Literature into film: Case studies in adaptation strategies (original) (raw)

This paper discusses the process involved in adapting literary works for the big screen. A number of case studies explores the strategies that are involved in carrying out this complex task, among which condensing and expanding descriptions, dialogues and events, adding dramatic action and using mise-en-scène to highlight character description, managing points of view, shifting time sequences, changing narrative structure and reader/viewer expectations. Some external factors impacting on adaptations, like different cultural contexts of reception and the influence of censorship, are also discussed. A companion paper, “From book to screen: The process of adaptation”, is also available at Academia.edu