Select two films that are versions of or are in some way a response to one of the texts we read this semester. See suggestions and choices on the next page.
You will review the two films and tie them to the original story (or stories) as part of it. As you do this you’ll note and discuss meaningful differences between them, and discuss the effects of the choices made by the directors and actors. This should not be a simple cataloguing of difference, but should be making a point. Discuss how the films are achieving these effects. It is more than simply leaving out certain aspects and including others! Think about the mood, setting, casting choices, and so on. What can you discern about the director’s outlook or vision? For example, when Wide Sargasso Sea looked at Jane Eyre, it was commenting on aspects of colonialism and race.
Films and stories tend to reflect the concerns of the era in which they were made. What does each adaptation focus on? For Jekyll and Hyde, you could contrast the anxieties about science, sexuality, and morality over the decades in some versions. You could contrast the different Mr. Rochesters and how they treat Jane to examine gender. What seems to be most important in a particular version? The love story? Jane’s quest for a home? Jane’s desire to be independent? Is the atmosphere romantic or sinister? Or what does Tangled say about being a young woman compared to her character in Into the Woods and the original Rapunzel story?
If your film is more of a response to other films and stories rather than a remake, you could discuss what the conversation between the stories is saying. For example, what commentary is Ever After making about fairy tales? What is Fight Club saying about modern society and masculinity in contrast to other Jekyll and Hyde versions?
Explain your ideas throughout. You may draw on ideas from your journals, research assignments, and readings as needed. You may include images and links to clips to help explain ideas as needed, but do not let them substitute for your ideas.
Section One 50 -100 words
As a note before the review, clearly state the original story you are using and which two films you are using. Clearly state the core claim of your review (in other, words have a thesis).
Section Two 100 -150 words
Review introduction — have a snappy start! Entice your readers into the review.
State your core idea (yes, again!) as part of your introduction to the review.
Provide a very short summary of the original story, and very briefly state how the two films differ. (In the case of movies such as Shrek, Into the Woods, The Princess Bride, or The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, briefly explain how the stories are connected and how they are “versions”.)
Section Three 1400-1550 words
Explain why you selected these films.
Compare and contrast the films and the original story to back up your key point.
Section Four 100 -150 words
Conclusion. Remind the reader of your core point, and add a thought provoking closing statement. Answer the “so what?” question.
Film Choices
Fairy Tales
If you wish, you may select a fairy tale that we did not cover, but you will need to read its Sur La Lune entry, and be sure that you have two movies that include the characters.
If you chose movies such as Shrek or The Princess Bride that pull on the fairy tale tradition rather than a specific story, be sure to note which original stories and themes you see being used.
Into the Woods (choose only one version – either the 1999 Bernadette Peters version or the 2014 Meryl Streep one – be sure to specify which you picked.)
The Princess Bride (available at Netflix)
Shrek
Tangled
Ever After (available at Netflix)
Ella Enchanted
Cinderella (Disney or the 2015 version)
Pick these two together:
Beauty and the Beast (Disney 1991)
Beauty and the Beast (Cocteau 1946) Available through via Amazon Instant video
You would also need to read the Sur La Lune entry for the story. HYPERLINK “http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/beautybeast/index.html” http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/beautybeast/index.html
Others of your choice – must be instructor approved
Jane Eyre
There are many versions of Jane Eyre in addition to Wide Sargasso Sea. Select two Jane Eyres or one Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea. If you include Wide Sargasso Sea, please comment on both the book and the film as well as a film Jane Eyre and the book Jane Eyre.
Jekyll and Hyde
There are many Jekyll and Hyde versions. Select two or select one and one of the following:
Mary Reilly
Fight Club
The Nutty Professor
The Incredible Hulk
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Others of your choice – must be instructor approved
Resources:
HYPERLINK “http://www.imdb.com/” http://www.imdb.com/
HYPERLINK “http://www.rottentomatoes.com/” http://www.rottentomatoes.com/
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