Book-to-movie adaptations are more common in Hollywood than one might realize. Many screenplays are based on novels or non-fiction books, and sometimes their titles are changed so that the film is unrecognizable from the source material. One of the industry’s most acclaimed directors is also someone who has quite a few book adaptations under his belt.
Martin Scorsese is an iconic director, known for doing everything from gangster movies tochildren’s films. A lot of the work he has put out there is adapted from famous (or, in some cases, not-so-famous) books, and these are some of the most iconic. Check out some of these stories if you’re looking for a new read and a big Scorsese fan!
The Color of Money
Killers of the Flower Moon
Check out the inspiration behind Scorsese’s most recent offering,Killers of the Flower Moon,written by David Grann. This non-fiction book explores one of the darkest crimes in American history, where members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma began to be killed under mysterious circumstances, as the then-new FBI is called in to investigate the conspiracy.
The Wolf of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Streetby Jordan Belfort follows Belfort’s story as one of the most infamous kingpins in finance, detailing his rise and epic fall. It’s a story of insane greed and excess, as Belfort built a fortune and spent it just as quickly. It was, of course, also made into a highly successful film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
The Invention of Hugo Cabretby Brian Selznick is a classic children’s novel full of wonder and whimsy. It follows a young orphan named Hugo who is a clockkeeper and lives in a world of secrecy. When his story collides with that of a bookish girl and an old man who runs a toy booth, his whole life is turned around. The book is famous for its gorgeous illustrations throughout and was adapted into the movieHugoby Martin Scorsese.
The Age of Innocence
Edith Wharton’s classic novel is a love story that takes place in New York City in the 19th century and explores the effect of living in a society that is restrictive with specific expectations. The story follows a young lawyer named Newland Archer who is engaged to a woman but is really in love with her more scandalous cousin. The book was adapted into a film by Martin Scorsese starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder.
The Last Temptation of Christ
Scorsese’s film,The Last Temptation of Christ,was based on a book, and not just the bible. The original novel by Nikos Kazantzakis is a reinterpretation of the gospel story that follows the life of Jesus Christ and was controversial for its very human portrayal of the man. It has also been heralded as a literary triumph and is a very moving and spiritual story.
The Gangs of New York
This fascinating non-fiction book was the basis for Martin Scorsese’s film of the same name and takes a look at the history of the city’s dark underworld. The book tells of a New York in a turbulent and violent era, where infamous gangs and criminals ruled the streets. It’s a compelling look at a real era of history that’s often sensationalized in the media.
Wiseguy
Check out the true-crime thriller that inspiredGoodfellas, one of Scorsese’s most iconic films.Wiseguyby Nicholas Pileggi follows the life of Henry Hill, a working-class kid from Brooklyn who grew into a mafia gangster as an adult. It’s a chronicle of what life in the mob is like from a person who was involved in that dark and complicated world.
Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas
Casino, written by Nicholas Pileggi, who was also responsible for the book that inspiredGoodfellas, is the true crime classic that inspired another Scorsese film -Casino. This book tells the story of how the mob lost its hold on one of its biggest money-making machines: the gambling industry in Las Vegas.
Cape Fear
This classic suspense novel by John D. MacDonald (originally published under the titleThe Executioners) was the inspiration for two Hollywood films: one in 1962 directed by J. Lee Thompson and the 1991 Martin Scorsese version. The story follows a normal family that is haunted by an obsessed criminal, hellbent on revenge against the lawyer father who put him behind bars.
Shutter Island
This novel by Dennis Lehane was adapted by Martin Scorsese into his 2010 film,Shutter Island, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The story follows a U.S. Marshal who is sent to a hospital for the criminally insane to investigate the disappearance of a patient who is known to be a murderer and finds he must confront his own fears if he wants to make it out alive.
Silence
Silence, the bestselling classic by Shusaku Endo, follows two Portuguese Jesuit priests who travel to a country that is hostile to their beliefs. As they watch their Japanese Christian brethren lay down their lives for the faith they refuse to denounce, the priests must confront horrible tragedies that test their own beliefs. This book was adapted into a film in 2016 by Martin Scorsese.
I Heard You Paint Houses
I Heard You Paint Housesby Charles Brandt was the inspiration for Scorsese’s iconic film,The Irishman. This book explores, and by all accounts solves, the mystery surrounding Jimmy Hoffa, a labor union boss who went missing under mysterious circumstances. The book tells the story of Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran and his mob hits, including the mafia’s role in the assassination of JFK.
Bringing Out the Dead
Bringing Out the Deadby Joe Connelly, which inspired the Martin Scorsese film of the same name, follows Frank Pierce, an EMT in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, who is being destroyed by the grief and guilt in his line of work. The story is about Frank trying to remember why he became an EMT in the first place while being haunted by a resurrected patient who just wants to be released into death.
Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness
This book, detailing the life and times of Howard Hughes, inspired the major motion pictureThe Aviator, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Authors Donald L. Bartlett and James B. Steele examine Hughes’s public image of secrecy and reclusiveness and try to break through it and learn more about the real man behind it all.
Sister of The Road
Sister of the Roadinspired one of Scorsese’s lesser-known films, Boxcar Bertha. This book by Dr. Ben Reitman is an autobiography of Bertha Thompson, a Depression-era criminal and wanderer, and it details her “hobo” lifestyle and her life amongst the fringes of society at the time.
This book, written by Walter Tevis, was the source material behind Martin Scorsese’s 1986 film of the same name, which was a sequel toThe Hustler. After conquering the underground pool circuit, “Fast” Eddie Felson has put that life behind him for a while, but is ready to re-enter it, though he finds that the world has changed drastically since he left.
FAQs
How Many Movies Has Martin Scorsese Directed?
Martin Scorcese is incredibly prolific and has directed 26 feature films, 17 documentaries, and co-directed one anthology movie. Of those, 17 were adapted from previously written books.
Has Martin Scorsese Written Any Movies?
Though he’s mostly known as a director, Scorsese has also contributed to the writing of some of his films, either as the main or co-writer. The films that he has writing credits on includeTaxi Driver,Raging Bull,Goodfellas,Mean Streets,The Last Temptation of Christ,Casino, andThe Age of Innocence.
Must-Reads For Scorcese Fans
Martin Scorsese is one of the most iconic directors still working today, and he seems to be adept at choosing his source material. Many directors are influenced by written works, and Scorsese has a way of bringing those stories to life, whether they’re fiction or non-fiction.
Big film fans and those who closely follow Scorcese’s work will likely want to read the inspirations for some of his films sometime. If you decide to check any of these books out and order them from Amazon, don’t forget to try their30-day trial of Primefor fast and free shipping!
