For the bookworms, romantics and the mad ones that burn, burn, burn: Read on for more about the films coming this summer and fall that will make you want to read (or re-read) a few classics.
Trishna
Inspired by Tess of the D’Ubervilles, Michael Winterbottom relocated the timeless tale of duty and dependence from late-19th century Wessex to modern-day Mumbai. Winterbottom has kept the basic plot intact: poor girl meets rich boy, boy sets girl up with well-paying job, complications ensue.
Starring Freida Pinto and Riz Ahmed.
In theaters July 13.
On the Road
Kerouac had me at his advice on writing: “You’ve got to stick to it with the energy of a benny addict.” (Once I Googled “benny,” that is.) This 1950s novel isn’t so much a story as a sample of the mood of the Beat Generation as seen through the road trips of Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty–real-life Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady. Short of replicating a Howl voiceover situation, screenwriter Jose Rivera must have had his work cut out for him.
Starring Garrett Hedlund, Sam Riley and Kristen Stewart.
The Great Gatsby
In the original novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, recent Yale graduate Nick Carraway moves to Long Island from the Midwest. There he reunites with his cousin Daisy, who was once involved with Nick’s wealthy and mysterious neighbor Gatsby, and is quickly swept up in the world of 1920s wealth and glamour. The story will be revamped for the 21st century with 3D animation, a soundtrack featuring Jay-Z, Kanye West and Jack White, and director Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling sets.
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan.
In theaters December 25.
Anna Karenina
From the director ofAtonement and Pride and Prejudice and the screenwriter ofShakespeare in Lovecomes this silver screen interpretation of Tolstoy’s masterpiece on unhappy families. Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley), wife of St. Petersburg government official Karenin (Jude Law), is drawn into an affair with military man Alexei Vronsky (Aaron Johnson). Directed by Joe Wright.
In theaters November 9.
Les Misérables
This 19th century work by Victor Hugo follows Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), who has been pursued for years by Officer Javert (Russell Crowe) for breaking parole. Meanwhile, he agrees to support factory worker Fantine’s (Anne Hathaway) daughter Cosette. Directed by Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech), Written by William Nicholson.
In theaters December 25.
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