Movie Season
“From words to pictures.� - Novels that have been made in to films -
Movie Season
Types of ‘page to screen’ films. Literal adaptation
Key narrative
Interpretation
Interpolation
The novel or book is translated as is. For the most part, all characters, events and the narrative is exactly as it appears in the novel.
Although the film remains true to the novel in terms of characters and events, not every part is included, summarising the plot for more entertaining viewing.
The film writers and director creatively interprets the film how they personally see it, or to a particular style or mood they want to create, or technique they want to use.
The writers and/or director lifts ideas from the novel, but most original details are imprecise or hint at the book’s narrative, while new plot devices, events and characters are added.
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
Film relates directly to novel, more realistic and true to what came first.
Doesn’t always make for great viewing. The novel will almost always play out longer than a synopsized motion picture.
‘Feature length’, enjoyable to watch An interesting, creative approach while still relating back to the novel. makes entertaining viewing. Those who haven’t read the novel enjoy anyway.
Some details from the book will be left out. Avid readers notice jumps or gaps in the film.
Critics or book lovers often think the films should remain true to the book, as not to ruin them, especially ‘classics’.
Often a ‘new’ story is created. Great films can be made from vague associations to novels.
Those expecting a likeness of the book would be disappointed. Mixing original and created plots can cause for confusing viewing.
Movie Season
Specific areas to look in to. ‘Pre-cinema’ novels
Novel unkown
Re-invented
Films that are based on novels that were written in a time before universal film and video, so are solely adapted to film.
Successful or popular films that Children’s classics or great literary aren’t commonly known to be based works created for on-screen on an original novel. entertainment.
Examples
Examples
• Dracula, 1982 based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel of the same name.
• The Godfather, 1972 not commonly known to be based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name
• Alice In Wonderland, 1951 based on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, 1865
• Fight Club, 1999 Chuck Palahniuk wrote the novel in 1962
• Sherlock Holmes, 2009 based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novels from 1887
• James Bond films, 1962-2009 adapted from Ian Fleming’s novels, 1953-1966
Examples
• Lord Of The Rings, 2001-03, from on J.R.R.Tolkien’s novels • Romeo and Juliet (Baz Luhrmann’s), 1996 interpreted from Shakespeare’s 16th century writings
Problems These areas are concentrating the production and the ‘how’, rather than specifying genres, so they are varying, and hard to work as a set or series.
Movie Season
Set of idents. Film & genre selection
Imagery & look
So far, I have come across a vast amount of films based on novels. I need to The films may end up not being hugely similar, but the colour palette, type, find commonalities within styles or genres to create a set of five idents on movements and general feel of the idents should match, as to tell they are the same theme. all of the series.
Movie Season
Design approach opportunities. Typography
Static imagery
Great opportunity to turn written words in to typographic design.
Either from the films or external images that fit the film.
Movie Season
Summary of intention. • Produce five ten-second idents promoting a season of films that are adapted from novels. • Typography will most likely feature heavily in the idents, along with static imagery. Stop motion is also a possibility to add movement without video. • I will be promoting the fact that the chosen films were originally books, concentrating on a more specific area that I need to identify.