Film Adaptation of Literature

Film Adaptation of Literature
Feature: Masterpiece Theater Companion Web Sites | Annotated Articles & Links
URL of this webpage: http://www.cocc.edu/humanities/HIR/Film/filmadaptation.htm
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Feature: Masterpiece Theater Companion Web Sites
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PBS Online offers valuable lessons & resources on Masterpiece Theater
adaptations of literature, including drama to film, novel to film, autobiography to film.
Root URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/
PBS Online Home Page: http://www.pbs.org/

About the Film: Take a Girl Like You.
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | Take a Girl Like You | ...
... About the Film Having established himself as the leading adapter of classic literature,
(Middlemarch, Moll Flanders, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Vanity Fair ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/takeagirl/about.html - 22k -

Autobiography to Film:
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | The Road From Coorain | ...
... Autobiography to Film In her memoir, Jill Ker Conway describes in elegant detail
the workings of Coorain as a sheep-farming enterprise. Perhaps the most ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/coorain/ntof.html - 17k -
"In her memoir, Jill Ker Conway describes in elegant detail the workings of Coorain as a sheep-farming enterprise. Perhaps the most critical element of success was a generous supply of water.
"Compare and contrast the nuances of Ker Conway's recollections of the quest for water in her book, to Sue Smith's screenplay adaptation, and to the scene as directed by Brendan Maher. How is the character of Bob McLennan, "old Bob," revealed in each medium? What details are created and what are omitted?"

Drama to Film: The Merchant of Venice....
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | The Merchant of Venice | ...
... Drama to Film Follow a scene from William Shakespeare's original play to the scene
as realized in Trevor Nunn's television adaptation of the stage production ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/merchant/ntof.html - 17k -
"Follow a scene from William Shakespeare's original play to the scene as realized in Trevor Nunn's television adaptation of the stage production.
"Since Nunn does not change Shakespeare's language, how does he transpose the Elizabethan world to a more contemporary Venice between the wars? How does this interpretation enhance (or detract from) the original message of the play?"

Drama to Film: Othello
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | Othello | Drama to Film
... Drama to Film Follow a scene from William Shakespeare's original Othello to an interpretation
of the scene as realized in Andrew Davies's television adaptation ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/othello/ntof.html - 17k
"Follow a scene from William Shakespeare's original Othello to an interpretation of the scene as realized in Andrew Davies's television adaptation. Here, Iago/Jago begins to hint of the possibility of an affair between Cassio and Desdemona, planting seeds of doubt in Othello's mind.
"Davies has abandoned Shakespeare's Elizabethean language and dramatic structure for far more sparse, contemporary conversation and action. Does he still manage to create the effect that Shakespeare sought? How does Iago/Jago suggest disloyalty from Desdemona/Dessie and betrayal from Cassio/Michael Cass in each scene?"

Stage on Screen: "Beckett on Film." PBS Online (airs 15 Sept. 2002).
"Host Jeremy Irons provides commentary and background on a selection of Samuel Beckett's notable short plays, in celebration of the Nobel Prize-winning playwright's indelible mark on drama." The companion web site includes film clips from Beckett's plays, including Waiting for Godot; plot synopses of 19 of Beckett's plays coming soon to PBS, and Beckett's thoughts on his craft.
URL: http://pbs.org/stageonscreen/

Looking at Film: Henry V.
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | Henry V | Looking at Film
... Looking at Film Understanding how this film works, how it relates to the play,
and how it affects the audience will make Henry V even more accessible to ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/archive/programs/henryv/tg_film.html - 19k -

Looking at Film: Middlemarch.
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | Middlemarch | Looking at ...
... Looking at Film By comparing a novel to its film adaptation, students can gain a
better understanding of each work's unique power. Use the following questions ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/archive/programs/middlemarch/tg_film.html - 18k -

Novel to Film: The American: Henry Wants a Hit!" ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre: American Collection, PBS Online.
"Follow a scene from James's 1877 novel to his 1890 play to Michael Hastings's screenplay to the final scene as filmed. How does James's story change from page to stage to screen?
URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/americancollection/american/ntof.html
...Adapting the Master, by Caitlin O'Neil.
"Six top producers, directors and screenwriters tell why they chose Henry James."
URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/americancollection/american/adapting.html

