Fiction Adaptation: Essay Progress

The 'Gatsby' (2013) Cast

Changes To Question Choice

In regards to what question I initially chose (the first one), I've decided to instead choose the third one. They both show quite large similarities however I feel that I can explore more in depth a balanced argument for the last question. For example, I could tackle what exactly makes the adapted version 'honest' compared to the original, as well as exploring whether the original text could even be honest itself.

Nonetheless, I've begun outlining some ideas which I could use to structure my essay, which you can see below:

Points For The Essay

Firstly, I was planning on defining what fiction adaptation is exactly, by referring to quotations from relevant books. This could then lead into the significance of what the integrity of the original text may be - introducing the basics of the Gatsby series and what the audience are likely to expect from a general perspective.

As the question focuses mainly on an argument with the integrity of the adaptations, I was thinking on instead creating a debate on how it is difficult to define this 'integrity', judging from the original. This is mainly because the book consists of a narrator of the main character Nick - there isn't someone telling the story from an outside perspective. This arguably makes the book seem biased as we only mainly learn Nick's opinions and emotions throughout - we might not've been told the whole story as it's his perspective, thus challenging the originality of the book.

Moving on, I'm also planning on exploring more in depth by comparing the script for the newest film (2013) with the book itself. To see exactly whether the book's integrity has been altered for the film, then tackling why this may've been changed and concluding if it has been infringed.

Throughout the essay, I plan to explore the intentions as to why any infringements may've been made. This will lead into a discussion between the different audiences: the modernist audience vs post-modernism vs the 'post post' modernism (as the last film was only last year).

Nonetheless, there are also many points which represent the originality throughout the films. This discussion could focus on the character's homage, symbolism  and semiotics portrayed from the book. I could even try and incorporate how psychoanalysis may play a part which too can link to whether people think the infringement of the original text may've been evident or not. This will be backed up by quotations (as well as all other theoretical points) and I will explore this more in depth on my blog.

Whilst referring to the audience, I may also explore the uses and gratifications theory - how this adaptation may be used to benefit audience needs.

Other key points for discussion could be:

    - The use of a modernised soundtrack in the latest film. Used for drama? The director's avant grade?
      Or to reinforce the difference in audiences.
    - Comparison between the script for the film and the book (question 3)
    - Argue how Nick as the narrator in the book may influence the integrity of the film, as its biased and
      only has one viewing aspect.
    - Modernised soundtrack in latest film - argue against or alternatively used to adapt to the modern |
      audience
    - Hypodermic needle: we are 'injected' from the film that the time the film was set in was full of
      parties, alcohol, deception etc. However not explored as much in the book.
    - Desensitisation theory?
   - Criticism of the 1974 film - has this ruined the originality of the book? Why wasn't it good?

Potential Problem: Weakness with the second Film (1974)

As I've begun to plan through this essay, I've noticed that I'm focusing mainly on the book and the last film, instead of much reference to the 1974 film as planned. This means that I may not keep a balanced discussion with all three texts, thus making my essay seem weak in a way if I don't keep this balance. Therefore, I have decided to focus just on the book and the last film, however use the other film as an assistance for examples, etc when it is needed. For example, to reinforce a point about the film and vice versa.