All 14 Philip Roth Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online
Get ready to dive into the cinematic worlds of Philip Roth, the influential American writer whose works have been adapted into several critically acclaimed movies. In this roundup article, we’ll be exploring the various films that bring Roth’s literary masterpieces to life on the big screen, providing you with a comprehensive guide to the Philip Roth movie experience.
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1. Goodbye, Columbus (1969)
“Goodbye, Columbus” is an engrossing drama-comedy-romance film released in 1969. Directed by Larry Peerce, the movie is based on the novel by Philip Roth. The film is set around the unexpected relationship between a refined graduate and a young, hardworking Army veteran.
2. Portnoy’s Complaint (1972)
Portnoy’s Complaint, released in 1972, is a comedy film that delves into the complexities and challenges of love explored through a unique and kinky lens. Starring Richard Benjamin, Karen Black, and Lee Grant, the film follows the story of a young man navigating his relationships in unconventional ways. Adapted from the novella by Philip Roth and directed by Ernest Lehman, the movie uses elements of psychotronic film to weave a captivating tale.
3. The Making of a Legend: Gone with the Wind (1988)
“The Making of a Legend: Gone with the Wind” is a captivating documentary that takes viewers on an exclusive journey behind the scenes of the 1939 classic film, Gone with the Wind. This documentary is a must-see for film enthusiasts, as it explores the film’s production process, showcasing rare archival footage, screen tests, and insightful interviews with the cast and crew. With a runtime of 164 minutes, the documentary offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and successes that accompanied the filming of this iconic movie.
4. The Human Stain (2003)
Embark on a captivating journey with the critically acclaimed 2003 film, The Human Stain, starring Anthony Hopkins, Nicole Kidman, and Ed Harris. This intriguing drama, romance, and thriller explores the complex lives of its characters, as a disgraced former college dean, played by Hopkins, uncovers shocking truths about his own past. He becomes entangled in a passionate affair with a mysterious younger woman, played by Kidman, who is haunted by her twisted and dark history.
5. Elegy (2008)
“Elegy, “ released in 2008, is an evocative drama and romance film that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The movie, directed by Isabel Coixet, showcases the story of David Kepesh, a cultural critic played by Ben Kingsley, whose life is disrupted by his passionate attraction to Consuela Castillo, a well-mannered student, portrayed by Penélope Cruz.
6. Philip Roth: Unmasked (2013)
Philip Roth: Unmasked is an intriguing and captivating 2013 biography film that delves into the fascinating life of one of the greatest living American writers. Renowned for his Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning novels, Philip Roth is often hailed as the greatest living American writer. This engaging documentary sheds light on the prolific author’s personal life, literary endeavors, and his profound impact on the literary world.
7. The Humbling (2014)
Experience the unexpected collision of comedy, drama, and romance in The Humbling (2014), a thought-provoking film starring Al Pacino, Greta Gerwig, and Nina Arianda. Follow the turbulent journey of a stage actor, portrayed by Pacino, as he grapples with the deterioration of his mental faculties.
8. American Pastoral (2016)
“American Pastoral” is a poignant drama film released in 2016, starring Ewan McGregor, Jennifer Connelly, and Dakota Fanning. Set in the chaotic 1960s, the film follows a seemingly perfect American family as they navigate the turmoil of the era. The protagonist, an All-American college football player, and his beauty queen wife, struggle to maintain their idyllic life when their daughter becomes entangled in the tumultuous events of the decade.
9. Indignation (2016)
Indignation, released in 2016, is a compelling drama and romance film that explores the themes of sexual repression, cultural disaffection, and religious identity against the backdrop of the Korean War. Set in 1951, we follow the journey of Marcus, a Jewish student from New Jersey, as he navigates life in a small Ohio college.
10. It Takes a Lunatic (2019)
Delve into the life and career of an extraordinary theater trailblazer in “It Takes a Lunatic”. This thought-provoking and inspiring documentary takes you on a captivating journey through the life of Wynn Handman, co-founder and director of the American Place Theater in New York.
11. The Prague Orgy (2019)
Get ready for a thrilling ride as you delve into the heart of communism-era Prague in the captivating drama, “The Prague Orgy.” When a renowned American writer accepts a challenging mission to retrieve precious Yiddish manuscripts from a Czech emigrant’s wife, he unwittingly finds himself tangled in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with the ruthless communist secret police. But the real challenge might be his encounters with the emigrant’s wild, vivacious wife.
12. Deception (2021)
“Deception (2021), originally titled Tromperie, is a thought-provoking drama film directed by Arnaud Desplechin. The movie follows an American novelist, living in London, as he converses with his wife, his mistress, and other female characters he may have dreamed up. The film is inspired by references to Heinrich Heine, Anne Frank, William Shakespeare, Franz Kafka, and explores themes of infidelity and creative influence.
13. The Adventures of Saul Bellow (2021)
Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey as “The Adventures of Saul Bellow” takes you into the life of the notorious author, Saul Bellow, and unravels the intricacies of his stories. This insightful documentary, directed by Asaf Galay, follows an Israeli documentarian who uncovers the complex relationship between Bellow’s life and his work.
14. Searching for America: United States (2026)
Searching for America: United States is an unprecedented 905-hour, 21-minute documentary journalism project, marking the longest to ever be screened. This awe-inspiring film pays tribute to the first person to walk solo around the world, while also telling the story of those who embarked on seemingly insurmountable adventures.