Novel to Film: Anna Karenina....
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | Anna Karenina | Novel to ...
... Novel to Film Follow a scene from Tolstoy's original novel, through Allan Cubitt's
adaptation of the scene in his screenplay to the final scene as filmed. How ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/anna/ntof.html - 17k -

Novel to Film: David Copperfield. ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre, PBS Online.
"Follow a scene from Dickens's original novel, through Adrian Hodges's adaptation of the scene in his screenplay to the final scene as filmed by Simon Curtis. How does Hodges translate Dickens's rich prose? And how is the world of David Copperfield made real in character, costume and set?"
URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/archive/programs/davidcopperfield/ntof.html

Novel to Film: A Death in the Family.
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | American Collection | A ...
... Novel to Film In the emotionally telling first chapter of A Death in the Family Jay
and Rufus go downtown to see a movie at the Majestic Theatre and then walk ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/americancollection/death/ntof.html - 17k -

Novel to Film: Love in a Cold Climate.
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | Love in a Cold Climate | ...
... Novel to Film Follow a scene from Nancy Mitford's original story through Debora Moggach's
adapted screenplay to the final scene as directed by Tom Hooper. How ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/climate/ntof.html - 16k -

Novel to Film: Lucky Jim.
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | Lucky Jim | Novel to Film
... Novel to Film It is at a trying "madrigal weekend" that Jim has the pain of meeting
Neddy Welch's son Bertrand and the pleasure of meeting Bertrand's ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/luckyjim/ntof.html - 16k -

Novel to Film: Oliver Twist.
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | Oliver Twist | Novel to ...
... Who's Who | Oliver's London | A Dickens Timeline Teacher's Guide | Novel to Film
| A Victorian Twister | The Forum Links and Bibliography Home | About The ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/olivertwist/novel_to_film.html - 17k -
"Follow a scene from Dickens's original novel, through Alan Bleasdale's adaptation of the scene in his screenplay to the final scene as filmed. How does Bleasdale translate Dickens's rich prose? And how is the world of Oliver Twist made real in character, costume and set?"

Novel to Film: The Ponder Heart.
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | American Collection | The ...
... Novel to Film Follow a scene from Eudora Welty's original story through Gail Gilchriest
's adapted screenplay to the final scene as directed by Martha Coolidge ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/americancollection/ponder/ntof.html - 17k -
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | American Collection | The ...
... Novel into Film: Refer to the ideas you had before viewing the film about how to
adapt the story into film. How did your ideas compare with the filmmakers? How ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/americancollection/ponder/tg_ntof.html - 20k -
[ More results from www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/americancollection/ponder/ ]

Novel to Film: The Song of the Lark
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | American Collection | The ...
... Novel to Film Follow a scene from Willa Cather's original novel through Joseph
Maurer's adaptation of the scene in his screenplay to the final scene as ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/americancollection/lark/ntof.html - 17k -

Novel to Film: The Way We Live Now.
ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre | The Way We Live Now | ...
... Novel to Film The interrelationships in The Way We Live Now become more complex
when the mysterious American widow, Winifred Hurtle, arrives in London and ...
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/waywelive/ntof.html - 17k -
"The interrelationships in The Way We Live Now become more complex when the mysterious American widow, Winifred Hurtle, arrives in London and beckons Paul Montague to uphold his promise of marriage -- despite his newfound love for Hetta Carbury.
"Compare and contrast the nuances of this scene from Trollope's novel, to Andrew Davies screenplay adaptation and to the scene as directed by David Yates. How is the character of Mrs. Hurtle expressed in each medium? What details are created and what are omitted?"

