With reference to both visual and narrative elements, and to
both the novel and the film, discuss the change in theme that
results from the director's rewriting of the author's text.
*Note: An argument that the theme remains the same is
inadequate. Focus on detecting and explicating the differences. If
you believe that a dominant theme is retained, then other themes
must have been diminished or eliminated in order to present that
theme within the narrower scope of a film presentation. Your essay,
then, will explore those issues that have been erased. You can
discuss their function in the novel and the ways in which the
director has compensated for their removal in the film.
OR
Identify a binary opposition in the text.
Explain how different coding of the oppositional elements reveals two cultural mythologies in operation: one the author's and the other the director's.
or
Explain how one text reinforces the cultural myth while the other resists it.
Content
1200-1500 words (3.5-5 double-spaced, word-processed
pages)
a comparison of the director's interpretation and the author's
vision
clear, precise identification of themes (choice a) or cultural
mythologies (choice b)
a solidly argued discussion of the author's techniques and
choices in the novel
a solidly argued discussion of the director's techniques and
choices
argument supported with correctly-referenced quotations from
both novel and movie
quotations developed with thoughtful discussion
Formatting
use plain white 8.5 x 11 paper
essay, quotations, and reference list formatting must follow
McCrae Style Guide
do not create a separate title page: include your last
name in the header line with the page number (note: if you do not
know how to create a header in a word processing document, make an
appointment with me for a quick lesson.)
Submission of completed project in a two-pocket portfolio or
file folder
two copies of completed essay
drafts and notes (brainstormings, musings, doodles, and
scribblings)
worksheets from interviews
original annotated reference list
revised annotated reference list attached at the end of the
essay
include the entries from original list, corrected if
necessary
include entries for novel, movie, and additional sources you
have used in preparing the essay
