ISSUE TWENTY
MARCH 2017
P2. Reviews - Do film adaptations match up to the source material? P12. Non-fiction - inspiration for writing fiction, poetry &and scripts P13. Films - do Oscar winners always stand the test of time? P14. Fiction - films with an unexpected literary genesis P16. Comics - graphic novels coming to a screen near you soon P17. Journals - succinct advice on creative writing from the experts P18. Digital resources - the latest in the glyn library’s topic sites P19. Your suggestions - our replies to your requests
Reviews With the 89th Academy Awards winners having been announced last Sunday we’re taking a bit of a movie theme through most of the sections in this half term’s Reviewsletter. For our Reviews section we asked our team of writers to review a film adaptation of a book and to compare whether it matches up to the text. Here’s what they thought. Do you agree? The Night Manager Book by John Le Carré, TV series directed by Susanne Bier Reviewed by Lauren Finch Almost a year ago, the six part miniseries The Night Manager graced our screens. Based on John Le Carré’s novel, Jonathan Pine - a luxury hotel night manager - is transported into a world of secrets, arms dealings and beautiful women. Drawing on the skills as a former British soldier, Pine navigates a world riddled with danger and deceit, ultimately leading him to the mastermind of it all - Richard Onslow Roper. Though the plot has been modernised and re-contextualised, the tone of a classy spy movie has not been neglected. The opening credits echo James Bond, with both the visuals and Victor Reyes’ original score contributing to this tone - a tone that is maintained from the beginning to the end. The series shows Pine’s character, from day one, as elegantly taking to the new world of espionage. Admittedly, the novel does portray Pine as radiating suave grace; however, it does also contain an amusing scene where Pine gets trapped in an expensive wine cellar - which the writers interestingly chose to exclude. In contrast, some changes were definitely needed and the decision to change ‘Leonard Burr’ to ‘Angela Burr’ is a great example. Olivia Coleman’s strong performance as Angela Burr (an intelligence officer who acts as Pine’s handler) gives a refreshing balance to the other female characters, who often fulfil the generic roles of emotionally vulnerable seductresses. However, as with every great storyline, dramatic plot twists gave ample opportunity to reveal secrets from the most surprising of characters. Complementing the phenomenal plot, the characters are brought alive through the excellent acting. Hugh Laurie’s performance of ‘the worst man in the world’ makes an unbelievably awful man completely believable and Tom Hiddleston’s acting remains consistently convincing throughout Pine’s multiple identity transformations. Overall, each and every episode is thrillingly intense and engaging, regardless of whether you have read the novel. However, if you have read it, you will not be disappointed. This might be one of those rare occasions where the screen adaption is equally enjoyable and if John Le Carré’s cameo in the series is any indication, the author himself approves!
Ghost World Graphic novel by Daniel Clowes, film directed by Terry Zwigoff Reviewed by Mackenzie Phillips David Clowes’ Ghost World initially published as part of the comic book series Eightball in 1993, follows the day-to-day lives of Enid and Rebecca, two cynical, witty 18 year-old girls as they enter the world of adulthood after graduating from high school. The graphic novel follows them as they spend their days wandering aimlessly around their unnamed American town, criticizing popular culture and the people they encounter while wondering what they will do for the rest of their days. Ultimately the most effective aspects of the graphic novel come from Clowes’ vivid characterisation and snarky yet humorous dialogue. The relationship between Enid and Rebecca lends an enormous amount of realism to the text and demonstrates Clowe’s striking ability to encapsulate the reality of adolescent anomie. Clowes artwork perfectly accents the humour and heartache of the graphic novel and its’ characters. The colour palette, consisting entirely of black, white and aquamarine lends itself to the purgatorial state the girls find themselves in. The watery aura of blue allows Clowes to construct a ghostly tone highlighting the melancholic, wistful yet biting nature of the text. In comparison, Terry Zwigoff’s 2001 film adaptation mirrors Clowes original comically ironic snapshot of the suburban mundane. With Clowes collaboration as screenwriter, the film retains many of the aspects that made the graphic novel a cult classic. The vicious and vitriolic black humour of the characters and the realism and satirical portrayal of modern lifelessness remains as vivid and striking as in the original graphic novel. In addition, Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson bring Enid and Rebecca alive, nailing the cutthroat and tense yet ultimately loving relationship between the two characters. There are a few major differences between the film and the graphic novel. The first is the meaning that is shaped in each. In the graphic novel, Clowes doesn’t spell everything out, leaving room for the reader to interpret the experience as their own. This lack of definition is apt in drawing the reader further into the directionless and derelict ‘ghost world’. In contrast, Zwigoff, whilst not overly rigid, guides his audience substantially more, constructing a slightly more definitive conclusion. The second major deviation from the film’s source material is the inclusion of the anti-social Seymour (played by Steve Buscemi) who does not appear in the graphic novel but is heavily influenced by a character called Bob Skeetes who only appears in a few panels. Seymore and Enid bond over vintage records and form a relationship that drives the plot and Enid’s character development forward. Buscemi’s incredible performance in the film is seamless, allowing the character to blend into the world constructed by Clowes and build on the underlying sense of melancholy and alienation present throughout the film. Ultimately the addition of Buscemi’s
character only lends to the film’s overall effect, adding more conflict and turmoil for the character of Enid. Although the plot is slightly adapted, the tone and message remains as bittersweet and poetic as the original text. Ghost World both in graphic novel and in film form conveys so much unsaid through masterful dialogue and well-developed characters. Clowes and Zwigoff perfectly construct a glimpse into the lonely and obscure realm of finding oneself in a world where life is not always easy or definable demonstrating the genius and beauty of both film and graphic novel.
