Films from Literature ENG 2400 Spring 2024 0565 Toggle navigation

Essay 4: two films from pre-existing short stories

Try to creatively combine the two stories when you get to the end of one, then start of the other, with phrases like “In contrast” or, “On the other hand”: The common thread is they are both films made from short stories. One is a very traditional movie, the other is very untraditional… Due by or before the next-to-last class. It’s a Wonderful Life is often appreciated as a heartwarming, inspirational story whose message is that each person makes a difference to so many others’ lives.　 Yet there are some critics who argue that the story shows a pessimistic view:　 If George Bailey had not existed, it seems everyone in Bedford Falls has ended up dead, drunk, angry, or alone.　 What is your opinion of this story’s message? Also, briefly explain what type of short story treatment (concentration, interweaving, or point-of-departure) was used and if you feel the changes improved on the original. The short story is a brief fiction written in prose that includes the same narrative elements found in the novel and the novella. Typically, the short story has fewer scenes and fewer characters than either the novel or the novella. Filmmakers intent on adapting a short story to a feature film face a unique challenge. They must add narrative elements or expand already existing ones to develop and lengthen the story to fit the average running time of the feature film. The filmmaker can expand the story using one or more of the following three strategies:

1.  The concentration strategy, in which the filmmakers keep most of the narrative elements from the short story but concentrate them at the beginning, middle, or end of the film and then add a new story.
2.  The interweaving strategy, in which the filmmakers keep most of the elements of narrative from the short story, disperse them throughout the film (although not necessarily in their original order), and interweave either new elements or expansions of existing ones.
3. The point-of-departure strategy, in which the filmmakers drop most of the narrative elements from the short story; keep perhaps the plot premise, a character’s name, or just the title; and use these elements as a point of departure.

2001: A Space Odyssey is filled with unanswered questions:　 What is the monolith that keeps reappearing?　 Why is Dave so aged when he lands?　 Why is he in a room with elegant, traditional furniture?　 What is the meaning of the “Star child” that appears at the conclusion? Explain your interpretation of these enigmas. Also, briefly explain what type of story treatment (concentration, interweaving, or point-of-departure) was used and if you feel the changes improved on the original. It is always interesting to contrast the films with their short story sources, yet this time your task is different. As always, try to use cinematic terms: point of view, narration, slow-motion, anything you can use….