From Goodfellas to Gangs of New York, some of Scorsese’s most acclaimed films are based on books.


The Color of Money. Poster of the 1986 movie and cover of the 1984 book
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The Color of Money
Walter Tevis, 1984
movie vs book
Martin Scorsese, 1986

Eddie Felson is a former pool hustler turned successful liquor salesman in Chicago. He still stakes bets for players, including fellow hustler Julian, who is outmatched at nine-ball by the young and charismatic Vincent Lauria. Recognizing Vincent’s skill, and his girlfriend Carmen’s inexperience at luring players to lose money, Eddie tells the couple of their excellent potential for hustling.


Bringing Out the Dead. Poster of the 1999 movie and cover of the 1998 book
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Bringing Out the Dead
Joe Connelly, 1998
movie vs book
Martin Scorsese, 1999

In Manhattan during the early 1990s, Frank Pierce is a burned-out hospital paramedic who works the graveyard shift in a two-man ambulance team with various partners. Frank discovers Mary was childhood friends with Noel, a brain-damaged drug addict and delinquent who is frequently sent to the hospital.


The Age of Innocence. Poster of the 1993 movie and cover of the 1920 book
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The Age of Innocence
Edith Wharton, 1920
movie vs book
Martin Scorsese, 1993

In 1870s, New York City, gentleman lawyer Newland Archer is planning to marry the respectable young May Welland. At first she is ostracized by society and vicious rumors are spread, but, as May’s family boldly stands by the countess, she is gradually accepted by the very finest of New York’s old families.


The Last Temptation of Christ. Poster of the 1988 movie and cover of the 1955 book
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The Last Temptation of Christ
Nikos Kazantzakis, 1955
movie vs book
Martin Scorsese, 1988

Jesus of Nazareth is a carpenter in Roman-occupied Judea, torn between his own desires and his knowledge that God has a plan for him. Judas Iscariot, a friend of Jesus’ originally sent to kill him for collaboration, instead suspects that Jesus is the Messiah and asks him to lead a liberation war against the Romans.


Boxcar Bertha. Poster of the 1972 movie and cover of the 1937 book, Sister of The Road
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Sister of The Road
Ben L. Reitman, 1937
movie vs book
Martin Scorsese, 1972

The film narrates the tale of Boxcar Bertha Thompson and ‘Big’ Bill Shelly, a pair of train robbers deeply in love, whose lives become intertwined with the struggles of railroad workers in the Southern United States. However, their lives take a dramatic turn when Bertha is accused of being involved in the murder of a wealthy gambler, forcing them to become fugitives on the run from the law.

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“Working on an adaptation is not as satisfying, because it's not your original work: you're interpreting.”

BRIAN HELGELAND (Screenwriter)