The Hunger Games Book by Suzanne Collins, film directed by Gary Ross Reviewed by Megan Foot As a form of punishment for a past rebellion, each of the 12 Districts within Panem must sacrifice one boy and one girl to compete in the annual “Hunger Games”; a survival event which sees only one victor. After her sister Primrose was initially chosen, Katniss volunteers to take her place, something had never been done before. Both her and the male tribute, Peeta Mellark, are escorted to the Capitol where they would prepare to stay alive in the games. Whilst competing, Katniss is faced with a range of challenges and hurdles that she is to overcome in order to stay alive. But will she be victorious in the 74th Hunger Games? Based on the book by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is a science fiction, dystopian adventure film which was released on 12th March 2012. The film was much anticipated due to the worldwide success of the trilogy which was released in 2008. The film also gained positive reviews making it successful in its adaptation, as it received four out of five stars by Digital Spy. The film is positive in the way it brings the story to life, especially how each character reflects that of Collin’s written work. Jennifer Lawrence in particular gained an array of reviews which reflected this sense of powerfulness in the way she portrayed Everdeen, with one journalist writing that Lawrence played Katniss “just as one might imagine her from the novel”. The rest of the cast also played their characters close to how Collin’s wrote them, which is one reason why so many fans of the book were won over by the film. Personally, I agree, specifically how Lawrence captured the emotion and struggles of Katniss Everdeen, which was expressed in detail in Collin’s writing. Unlike many film adaptations, the plot of The Hunger Games stays close to that of the book. Having read the book before seeing the film, I was surprised at how close the film storyline was to the written version. It makes the film all the more exciting, as you know it is authentic and not its own story. As a result, I would highly recommend this film, especially to those who have read the book and are afraid to watch the film.
Jane Eyre Book by Charlotte Bronte, film directed by Cary Fukunaga Reviewed by Rachel Cornish. Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte Bronte, is written in the first person as if Jane Eyre wrote it, telling the story of her life. She was an orphan and was cast out of by her Aunt, Mrs Reed of Gateshead. She attended a horrible school with a strict and thorough education. She then goes onto teach a girl named Adele Varens in a far-away house called Thornfield House. The master of the house is Mr. Rochester. Jane and Mr. Rochester eventually fall in love, but Jane is horrified and guttered when she finds out Mr. Rochester is already married to a crazy woman. She leaves the house, believing that marrying him would now be the same as adultery and that she would be his mistress, not his wife. When she goes away, she becomes sick and almost dies. Three people, Diana, Mary, and St. John Rivers, find her and let her live with them. There, she becomes a teacher and finds out that they are her cousins. She is very happy until St. John wants her to marry him and do missionary with him. She knows that he does not really love her and thinks she is simply useful, so she says no. However, he continues to ask her, and she is finally almost persuaded that it is her duty to marry him when she hears Mr. Rochester crying, "Jane! Jane!" She feels that something has happened to him, and quickly goes back to see him. His crazy wife had set his house on fire and died in it. Mr. Rochester, because of the fire, had become blind and wounded. Jane, now that his wife is dead, is happy to marry him, and they get married and have a son. Jane Eyre (2011) is a 2 hour film that depicts the life of Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska). The structure of the film is different to the book to give it a film touch. • Starts with her running away from the unknown Thornhill House (reasons yet to discover) • Three people, Diana, Mary, and St. John Rivers, find her and let her live with them until they can find her job • Flashbacks occur of her childhood • She becomes a teacher local to them • A thorough, fulfilling flashback of her life at Thornfield House and how her and Mr Rochester (Michael Fassbender) fall in love, but then it collapses • Returns back to life with St. John Rivers • St. John proposes to her and declares he wants her to do missionary with him. She knows that he does not really love her and thinks she is simply useful, so she says no. However, he continues to ask her • She hears Mr. Rochester crying, "Jane! Jane!" She feels that something has happened to him, and quickly goes back to see him. His crazy wife had set his house on fire and died in it. Mr. Rochester, because of the fire, had become blind and wounded. • They kiss and our engaged again! Considering it was only a 2 hour film, the director, Cary Fukunaga, does a terrific job of containing most of the main scenes. However, of course, like all films, there are some differences.