Novel to Film: Wives and Daughters. ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre, PBS Online.
"Follow a scene from Elizabeth Gaskell's original novel, through Andrew Davies's adaptation of the scene in his screenplay to the final scene as directed by Nicholas Renton. How does Davies interpret Gaskell's romantic vision? And how is the world of Molly Gibson made real in character, costume and set?"
URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/wives/ntof.html

Also look for "About the Film" pages on companion web sites
for other PBS televised programs. PBS Online: http://www.pbs.org/

Annotated Articles & Links

COCC Library Online Databases (access restricted to Central Oregon Community College students, staff, community) include EBSCOHost Academic Search Elite & more. URL: http://www.cocc.edu/library/databases.html
Or order articles through COCC Library Inter-Library Loan
URL: http://www.cocc.edu/library/ILL/newill.html

Atkinson, Michael. "Hollywood Novel-Gazing: On the Gold Rush for Serious Fiction." Village Voice 42.49 (9 December 1997): 79. Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 9712131080.
Abstract: Atkinson "comments on several films that were adapted from books," lists many "films adapted from literary fiction," discusses "reasons why producers prefer filming fiction," as well as the implications of film adaptations of books.

Axelrod, Mark. "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood; or, the Commodification of Form in the Adaptation of Fictional Texts to the Hollywood Cinema." Literature Film Quarterly 24.2 (1996): 201 (8pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 9608283271.
Abstract: "Neil Sinyard, in his Filming Literature: The Art of Screen Adaptation, summed up the problem quite effectively by stating that 'the legacy of the nineteenth century novel is the twentieth-century film. One of cinema's most immediate effects was to supplant the [Realistic] novel as the foremost art form of narrative realism (vii)." Literature is dynamic in form and so has not been commodified, but "Hollywood film, to a great extent, has." The successful Hollywood screen adapter's craft requires replication of "200 years of devotion to a standardized, linear narrative garnished by scenes, summaries, and descriptions," and film viewers have absorbed and accepted this "particular way of realizing the world."

Bertrand, Ina. "'Woman's Voice': The Autobiographical Form in Three Australian Filmed Novels." Literature Film Quarterly 21.2 (1993): 130 (9pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 9608203676.
Abstract: Bertrand "examines the issues associated with a woman's film adaptation of an autobiographical text in the Australian filmed novels We of the Never Never, My Brilliant Career, and Monkey Grip." Bertrand discusses the "loss of control of the discourse in the films," and the "complex interaction between the layers of real authors, implied authors and narrators."

Birdsall, Eric. "Interpreting Henry James: Bogdanovich's Daisy Miller." Literature Film Quarterly 22.4 (1994): 272 (6pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 9502034886.
Abstract: Birdsall defends Bogdanovich's film adaptation of Henry James's Daisy Miller, arguing that Bogdanovich is entitled to offer his own cinematic work of art for a late 20th century film audience. When Bogdanovich "departs from James, he does so in order to render James's abstractions, implications, and amibiguities in the concrete sounds and images of film," "offering both visual and aural equivalents of James's printed words," as well as Bogdanovich's "own interpretation of the story."   Birdsall concludes that Bogdanovich's film is successful "as an intelligent interpretation of the original" and as a "work of art in its own right."

"Book/Movie Comparisons Bring Literature to Life." Curriculum Review 36.2 (Oct. 1996): 10. Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 9610120220. .
Abstract: Viewing the adaptation of a book on television or videotape can "encourage the study of literature." The article presents "points to consider before viewing the movie version" and offers suggestions for post-viewing discussion.

Crowl, Samuel. "Zeffirelli's Hamlet: The Golden Girl and the Fistful of Dust." Cineaste 24.1 (15 Dec. 1998): 56 (6pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 1519594
Abstract: Crowl "presents an excerpt from the book The Branaugh Renaissance: Reimagining Shakespeare in the Age of Film," which focuses on film adaptations of Shakespeare.

Gardner, Peter S. "Literature and Film: An Annotated Bibliography of Resources." Literature Film Quarterly 20.2 (1992): 156 (10pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 9608122448.
Abstract: Gardner's annotated bibliography on literature and film resources is intended for both teachers and scholars, and includes "introductions to literature and film, anthologies, film adaptations," and "Shakespeare on film."

