10 Great Books That Could Be Movies

The Informers is out this week.

The '80s-set flick stars Mickey Rourke, Winona Ryder and an almost constantly naked Amber Heard. It's not exactly what we imagined when we read Bret Easton Ellis' searing short story collection, but it'll do.

And it's made us think about some other unlikely adaptations - the books that Hollywood probably put back on the shelf because they're a bit too difficult.

But if The Informers can make it to cinemas, surely this lot aren't too far away...

James Joyce: Dubliners

Next: The Wind Singer

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William Nicholson: The Wind Singer

Next: Franny And Zooey

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J.D. Salinger: Franny And Zooey

Next: Voice Of The Fire

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Alan Moore: Voice of the Fire

Next: Martyn Pig

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Kevin Brooks: Martyn Pig

Next: Esio Trot

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Roald Dahl: Esio Trot

Mr Hoppy: “Good old Alfie. We’ll keep him forever.”

Next: Generation X

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Douglas Coupland: Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture

Next: The Wasp Factory

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Iain Banks: The Wasp Factory

Next: Thief Of Time

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Terry Pratchett: Thief of Time

The Book: One of the popular Discworld series, Thief of Time is the story of Time (a character)’s imprisonment, which causes time (the abstract concept) to stand still.

With the aid of Lu-Tze, Lobsang, Susan Death, and her father, er, Death, equilibrium is restored to the Discworld , though not until Pratchett has thrown a fair whack of adventure, magic and comedy into the mix.

And – thankfully – it’s the type of comedy which is actually funny.

The Movie: After the TV adaptation of The Hogfather , it’s obvious that the Discworld has widespread appeal.

Thief of Time , however, will be bigger, and better.

With Terry Gilliam in the director’s chair, scenes will be over-colourful and over-cluttered, though we’ll excuse the excess, because he’s Terry Gilliam, and that’s what he does.

Helena Bonham-Carter will use her electric-shock hair to its full potential as the feisty Susan, and the rest of the cast will be a mélange of dwarves, Jim Henson puppets and ugly character actors.

Sample Dialogue:

Susan: "Sometimes I really think people should have to pass a proper exam before they're allowed to be parents. Not just the practical, I mean."