They don’t explain that they go onto having a son and that Mr Rochester’s eyesight gradually improves. They don’t mention her teacher Miss Temple who supports her at Lowood School. They don’t reveal that Diana, Mary, and St. John Rivers are her cousins So, what’s the better the film or the book? Charlotte Bronte fans will not like me saying this, but I prefer the film. The film is amazing because it shows what real, true love is: loving someone for who they are as a person, not based on appearance or wealth. If you are not a keen reader, the film is great to watch first and then read the book after since it makes it easier to understand and can fill the small gaps that are not covered in the film.
The Handmaid’s Tale Book by Margaret Attwood, film directed by Volker Schlondorff Reviewed by Megan Limburn In English Literature and Language we have been studying the novel The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. It is a dystopian novel set in 1980’s America which focuses on the story of the handmaid named “Offred”. The Republic of Gilead is the name of the city in which the novel takes place, it is run by a totalitarian government who impose their religious theocracy onto the citizens. Fertile women were taken to become Handmaids who are given to important rich men, known as commanders, in the hope of giving them suitable children and once again increasing the birth-rate. I won't go into too much detail but overall the book was good to read and had some very thought provoking messages. Atwood’s clever use of literary techniques has been fun to analyse in lessons. However it isn't the novel I want to review. I have recently watched the 1990 movie adaptation of the novel. Usually, I do not like movie adaptations of novels because in almost all cases the book is better, so right from the start I was expecting this movie to be disappointing. I was not however expecting it to me THIS bad! It was completely and utterly atrocious. I can honestly say that it is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The acting was decent but not anything to be amazed about; it strayed so far from the novel, I began to wonder if I was watching the right move and there was an unnecessary amount of nudity, profanity and random scenes, that I don't remember reading in the novel. In the movie “Offred” was called “Kate” which was the first thing to annoy me. Margaret Atwood purposely didn't include Offred's real name in the novel, she left hints at what her name possible was but there was never a mention of “Kate” in the novel anywhere! For me it was just pointless as it did nothing but veer the movie away from the source material. The anonymity of the character was what made her unique and that was just taken away in the movie. The second thing that made me hate this movie was the chronology. They had a different order of events to the novel and although the movie would make sense if you had not read the novel, I personally found it to be confusing and almost disorientating. I became frustrated as the order was chosen so that Atwood could relate it to her historical notes that are part of the end of the novel. The movie just said “to
hell with it” and threw things in a random order mixing it in with events that never even happened in the book! The third thing to ruin the movie was the ending. I don't want to give any spoilers but I will say that Atwood's original ending was ambiguous leaving the reader to interpret the fate of the main protagonist as they saw fit. It was a good ending and concluded the main narrative nicely, whereas the movie decided that it would have a more final ending which ruined the whole story and the message Atwood was trying to give in her novel. I could go on about all the topless scenes the movie added or all the unnecessary profanities or the change in the portrayal of the characters or the added scenes that weren't in the book or the change in character backstories or maybe how the directors took a massive dump all over an amazing novel. But I won't… I will say that if you haven't you should go read the book, it is well worth your time. If you have read the book avoid the movie at all costs or it will ruin your enjoyment of the novel, like it did for me! I just hope the new TV series due for release this year is much much better than the movie...
The Maze Runner Book by James Dashner, film directed by Wes Ball Reviewed by Angel Newman I read the Maze Runner books after I watched the first two films which isn’t something I usually do. I really enjoyed the films; the acting was incredible, there was a lot of action and drama and it kept you interested. After watching them I felt like I knew the storyline and could predict what would happen in the next film. However, the books proved me wrong; for me they were so much better than the movies. James Dashner creates a whole new world in the pages of his books and I felt much more involved when reading them compared to watching them. In the books you really get to relate to the different characters and learn their individual stories-which I think is important for any book or film- however there wasn’t really much focus on the individual characters in the films. Obviously the story of the main character was made clear but I like to know about everyone when I’m watching a film or reading. I don’t want to give too much away but for those of you who haven’t read or watched the Maze Runner it’s about a boy, Thomas (played by Dylan O’Brien) who wakes up in a maze that has no way of escaping. There are other boys there too and some have been there for years. When Teresa (played by Kaya Scodelario) comes along as the first girl in the maze they start to think there might be hope of escaping and they then learn secrets about their past and the world they left behind. I would definitely recommend both the books and the films to everyone as they are both incredible, but I’m glad I watched the films first because otherwise I would have been really disappointed with them based on how good the books are.
