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Big screen classics
The timeless films we urge you to see.
April
From Page and Stage to Screen: The Art of Adaptation
Our daily screenings of classic movies continue with our selection of some of the finest – and, occasionally, most imaginative – adaptations. First, further films inspired by books; then, in May, we move to adaptations from the stage.
Geoff Andrew, programmer-at-large
The Gospel According to Matthew
Pasolini’s characteristically political account of the life of Christ, shot neorealist style on location with a non-professional cast.
The Last Temptation of Christ
Scorsese’s respectful adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’s book about a Messiah torn between divine destiny and an awareness of his own humanity.
The Trial
Welles’ brilliant adaptation of Kafka’s darkly satirical novel is visually extraordinary and memorably inventive.
Little Women
Winona Ryder anchors an ensemble of richly realised characters, in this magical story of a close-knit family during the Civil War.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
A marvellous cast brings bite to Albert Lewin’s sensitive, elegant and witty account of Wilde’s Faustian fable.
The Leopard
The sumptuous, tumultuous tale of Italy’s Risorgimento, and an aristocracy crumbling in the face of modernity.
The Grapes of Wrath
Ford’s acclaimed film of Steinbeck’s novel about Oklahoma farmers travelling to California during the Depression boasts a fine cast and magnificent imagery.
Pather Panchali
Ray’s debut about an impoverished family in rural Bengal remains one of the greatest films about childhood experience.
Nosferatu
Murnau’s vampire classic, with a mesmerising Max Schreck as the Count, is one of the finest of all horror movies.
Nosferatu + intro by Arike Oke, Executive Director of Knowledge, Learning & Collections
Murnau’s vampire classic, with a mesmerising Max Schreck as the Count, is one of the finest of all horror movies.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde + intro by Geoff Andrew, Programmer-at-Large
Fredric March and Miriam Hopkins excel in Rouben Mamoulian’s superb adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella, now beautifully restored in 4K.
The Last of the Mohicans
Daniel Day-Lewis excels as Hawkeye in Michael Mann’s exhilarating adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper’s novel.
The Heiress
William Wyler’s riveting drama features a spine-chilling turn from Olivia de Havilland, as a young woman struggling to escape the patriarchal trappings of her home.
The Heiress + intro by Ruby McGuigan, BFI Programme and Acquisitions
William Wyler’s riveting drama features a spine-chilling turn from Olivia de Havilland, as a young woman struggling to escape the patriarchal trappings of her home.
Women in Love
More is more in Ken Russell’s daring D.H. Lawrence adaptation, featuring extravagant emotions and a captivating cast swept up in love, jealousy and unbridled sexuality.
Great Expectations
Arguably David Lean’s finest film, a wonderfully vivid adaptation of Dickens’ novel.
Great Expectations + intro by Jade Evans, AHRC REACH PhD student with QMUL and BFI
Arguably David Lean’s finest film, a wonderfully vivid adaptation of Dickens’ novel.
Beau Travail
Repressed violence and desire simmers beneath the surface of Claire Denis’ breathtaking visuals of male bodies and barren landscapes, capturing an unsettling failure to belong.
Beau Travail + intro by Sam Wigley, BFI News and Features Editor
Repressed violence and desire simmers beneath the surface of Claire Denis’ breathtaking visuals of male bodies and barren landscapes, capturing an unsettling failure to belong.
May
Henry V
Olivier’s acclaimed directorial debut brings glorious Technicolor and a fine William Walton score to Shakespeare’s patriotic play.
The Magic Flute
Bergman’s gleefully theatrical film of Mozart’s opera – sung in Swedish – is vivacious, funny and enthralling.
Pandora’s Box
Louise Brooks dazzles as the iconic showgirl who leaves a trail of destruction in her wake, in one of the great silent films of the Weimar era.
Cabaret
Genuinely subversive in its sexual politics and seedy portrayal of Berlin, Bob Fosse’s take on a doomed love triangle remains as captivating as ever.
Ordet
Dreyer’s meticulous, measured and deeply moving play about a rural family riven by various tensions.
Camille
Garbo is at her radiant best in Cukor’s refined and elegant adaptation of Dumas’s novel and play about a Parisian courtesan.
Camille + intro by Ruby McGuigan, BFI Programme and Acquisitions
Garbo is at her radiant best in Cukor’s refined and elegant adaptation of Dumas’s novel and play about a Parisian courtesan.
A Streetcar Named Desire
Brando is at his electrifying best in Kazan’s hothouse film of Tennessee Williams’ play.
Bluebeard’s Castle
Powell’s film of Bartók’s magnificent one-act opera is remarkable for its vivid colours and expressionist sets.
Bluebeard’s Castle + intro by Alex Prideaux, Marketing and Events Manager – Our Screen Heritage
Powell’s film of Bartók’s magnificent one-act opera is remarkable for its vivid colours and expressionist sets.
Rope
Intellectual arrogance meets cold-blooded violence in Hitchcock’s virtuoso adaptation of Patrick Hamilton’s play.
Rope + intro by Bryony Dixon, BFI National Archive Curator
Intellectual arrogance meets cold-blooded violence in Hitchcock’s virtuoso adaptation of Patrick Hamilton’s play.
His Girl Friday
Grant and Russell excel as a divorced couple trading barbs and heated glances across the newsroom, as they race to uncover the story of the year.
His Girl Friday + intro by Geoff Andrew, Programmer-at-Large
Grant and Russell excel as a divorced couple trading barbs and heated glances across the newsroom, as they race to uncover the story of the year.
Beautiful Thing
Hettie MacDonald and Jonathan Harvey’s acclaimed film version of the latter’s play, a gay romantic comedy set in and around a Thamesmead council estate.
Beautiful Thing + intro by Simon McCallum, BFI National Archive Curator
Hettie MacDonald and Jonathan Harvey’s acclaimed film version of the latter’s play, a gay romantic comedy set in and around a Thamesmead council estate.
Chi-Raq
Spike Lee’s signature flair imbues this tale of the women of Chicago joining in a bipartisan effort to end the violence in their neighborhoods.
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