7. Fahrenheit 451
Published in 1953, Ray Bradburys Fahrenheit 451 explored the dangers of contemporary American politics through a dystopian future. It illustrates the role of literature to work as a political and social commentary, as well as a escapist pastime. The overtly political book predicts a future where books are outlawed, and firemen burn any that remain. The book clearly adheres to George Orwells spectacular quote that who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past. Given the political climate where governments have unprecedented access to the internet, this commentary of the need to scrutinise government activities has a fertile foundation. The book features flame filled scenes where firemen burn down remaining books, and where houses containing these remnants of a bygone era are systematically destroyed, meaning that action scenes are plentiful. Likewise the dystopian future where a small group of rebellious or sceptical figures attempt to make sense of the chaos has proven a successful recipe in Hollywood; V for Vendetta, Nineteen Eighty-Four, and Terminator proved this to be true. The book was adapted into a film in 1966, but a modern adaptation has renewed importance; realising the importance of books could kick start a literary revival. At the very least an amazing film could be made from this book, and while the symbolic message may be lost by converting the book into a film, it is clear that a great movie could be made from this landmark novel.