1984 Book by George Orwell, film directed by Michael Bradford Reviewed by Sami Karoui The dystopian genre is a relatively modern sphere of literature and is renowned for its outlandish, speculative classics, conveying important, but reticent notions on modern politics. It is an even harder challenge to visualise these classics - to animate them - but Bradford’s 1984 does so in an accurate manner, exuding the abject misery and corruption of the state Oceania and its populace that Orwell crafts so poignantly. The year is (unsurprisingly) 1984. This future is one where the ‘Party’ rules the proletariat, controls media, worships Big Brother, and perpetuates war to control all means of production, and the narrative follows Outer Party member Winston Smith: a man who alters the past and effaces dissidents on a daily basis. Much of the novel’s impact lies in the thoughts of Winston, his anecdotes including the disappearance of his family members, his phobic encounters, and his dismal episode with a prostitute, and to me, a key issue with most dystopian adaptation is that the individual perspective of the protagonist is wanting (take the 1990 adaptation of the The Handmaid’s Tale as an example). Yet, these profoundly melancholy introspections are reimagined outstandingly. Further, the film does not stray far from the original plot - which most adaptations seldom do. Condensed - if you are dubious of the film industry, or have read and enjoyed Nineteen Eighty-Four, I urge you to consider this fantastic revision of this timeless novel.
The Great Gatsby Book by F. Scott Fitzgerald, film directed by Baz Luhrmann Reviewed by Jake De Bono The Great Gatsby (written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925) is considered to be one of the great American classics. Through the narration of Nick Carraway, it depicts the life of one Jay Gatsby and how he pines for the girl he loved – and still loves – Daisy Buchanan. He also meets Tom Buchanan and his wife, Daisy (Nick’s cousin) along with a myriad of other characters caught in the crossfire between Gatsby and the Buchanans – eventually ending in demise for everyone it seems. The tale is one of tragedy, and brings to the forefront the failure and inaccessibility of the American Dream. And it was seemingly ahead of its time – foreshadowing the Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression. Nearly 90 years later, The Great Gatsby was brought once more back onto the big screen (directed by Baz Luhrmann in 2013.) This rendition seems to follow the story. Events seem to unfold the same way, with differences within the story –some scenes being much shorter than they are in the novel.
One main difference is the use of music – whilst set in the 1920s, you’d expect there to be old timely jazz music. However, Baz Luhrmann opted to use more contemporary music (from Beyonce, Lana Del Rey.) This was used so a modern audience could understand and connect with how the characters were having such a good time (as it reflected the modern parties) as Luhrmann felt the audience wouldn’t be able to understand if they used authentic 20s music. One addition, not in the book, is the idea after his events with Gatsby – Nick was taken to a psychiatric ward and that his writing of events is how he copes. In the book it is never explained why he writes it all down, but perhaps as a memoir – as it is obvious he has written it 2 years later when he has returned back home. Another departure is that Daisy and Gatsby’s romance is brought to the forefront – whilst it was always an integral part of the story, it felt as if The Great Gatsby was always one of romance. This idea seems to push Nick to the side of the story. In the book, Nick is caught in the cross hairs of everything that is going on – never taking direct action in the story, seemingly only looking on and observing. Even the change of Daisy’s character seems completely different, instead of very sharp and posh – caught up in the higher class luxury – she seems more kind, gentle and soft. This change makes Nick’s treatment of Daisy very confusing, as it feels more like Tom made her leave Gatsby rather than it being a decision of her own choice. Throughout the book Nick tries to take on a non-subjective and non-bias point of view. But his description of Buchanans (claiming them to be ultimately bad people) and his idolization of Gatsby shows that he ultimately cannot be non-subjective to what has happened. As the 2013 rendition is a film, it’s quite hard to show this on screen – as the audience are meant to take what they’re seeing as fact and not the subjective nature of one character. Overall, The Great Gatsby is a great novel –successfully depicting what’s wrong with society especially higher classes (unintentionally mirroring our own Modern world). It has been depicted several times in cinematic history – and every version seems to bring something new and different to the table, and whilst a departure, Luhrmann offers a very unique perspective to the tale of Gatsby.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower Book by Stephen Chbosky, film directed by Stephen Chbosky Reviewed by Olivia Mill This honest, heart breaking and endearing novel by Stephen Chbosky is the untold story of Charlie. Charlie is a wallflower, he lives his life on the sidelines looking through the glass as if watching the world on a movie screen. This is until his freshman year at school when his world is turned upside down. He meets people he never thought of meeting and he starts to see life change from black and white into bright, bursting colour. He goes to football games and parties and even has his own group of friends. This book will resonate with anyone as it did with me because of the honesty of Chbosky’s writing, this story isn't for the faint hearted. As Charlie soon realises that when you're on the other side of the glass and you're in the movie instead of watching it not all of it is easy. By opening up
himself to the world Charlie is also opening himself up to the hurt. Of the present, future, but most importantly the past. This story of Charlie is not only a coming-of-age story but also a realisation of his whole life. Friends, Family and love -what it means, who it means but most importantly do we all get the love we deserve? The characters in The Perks of Being a Wallflower are so original and so themselves I feared they may be lost in the movie but honestly being on screen made them seem even more real. The characterisation of Charlie and is so perfectly done by Logan Lerman as a relatable teen who is struggling to keep his head above water in the ever changing tide. It is a beautiful movie which will make you feel every range of emotion. I never fail to watch this movie without crying. It isn't over Hollywoodised and is a quaint, low key, indie style of film which doesn't over glamourise the life of a student but also allows the little things in life display their absolute importance. The relationships between Charlie, Sam and Patrick are displayed so perfectly from the first party they ever went to to the last time they drive down the infinity tunnel together. Another highlight of this film for me is the soundtrack which includes Bowie, The Smiths and iconic songs from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. As the stripped back cinematography is joined with the elegant characterisation and awesome sound track there is nothing not to like about this film. Inspired by the plot of Chbosky’s book I believe that the story really does come into its own on the screen with full force as nothing is being held back Charlie is a wallflower who is impossible to ignore. This film really will make you feel infinite.
