 (Australia), specific release date to be confirmed although it has been announced that it will be shown at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival

On the Road - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book On the Road by Jack Kerouac.
Road trip & beat generation classic and much listed & acclaimed book, the film stars Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn), Kristen Stewart (Twilight), Reese Witherspoon and Garrett Hedlund (TRON: Legacy), directed by Walter Salles (Dark Water, The Motorcycle Diaries).
Film Release Date: 2011, specific release date to be confirmed

The Woman in Black - Book to Film Club Selection
Based on the book by The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
This supernatural thriller follows a young lawyer who goes to small town which has a menacing spectre. I can't wait for this one! Stars Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter series), Ciarán Hinds (The Eclipse) and Janet McTeer, directed by James Watkins (Eden Lake).
Film Release Date: October 28, 2011 (UK) North American release date to be confirmed although January 20, 2012 has popped up as a release date.

Wuthering Heights
Based on the book Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
The heartbreaking romance between Catherine & Heathcliff in a new adaptation directed by Andrea Arnold (Red Road, Fish Tank) and starring Kaya Scodelario (Skins) and James Howson.
Film Release Date: September 30, 2011 (UK) North American release date to be confirmed.

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