Gareis, Elisabeth. "Literature and Film Adaptations: Dealing with Hot Topics in the ESL and Literacy Classroom." Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy 41.3 (Nov. 1997): 220 (3pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 9711061327.
Abstract: Gareis "presents recommendations on how teachers could properly apply hot literature and film adaptations in English as a second language and literature classroom[s] in the United States." Gareis previews materials, discusses potentially objectionable themes and other "possible problems when handling literature and film in the classroom."

Gilbert, Sandra M. "Jane Eyre and the Secrets of Furious Lovemaking." Novel: A Forum on Fiction 31.3 (Summer 1998): 351 (22pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 1723158.
Abstract: Gilbert discusses the novel Jane Eyre and the novel's dramatization of issues of the women's movement, interprets Jane Eyre's "furious lovemaking," presents information on the novelist Charlotte Bronte, and compares the novel to its film adaptation.

Hudgins, Christopher C. "Lolita 1995: The Four Filmscripts." Literature Film Quarterly 25.1 (1997): 23 (7pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 9705084647.
Abstract: Hudgins "examines four filmscripts made for director Adrian Lyne's remake of the 1962 film Lolita [based on the novel by Vladimir Nabokov]." Hudgins judges Harold Pinter's script "the most faithful to the spirit of Nabokov's book"; the other scripts were by David Mamet, James Dearden (whose script Hudgins declares a "resounding failure"), and Stephen Schiff, who incorporated elements of the other three scripts. "Pinter commented in a 1984 interview that in his adaptations he tries to remain faithful to the spirit of the novel, while retaining the freedom to seek out creative, aesthetically pleasing ways to transfer that core to the screen."

Index of Film Adaptations. Stephen Railton, ENAM 312/712: American Literature Since 1865, Univ. of Virginia, no date.
URL: http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/railton/enam312/gallerys/movieindx.html [last accessed Aug. 2002].
...Syllabus & online course resources: http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/railton/enam312/index.html

Kline, Karen E. "The Accidental Tourist on Page and on Screen: Interrogating Normative Theories about Film Adaptation." Literature Film Quarterly 24.1 (1996): 70 (14pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 9605150332.
Abstract: Film critics' differences of opinion on film adaptations of literature, especially novels, "stem from the critics' adoption of differing paradigms for evaluating the film adaptation." Kline identifies four such critical paradigms: (1) "translation" critics judge "the film's effectiveness primarily in terms of its 'fidelity' to the novel"; (2) "pluralist" critics allow that film exists and presents a "coherent fictive world" in its own right, but expect film to remain loyal to the novel's "spirit"--e.g. to the novel's mood, tone, and values"; (3) "transformation" critics assume that novel and film are "separate, autonomous arts," "consider the novel raw material which the film alters significantly," and often privilege film over text, in approaching the film as "an artistic work in its own right"; and (4) "materialist" critics, practicing the newest critical approach to film adaptation, examine "film as a product of cultural-historical processes" and relegate comparisons between the film and its novelistic source as less important than do the other three kinds of critics. Kline uses the film adaptation of The Accidental Tourist, Anne Tyler's 1985 novel and winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, to illustrate these different critical paradigms.

MacCabe, Colin. "Lit-Crit Hits the Screen." Times Higher Education Supplement 30 July 1999: 16. Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 2140267.
Abstract: MacCabe "argues that British university lecturers should use film adaptations to help college students understand literary classics," with examples of such adaptations, objections to film adaptations, and the approach taken by Exeter University.

McFarlane, Brian. "Bogdanovich's Daisy Miller and the Limits of Fidelity." Literature Film Quarterly 19.4 (1991): 222 (6pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 9608053355.
Abstract: McFarlane "discusses of the limits of film adaptation of novels according to the unsuccessful debut of 'Daisy Miller,' directed by Peter Bogdanovich." McFarlane criticizes "Bogdanovich's treatment of the film's book version written by Henry James," discusses the "portrayal of the book's characters in the film," raises questions about the "parallelism of the book and film," and concludes that the film fails to capture the book's emphases.