The Mortal Instruments Book by Cassandra Clare, film directed by Harald Zwart Reviewed by Rebecca Legg The Mortal Instruments books series and film adaptation are equally as beautiful and gripping to read or watch. Originally only intended to be a trilogy the set of six books in Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series creates a brand new world of downworlders, mundanes, Nephilim and Heaven and Hell all placed and set in the shadows of our world in Brooklyn, New York. From City of Bones to City of Glass, we are taken through the hidden and glamoured world of the Shadowhunters - Nephilim, Children of Angels who guard our world and us from demons and those who wish to harm us. We follow the red haired, wild Clary Fray, our troubled yet strikingly beautiful battle-ready Jace Wayland who would do anything for her and Simon Lewis, a best friend, a lover, a hero, a vampire, (and on occasions a rat) whilst they battle demons, conquer love and truly save the world whilst making some heart-wrenching sacrifices. Cassandra Clare creates an immersive world that both her and her readers fall in love with so deeply that she continued her trilogy with another three books that pick up where city of glass left off, taking us through the emotional rollercoaster of City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls and finally the most beautiful, joyous and yet terribly heart-breaking final book - City of Heavenly Fire.
Throughout all six books Clary, Jace and Simon struggle through the difficulties that each must face and the strict rules of the Clave and institute (“Sed lex dura lex.” - The Law is hard, but it is the Law.) and their moral judgements. They fight alongside some extremely well created characters that, when you read this book series, will all hold an equal place in your heart. From fiery Isabelle Lightwood and her subdued and intense brother Alec. To the hilariously witty and lovable character of the High Warlock of Brooklyn, Magnus Bane. The younger Lightwood brother Max and his terrible tale, Luke Garroway (previously Lucian Greymark and his hidden secrets). Also Clary's mother Jocelyn who you both love and hate simultaneously alongside the infamous Valentine Morgenstern and countless others who make this story grow and evolve in your heart. With countless relationship struggles, with families, friends, enemies and lovers the book has lots going to that make the world of The Mortal Instruments blossom into life. Follow the characters as they fight Behemoth and Drevak demons, find the “Mortal Instruments”, find and lose the ones they love and most importantly grown into a story you will treasure for ever. The most wonderful thing about this book series is that Cassandra Clare gives her readers what they want from every book series they fall in love with. All the characters you know and love from The Mortal Instruments, or small characters previously given only a small amount of credit are taken and written into singular books or a whole new series, prequels and sequels following that character and their life and struggles and are all equally as heart-wrenching, beautiful and tragic. She gave life to Brother Zachariah through the Infernal Devices series which was written alongside the final three Mortal Instruments books and is set in London, England in the late 1800’s. This follows the puzzling, deeply saddening and wonderful story of Will Herondale, Tessa Gray and Jem Carstairs, who appear as small characters in the Mortal Instruments, but are anything but. Cassandra Clare infuses her own love of books and music through her character's devotion to the two things, from Will and Tessa’s adoration of books (“We live and breathe words. It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them.”) and Jem’s emersion in his music (“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”).The Infernal Devices has the most beautifully tragic and saddening ending that I have ever read, and it will reduce you to tears as Tessa is faced with the fear of the future she always dreaded, yet gets the most beautiful, final ending that she truly deserved for her years of suffering. Cassandra Clare also writes about Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn and their struggles as Parabatai in her newest book, Lady Midnight, the first book in the Dark Artifices trilogy. The beauty of this is how Emma is related to Jem from the infernal devices and is saved by Clary Fray in the Mortal Instruments, and her sword, Cortana is also mentioned over the series intertwining the books together in this brand-new anticipated trilogy. Finally she wrote The Magnus Bane Chronicles, the most anticipated book about our dearly loved High Warlock of Brooklyn, Magnus Bane. It's a collection of hilarious and wonderful short stories that interlink with all her other stories to give us the comedic and wonderful moments of Magnus Bane’s life right from the 1600’s until present. From stories of getting inebriated in Peru and pretending to be a cactus to meeting Will Herondale's son and the last story (my favourite) a collection of his voice mails, left from Clary, Jace, Simon, Isabelle and Alec, it’s worth every second. The Mortal Instruments is a terrific book series that is an amazingly created world that is gripping and will make you want to read the other beautiful books that all stem for the heart of the very world of Angels, Demons, Shadowhunters and Mundanes that evolved from Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments.
