Tackling Classics: Book-to-film Adaptations
Have you ever come across a classic or a really thick but book that you want to read but haven’t found a way to tackle it? Here are some recommendations from the ambassadors – books that have made a splash on the silver screen. Not only is it a good cinematic experience for you to watch each of these films, but it might also be helpful as a guide to reading the text and improving your English and knowledge on a few classical novels.
Sense and Sensibility (Director: Ang Lee – 1995)
A classic take on Jane Austen’s novel by award-winning director Ang Lee, with Emma Thompson as the screenwriter. Austen’s novels portray how the gentlewomen in the late 18th century deal with the dependence on marriage, as well as changes in the social standing of the gentry. As she wrote in the 18th century, her style of writing and language may be a bit difficult to comprehend for the contemporary audience. This movie, considered one of the best Austen adaptations, might help you get through the plot and deepen your understanding with visuals. Moreover, Thompson had given a modern twist to the movie by changing the male suitors’ characters to better suit the modern view. If you think Austen is too hard to read, watch the movie first and you might just be give the Dashwoods another go in text.
To Kill a Mockingbird (Director: Robert Mulligan – 1962)
Starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, this movie swept the Academy Awards when it was released. The story deals with many complex themes, such as morality and social inequality through Atticus representing Tom Robinson (an African American) and the Finch children’s growth. The movie combines the moral lessons by Atticus and merges it into the plot, then presents it through the amazing portrayals of the characters by the ensemble. The themes, which may be a little difficult to master when in paper, might become more understandable when translated onto the screen. Whether you have read the book or not, the movie is worth diving into as an introduction or a conclusion to your journey with Harper Lee.
Great Expectations (Director: David Lean – 1946)
In a previous article, we have introduced Charles Dickens as not only a great novelist, but an accomplished orator as well. Thus, to better appreciate both of his talents, a movie might help you to get through the streets of Victorian England and have a glimpse of how hard life could be. Again, this movie received various Oscar nominations and wins when it was released. Lean made sure to follow the storyline very closely and brought characters and setting to life in telling the story of Pip, following him through the fortunes and misfortunes of his life. The numerous characters may be hard to keep track of, especially when the book is quite thick and most of the characters undergo significant change in the span of time. The movie might just as well be a handy reading companion for you.
Apart from these movies, there are many excellent book-to-film adaptations for you to discover. Reading classic novels, and appreciating them from a movie’s perspective, would improve your language skills and move you up the ladder of English learning.
