Crime fiction movie adaptations

 

It’s always exciting to see your favorite crime fiction novels come to life, and this fall, fans of mysteries and thrillers are in for a treat. A whole range of crime fiction movie adaptations are hitting the big screen, from psychological thrillers to hardboiled detective stories. Here’s a look at some of the new films based on crime fiction books that may be worth a trip to the movies.

The season of crime fiction movie adaptations started strong with the release of Dennis Lehare’s The Drop, featuring James Gandolfini in his last role. Lehare is no stranger to the silver screen with his suspense novels Mystic River, Shutter Island, and Gone, Baby, Gone all adapted for film. The Drop is based on Lehane’s short story “Animal Rescue,” which he expanded into a novelized version and rereleased as The Drop. This thriller follows two bar owners who funnel money for the Chechen mob. When they’re robbed at gunpoint, they must find the thieves and the money before a promotion-hungry detectives uncovers the bar’s dirty little secrets.

Also now in theatres is the crime fiction movie adaptation of Lawrence Block’s novel, A Walk Among the Tombstones. Starring Liam Neeson, this thriller offers some of the back story on Matthew Scudder, the protagonist of Block’s long-running detective series. A Walk Among the Tombstones finds the unlicensed private investigator in AA, where he meets a drug trafficker whose wife has been kidnapped and killed. Scudder reluctantly agrees to track down the perpetrators and He finds himself in a showdown with serial killer psychopaths. Suspenseful and action packed, this detective story is perfect for fans of the Jack Davis thrillers.

One of the most highly-anticipated movie releases of the fall, Gone Girl hits theatres on October 3. This crime fiction movie adaptation based on Gillian’ Flynn’s bestselling novel was also written by Flynn with the same fast pace and tense storytelling – but features a new ending with a surprise twist. This suspenseful story of a woman who disappears on her fifth wedding anniversary stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike and is told from the perspectives of both Nick, the husband, and Amy, the missing wife. As the plot twists and turns with surprising revelations, the truth about what really happened to Amy is slowly revealed.

Finally, in late October, S.J. Watson’s Before I Go to Sleep will premiere starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman. This crime fiction movie adaptation tells the story of a woman who suffers from amnesia as a result of a traumatic attack. As she tries to figure out what happened to her and who is responsible, she keeps a diary and leaves clues to unravel day by day. But with conflicting information from her doctor and her husband, she finds herself caught in a web of paranoia trying to figure out if there’s anyone she can trust – including herself. A Halloween treat for grownups, this psychological thriller hits theatres on October 31.

Whether you’ve read the books or you’re just a fan of suspense, these movies based on crime fiction novels are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! If you need a break from the mystery page-turner, head to the theater and check them out!


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