Non-fiction Did you know that the Library is now running a Creative Writing Group? They met for the first time just before half term and going forth will meet monthly on a Friday lunchtime in L8 (in the Library). If you would like to join you would be most welcome. In conjunction with this we have updated out creative writing collection and so if you’re interested in writing fiction, poetry, screenplays or theatre scripts then you might want to take a look at these for inspiration. Books on writing fiction can be found on shelf at 808.3
Poetry writing, on shelf at 808.1
Screenwriting, on shelf at 791.4302
Play writing, on shelf at 808.2
Film
5th Overcoming low self-esteem by Melanie Fennell – 8% (12%)
Cognitive Behavioural Technique has increasingly become the go-to self-help
The Oscars were held last Sunday but the big question each year is will these award winning films stand the test of time or are they destined to become a great answer on Pointless for films that won an Academy Award? Here we take a look at a few films from our collection which won an Oscar but perhaps have been a little bit forgotten since. On The Town, directed by Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen
Ask someone to name a Gene Kelly film and their answer will most probably be Singin’ in the Rain. However, that musical didn’t win an Oscar but this earlier collaboration with Stanley Donen did taking home the statue for Best Musical Score. Starring Frank Sinatra alongside Kelly, this tells the story of the romantic adventures of 3 sailors on 24 hour shore leave in New York. It’s set apart from many musicals of the time in that it was filmed on location in the Big Apple as opposed to recreating it in a studio.
A Man For All Seasons, directed by Fred Zinnemann
This is a film which very rarely appears on lists of greatest films of the sixties, let alone anything with a wider scope, yet it cleaned up at the 1967 Academy Awards. It took home gongs for Best Picture, Director, Actor (Paul Scofield), Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography and Costume Design! Based on real events from the court of Henry VIII, the focus is on the final years of Sir Tomas More, the Lord Chancellor who refused to support the King’s move to be named head of the Church of England.
Girl, Interrupted, directed by James Mangold
With his latest movie, Logan, due out in the coming weeks perhaps it’s worth another look at this James Mangold film from 1999. Starring Winona Ryder as a suicidal teen who is checked into a psychiatric hospital after she tries to take her own life. There she meets a roster of characters with a variety of mental health issues included Lisa played by Angelina Jolie who was awarded the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance.
Once, directed by John Carney
A low budget Irish film about the friendship and musicality between a busker and an immigrant was a thoroughly deserved winner of Best Original Song in 2008 for the sumptuous Falling Slowly. It also share some tenuous connections to the film destined to win that award this year, La La Land. Both feature a (spoiler alert!) beautifully bittersweet ending and Carney’s latest film, Sing Street, was seemingly robbed of a Best Song nomination by the decision to include two songs from Chazelle’s film.
The Big Short, directed by Adam McKay
Despite it only being a year ago that this film took home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay it seems to have somewhat been forgotten about in amongst more high profile winners such as The Revenant, Spotlight, The Danish Girl and Inside Out. This is well worth a watch though, despite the potentially dry subject matter of the 2008 global financial collapse. It has great ensemble cast lead by Oscar winners and nominees such as Christian Bale, Brad Pitt, Steve Carrell and Ryan Gosling.
Fiction Hollywood has mined the book market for stories for its films since the very early days of cinema but with the film industry garnering far more attention than the print sector, the movie viewing public can often be unaware of the story’s literary origins. So here’s a list of 5 films and the novels that inspired them, all of which can be found in our collection. Jaws by Peter Benchley
Stephen Spielberg’s classic started out in paperback form, the book itself based on interviews Peter Benchley conducted with shark fisherman Frank Mundus whilst working as a freelance journalist in the sixties. The book contains numerous sub plots not included in the film as well as slightly different characterisations of the main trio who Spielberg found too “unlikeable”. Benchley himself wrote the script for the film and even managed a cameo as a reporter.
Emma by Jane Austen
There have been numerous television and cinematic adaptations of Jane Austen’s 1815 novel but the one which you may not realise emanated from this book is the 1995 Alicia Silverstone starring film Clueless. Despite modernising the story and relocating to Beverley Hills it maintains many of the core plot developments from Austen’s book which tells of the spoilt rich girl with a penchant for playing match-maker. This July marks 200 years since Austen’s death and so Emma could be a timely read.
