Fiction Adaptation: Types of Adaptation & Relevant Examples

In today's lesson we went through examples of how texts have been adapted in newer versions. Below are three examples which we went through:

Sherlock Holmes (Conventional Adaptation: Television)

The Scarlet Claw (1944)

The Sherlock Holmes series is a prime example of how an original text becomes adapted. For example, The Scarlet Claw (1944) was one of the first Holmes movies to be released which however will be adapted from the series of books. After reading a short piece of a Holmes book then watching a piece of this film, it is evident how the film has been adapted. It is generally more intensifying than the books due to the film being shorter than a book. You can argue that the characters of Holmes and Watson control their homage as to what you would expect from the book, similar to the miss-en-scene.

However, a newer series of Sherlock was created around 40 years after (in the 1980s) - something much more modern therefore will have been adapted substantially. Nonetheless, I decided to look at the episode Scandal in Bohemia, created in 1984. There were immediate differences which is likely due to the progression in time. Nonetheless, there is now a narrator which in a way is unconventional. There is also a large increase in

A Scandal in Bohemia (1984)

female characters and their dominance - this may be because of the change in gender politics however it isn't quite balanced yet.

The series nonetheless has the same narrative structure: the problem which is solved by Sherlock, thus keeping its originality. However as this is a series it is now aired on television instead - this generally makes the narrative a lot shorter and faster due to the shorter airing times. There are also a few minor differences which too is expected due to the series being produced and directed by different people.

Sherlock series 2 (2012)

Moving on, the newest series of Sherlock (2012) too has been adapted to suit the post-modernised audience. There too is an even more increase in female dominance - to an extent where females are the villains and can NEARLY outside Sherlock himself. There is a diverse use of the camera compared to the old television series: it has changed from long still shots to shots which flow the narrative better i.e. panning and tracking. Soundtracks are also used to enhance this flow, thus highlighting how the modern series is a lot more technically adapted.

Comedic Adaptation (Film 'paraody)

Whilst on the topic of Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey Jr made a arguably successful adaptation of the known series. However, this adaptation is more-a-less a parody - Downey adapted the series to his iconic comedic style. The film sticks to the traditional mise-en-scene and plot structure however he has characterised both Sherlock and his partner Wilson to be represented in a way less 'serious' and instead more entertaining and humorous.

Compared to the first image, you can instantly understand the adaptation
between the original and new Sherlock Holmes

Pastiche (Atonement - Elegy for Dunkirk: Revisiting the past)

Taken from the film 'Atonement', the scene is immediately nostalgic as it is re-visiting the end of world war II. You can argue that the way it has been adapted is rather successful mainly because it is filmed in one shot (and isn't edited) - you gain this sense of security and almost emerge yourself into the film, picturing exactly how the second war may have been. This sense of attachment furthermore adds emotion which too is reinforced from the soundtrack. You can also tell that you are revisiting the past due to the lighting effect (sort of dusky-pink tone) - giving you the impression that it is a flashback. Therefore, this is a prime example of how the shooting style can help influence an adaptation to make it seem more relatable and emotive for the audience.