Palmer, James. "Mastering Chekhov: Heifitz's The Lady with the Dog" [Film adaptation, Russia, 1960]. Literature Film Quarterly 19.4 (1991): 252 (6pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 9608053460.
Abstract: Palmer "evaluates the film adaptation of Anton Chekhov's . . . "The Lady with the Dog,' by director Josef Heifitz," who emphasizes small details and commonplace dialogue to "capture Chekhov's humor and pathos," expands the story "using leisurely characterization and pacing," and restricts on film Chekhov's "open-ended approach."

Pellow, Ken, and Rita Hug. "The Curious History of End of the Road." Literature Film Quarterly 27.1 (1999): 38 (7pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 1829518.
Abstract: Pellow and Hug discuss Aram Avakian's 1969 film End of the Road, survey Life Magazine's criticism of the film at its release, summarize the plot of the story. They also discuss the "difficulties of transforming philosophical [works] into good films," and the "characteristics of a novel for adaptational purposes."

Pendleton, Thomas A. "Shakespeare . . . With Additional Dialog." Cinaste 24.1 (15 Dec. 1998): 62 (5pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 1519595.
Abstract: Pendleton "focuses on the manner in which William Shakespeare's plays are adapted in the cinema," discussing film adaptations by directors Sam Taylor, Kenneth Branaugh (Hamlet), and Orson Welles (Othello).

Sanoff, Alvin P. "What It Takes to Make a Good Book a Good Movie."
U.S. News & World Report 21 Dec. 1987: 66(3pp). Rpt. Infotrac Expanded Academic ASAP, Article A6175007.
Abstract: Hollywood has long "relied on literature for raw material," though the writers of that literature are often less than satisfied with the cinematic results. But Pulitzer prize winning novelist William Kennedy is one of the few fiction writers who has translated his own work successfully into film [Ironweed]. "'You can't translate a novel exactly,'" Kennedy explains, and many writers, adept at one genre, "can't reconcile the differing demands of film and print." The challenges posed by several adaptation projects are surveyed, including the Huston family's work on James Joyce's "The Dead."

Sherrid, Pamela. "'Rarely is justice done.'" [Interview with Director James Ivory.] U.S. News & World Report 21 Dec. 1987: 68(1p). Rpt. Infotrac Expanded Academic ASAP, Article A6175017.
James Ivory, the respected director of several adaptations of classic novels into film
[e.g., E.M. Forster's A Room with a View and Howard's End], observes, "Rarely is justice done." Yet he is inevitably drawn to "wonderful books" for his material because they fire his cinematic imagination. A filmmaker owes much to the original author but "has the right to make changes. After all, it's your version of the work." Ivory generally restricts himself to literature produced since the advent of photography, because he can't visually imagine and authenticate works set prior to 1839, and he hates "obvious anachronisms" rampant in "big-budget American movies."

Ungerleider, Charles. "Words to Images: Media Education Using Film Adaptations of Novels.." Emergency Librarian 25.2 (Nov/Dec. 1997): 14 (4pp). Rpt. EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite Article No. 42109.
Abstract: Ungerleider "examines the use of film adaptations of books in media education," with the "aim of helping students better appreciate the strengths and limitations of novels and short stories. Ungerleider urges teachers to "encourage mental effort in reading, viewing, and representing." Ungerleider analyzes To Kill a Mockingbird, In the Heat of the Night, and Shane.

Walsh, Michael. "John Huston Raises 'The Dead': The Director Puts Joyce's Classic Short Story on Film." Time 16 Mar. 1987: 92(2pp). Rpt. Infotrac Expanded Academic ASAP, Article A5076173.
Abstract: Walsh's behind-the-scenes look at the filming of John Huston's adaptation of Joyce's "The Dead," sketches Huston's failing health and work habits, and the difficulty in getting financing for a film that seemed "hardly the stuff of which box-office triumphs are made."

See also on this web site: Film Links | Film Studies Index

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URL: http://www.cocc.edu/humanities/HIR/Film/index.htm

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URL of this webpage: http://www.cocc.edu/humanities/HIR/Film/filmadaptation.htm
Last updated: 13 Jul 2003
Maintained by: Cora Agatucci ~ E-Mail: cagatucci@cocc.edu
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Central Oregon Community College