Drive by James Sallis
Nicolas Winding Refn’s film is so intrinsically cinematic that it’s hard to imagine it having started out in textual, especially with dialogue so economical. But it did indeed begin in novel form, based on a book by James Sallis released in 2005. Despite being active in the literary world since the 70s this was the first adaptation of one of Sallis’s novels. The film takes the cold, gritty realism of the book, one which tells of a stunt driver who performs getaway duties for criminals in the evenings.
Planet Of The Apes by Pierre Boulle
Originally published in 1963 in author Boulle’s native France this novel has spawned 8 film adaptations based around the premise of a planet where gorillas, orangutans and chimpanzees are the dominant species and humans are feral animals. Whilst many of the ideas explored in the films come from the book it is quite different in some areas including the famous film ending. In fact the book ending has more in common with the much maligned Tim Burton directed version from 2001.
Different Seasons by Stephen King
This Stephen King collection of 4 short stories is responsible for not one but three film adaptations, the most famous and successful of which is perennial greatest film of all time topper, The Shawshank Redemption. Alongside this you’ll find The Body which became Stand By Me on screen and Apt Pupil which was directed by Bryan Singer under the same name. Only The Breathing Method remains unadapted currently despite talk in 2012 of Scott Derrickson taking on the task.
FILM CHAT CLUB
Meeting fortnightly on a Thursday lunchtime in L8 to discuss films around a chosen theme. Contact 7abr1405@barton.ac.uk for more details.
Meeting fortnightly on a Tuesday lunchtime in L8 to discuss comics around a chosen theme. Contact 7abr1405@barton.ac.uk for more details.
GRAPHIC NOVEL CLUB
Comics Comics and graphic novels have been a rich source of filmic material in recent years, in 2016 films based on comics took 17% of the market share at the box office, a 10% increase from the situation in 2006. The trend shows no signs of slowing down so here are some comics which you can expect to see adapted on the big screen in the coming months and years… The Ghost In The Shell, by Masamune Shirow
This has already been adapted once as an anime in 1995 but next month sees a live action version starring Scarlett Johansson released. The story follows Public Security Section 9, a counter-cyberterrorist unit as they face their greatest threat yet. Set in a cyber-punk styled future, the manga was praised for the way in which it covers philosophy and debates around the consequences of technological advances and the nature of consciousness and identity.
Wolverine: Old Man Logan, by Mark Millar, art by Steve McNiven
At the start of March Hugh Jackman will be deploying the adamantium claws of Wolverine for one final time in the James Mangold directed Logan. Whilst it might not be borrowing much of the plot from Millar’s graphic novel it’s certainly taking the stylistics. This story finds Logan settled with a family in a post-apocalyptic future where an event has occurred so traumatic he gave up violence for good. It’s a clever (if dark) plot with some nice cameos from Marvel’s roster of characters.
Chew, by John Layman, art by Rob Guillory
One of the most brilliantly surreal comics in recent years, it’s very exciting that this is being made into an animated feature film, due for release next year. It will feature the vocal talents of Steven Yuen (Glenn from The Walking Dead) as Tony Chu, an FDA agent and cibopath (someone who can get a psychic sensation of what has happened to anything they bite) and David Tennant as his mentor Mason Savoy. They are joined by an amazing array of characters each with odd food related powers of their own.
Captain Marvel, by Kelly Sue DeConnick, art by David Lopez
While the output of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been great so far, one thing has been sorely missing, a female superhero! Yeah we’ve had Black Widow and Scarlet Witch but they’re just bit-parts in the boys’ adventures. This will soon change though with the introduction of Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, AKA Captain Marvel in 2019. The DeConnick version of the character was an excellent reinvention of the former “Ms. Marvel” into a much stronger (and more appropriately dressed) female role model.
Deadpool & Cable, by Fabian Nicieza, art by Patrick Zircher
Anyone who stayed watching to the very end of the credits of Deadpool will know that there is a sequel on its way and that that sequel will feature Cable, a long-time collaborator of the Merc with the Mouth in the comics. Cable of course is the mutant son of Cyclops and a clone of Jean Grey who has travelled back from a troubled future with the intent of making the world a better place. They have a great relationship in the comics, which is established in their first meeting detailed in this volume.
Journals In addition the books mentioned in the “Non-Fiction” section, you’ll also find some really useful and succinct advice on creative writing in amongst our journal collection. Here’s a sample of the articles available. Bluett, J. (2013) ‘Creative writing: a poem’s progress’, eMagazine, Sept (61), pp. 13-15. One great way to develop as a writer is to read about the writing processes of others. In this article Dr Jane Bluett, an English lecturer at Bilborough College, talks us through writing one of her poems, all the way from first inspiration to publication. She discusses how writing doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it is the sum of your experiences, and so stresses the importance of reading lots of poetry and talking to other poets in order to improve your work. Marszalek, A. (2016) ‘Why do we love comic characters?’, Babel, November (17), pp. 30-34. As good as you might be with coming up with story ideas, that will mean nothing unless you are adept at populating it with engaging characters, along with whom the reader will take a journey. One particular way getting your reader to react to and engage with your characters is to make them humorous. In this article Agnes Marszalek explores the language of narrative comedy and how it can be used to
create characters with whom reader enjoy spending time. With examples from Bridget Jones, Catch-22, High Fidelity and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy you’ll take a look at some of the finest examples of this writing style. Green, A. (2009) ‘Adapting Austen’, eMagazine, April (44), pp.56-59. If it is screenwriting that you are interested in then perhaps a good way in which to practice your writing technique would be in adapting a novel for the screen. That way you can concentrate solely on the medium without having to come up with plot and characters. In this interview, successful novelist and screenwriter Far Weldon talks about adapting texts, and in particular the pressure in bringing loved classics such as Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice to the screen. McCallum, A. (2012) ‘What is re-creative writing?’, eMagazine, Sept (57), pp. 41-43. Similar to the above ideas, another way of starting off writing is by taking a preexisting story and approaching it from a new angle. This is called ‘recreative writing’ and is what Andrew McCallum explores in this article. Examples of published re-creative works include Gregory Maguire’s Wicked which retells the Wizard of Oz from the witch’s perspective or Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea, a prequel to Bronte’s Jane Eyre.
Digital Resources This last half term has seen the Glyn Library team being very busy in producing topic sites on a range of current events. The last month has seen the release of not one, not two, not even three, but four brand new sites put together by the Library team which show off the variety of information available to you via our collection and beyond in relation to events and topics of interest. Links to and information on these sites can be found below… HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 27th January was Holocaust Memorial Day and so we released a site detailing information on not only the Holocaust but also other acts of genocide committed around the world since. A somber but important resource for reviewing what happened and the circumstances that allowed it to be possible for these atrocities to occur. LGBT HISTORY MONTH In February each year we mark LGBT History Month, a celebration of the culture, history and people of the LGBT community. On this site you will find resources about and by LGBT people as well a variety of digital resources which can educate those outside of the community about LGBT issues and offer support and advice for those of you within it. VALENTINE’S DAY Love was in the air a few weeks ago and so to support the amorous amongst you we put together this site which offered you links to resources which might help you express your feelings for a loved one. You had the choice of saying it with food, flowers, words or music, everything you need for that perfect romantic evening. THE OSCARS Unlike the announcement of the Best Picture winner last Sunday there’s no mistakes to be found here, just a swell of information on not only those films which were nominated for the 89th Academy Awards but also those from within out collection which have been recipients of a little golden statuette in previous years.
Your suggestions Your suggestions and recommendations continue to roll in which we heartily welcome! Below are some items we’ve got as a result of these and our responses to some that we can’t fulfil. FICTION After a request for Ally Condie’s Crossed we felt we couldn’t just order in the second part in a trilogy and so added Matched and Reached to our collection as well! One of our students is clearly keeping an eye on upcoming releases and so jotted down The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas on one of our suggestions boards. It isn’t released until April but we’ve preordered it so it should be on our shelves soon after release. We also had a request on one of the boards for more fiction. We are adding to our collection all of the time in various ways. We would welcome and recommendations you might have of titles you would like to read or perhaps genres which you feel are under represented on our shelves currently. Since the start of this academic year in September we have already added 261 books to our fiction section, many of which are new to us, some of which replaced well used older titles with nice new editions for you to devour. Standouts include Sebastian Barry’s Costa winning novel Days Without End, the amazingly titled Zombie apocalypse! Acapulcalypse now! by Alison Littlewood and Stephen King’s time-travelling drama, 11.22.63, which was recently adapted into a James Franco starring television miniseries.
NON-FICTION We always get some interesting requests for new non-fiction stock from students taking the EPQ and this year has been no different. Recent additions because of this include Modern Perspectives on Islamic Law by Black, Esmaelli and Hosen and Crime and Punishment in Islamic Law by Peters. Film students will be pleased to see the addition of Mexi-cine by Frederick Luis Aldama which will certainly help with their Latin cinema studies. At the behest of the suggestions boards we’ve also bought in Foucault’s History of Sexuality and all three volumes can now be found on shelf at 306.7 FOU. Along a similar theme, we’ve also added Boys, Sex and The Media by Crystal Smith to our collection which explores the conflicting and often damaging impressions and information thrust upon teenage boys regarding sex and sexuality by the various forms of media.
DVDs Another half-term has lapsed without any recommendations or requests for new DVDs having come in. Is this because we are already covering your desires with our own selections of the latest releases or perhaps are DVDs an antiquated medium in this age of online streaming? Let us know what you think. Expect to see on our shelves soon the BAFTA winning I, Daniel Blake from British filmmaker Ken Loach, the Oscar nominated Kubo and the Two Strings and Arrival and the latest offering from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange.