7.2 Rewriting and adaptation
5 min read•august 20, 2024
Rewriting and adaptation breathe new life into existing stories. Authors and filmmakers update classics, reimagine characters, and explore fresh themes. These creative processes allow for modernization, diverse perspectives, and cultural relevance.
Adaptations across media present unique challenges and opportunities. From novel to film, stage to screen, or video game to TV, each transition requires careful consideration of the new medium's strengths and limitations.
Rewriting vs adaptation
- Rewriting involves creating a new version of an existing story, often with significant changes to characters, plot, or themes
- Adaptation involves translating a story from one medium to another, such as from a novel to a film or stage play
- Both rewriting and adaptation allow for creative and exploration of existing works in new contexts
Purposes of rewriting
Updating classic stories
Top images from around the web for Updating classic stories
Helge Scherlund's eLearning News: Mathematician Sophie Germain Defied Gender Roles & A New ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Pride and Prejudice (Manga Classics) – Jill's Book Blog View original
Is this image relevant?
Picturebook Adaptations of Aesop Fables: An Analysis of Morrison and Pinkney’s Adaptations of ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Helge Scherlund's eLearning News: Mathematician Sophie Germain Defied Gender Roles & A New ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Pride and Prejudice (Manga Classics) – Jill's Book Blog View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Updating classic stories
Helge Scherlund's eLearning News: Mathematician Sophie Germain Defied Gender Roles & A New ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Pride and Prejudice (Manga Classics) – Jill's Book Blog View original
Is this image relevant?
Picturebook Adaptations of Aesop Fables: An Analysis of Morrison and Pinkney’s Adaptations of ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Helge Scherlund's eLearning News: Mathematician Sophie Germain Defied Gender Roles & A New ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Pride and Prejudice (Manga Classics) – Jill's Book Blog View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Modernizing settings, language, or cultural references to make a story more relatable to contemporary audiences
- Addressing outdated or problematic elements of the original work (gender roles, stereotypes)
- Introducing new perspectives or interpretations that resonate with current social, political, or cultural issues
Reimagining characters or plots
- Exploring alternate outcomes or "what if" scenarios that diverge from the original story
- Developing minor characters or subplots in greater depth, offering new insights into their motivations and experiences
- Combining elements from multiple source texts to create a unique narrative (mashups, crossovers)
Exploring new themes
- Using the framework of an existing story to examine contemporary issues or ideas (environmentalism, social justice)
- Highlighting themes that may have been overlooked or underrepresented in the original work
- Subverting or challenging the themes of the source material to offer a critical or contrasting perspective
Adaptation across media
Novel to film adaptations
- Condensing and streamlining the plot to fit the constraints of a feature-length film
- Visualizing characters, settings, and events described in the text through casting, set design, and special effects
- Examples: "Pride and Prejudice" (2005), "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy (2001-2003)
Stage to screen adaptations
- Expanding the scale and scope of the story beyond the limitations of a theatre stage
- Adapting theatrical conventions (monologues, soliloquies) for a cinematic context
- Examples: "Fences" (2016), "Hamilton" (2020)
Video game adaptations
- Translating interactive gameplay mechanics and player agency into a linear narrative structure
- Developing the visual style and aesthetics of the game world for a film or television format
- Examples: "Assassin's Creed" (2016), "The Witcher" (2019-)
Fidelity in adaptation
Strict vs loose adaptations
- Strict adaptations aim to faithfully reproduce the plot, characters, and themes of the source material with minimal changes
- Loose adaptations take greater creative liberties, often diverging significantly from the original work in terms of story and style
- The degree of can impact how an adaptation is received by fans and critics
Fan expectations and reactions
- Fans of the source material may have strong opinions about how faithfully an adaptation should adhere to the original work
- Deviations from the source material can be met with backlash or accusations of "ruining" the original
- Successful adaptations often balance fidelity to the spirit of the original with creative innovations that justify the adaptation's existence
Rewriting and intertextuality
Allusions and references
- Incorporating subtle nods or Easter eggs that acknowledge the source material or other related works
- Using familiar quotes, imagery, or musical cues to evoke associations with the original text
- Examples: "The Lion King" (1994) drawing parallels to "Hamlet", "Bridget Jones's Diary" (2001) referencing "Pride and Prejudice"
Parody and satire
- Exaggerating or mocking the conventions, tropes, or clichés of a particular genre or work for comedic effect
- Using humor to critique or comment on the themes, values, or assumptions of the source material
- Examples: "Scary Movie" franchise (2000-2013), "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" (2016)
Homage and tribute
- Paying respect to an influential work or creator by emulating their distinctive style, techniques, or storytelling approaches
- Celebrating the enduring impact and legacy of a classic text through reverent imitation or adaptation
- Examples: "Star Wars" (1977) paying homage to Akira Kurosawa's "The Hidden Fortress" (1958), "Stranger Things" (2016-) as a tribute to 1980s sci-fi and horror films
Cultural significance of rewriting
Rewriting and representation
- Updating or reimagining stories to include more diverse or inclusive representation of characters and experiences
- Challenging dominant narratives or stereotypes by centering marginalized perspectives and voices
- Examples: "The Wiz" (1978) featuring an all-Black cast, "The Mists of Avalon" (1983) retelling Arthurian legend from a feminist perspective
Rewriting and diversity
- Promoting greater cultural diversity by adapting stories from underrepresented communities or traditions
- Introducing audiences to new storytelling forms, styles, or perspectives from around the world
- Examples: "Coco" (2017) celebrating Mexican culture and folklore, "Mulan" (2020) adapting a Chinese legend for a global audience
Rewriting and social commentary
- Using the framework of familiar stories to address contemporary social, political, or cultural issues
- Recontextualizing classic texts to offer new insights or critiques relevant to modern audiences
- Examples: "The Handmaid's Tale" (2017-) as a commentary on gender oppression, "Watchmen" (2019) exploring themes of racism and police brutality
Controversies in rewriting
Accusations of plagiarism
- Failing to properly credit or acknowledge the source material or original creators
- Reproducing substantial portions of the original work without permission or attribution
- Examples: "Yolanda and the Thief" (1945) accused of plagiarizing "Carnival in Flanders" (1935), "Kimba the White Lion" (1965) and "The Lion King" (1994)
Disrespect to source material
- Making changes that fundamentally alter or undermine the themes, characters, or intentions of the original work
- Adapting sacred texts or cultural traditions in ways that are seen as inappropriate, offensive, or disrespectful
- Examples: "Exodus: Gods and Kings" (2014) criticized for whitewashing biblical figures, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (2010) accused of misrepresenting Asian cultures
Rewriting and cultural appropriation
- Adapting stories from marginalized cultures without proper understanding, context, or representation
- Profiting from or exploiting the cultural heritage of underrepresented communities without permission or reciprocity
- Examples: "The Last Samurai" (2003) perpetuating the "white savior" trope, "Peter Pan" (1953) and its stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans
Notable examples of rewriting
Modern retellings of myths
- "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" (2000) as a loose adaptation of Homer's "Odyssey" set in the Great Depression-era American South
- "The Song of Achilles" (2011) reimagining the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in Greek mythology
- "Circe" (2018) exploring the life and motivations of the titular goddess from a feminist perspective
Reimagined fairy tales
- "Wicked" (1995) retelling "The Wizard of Oz" from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West
- "Maleficent" (2014) offering a sympathetic backstory for the villainous fairy from "Sleeping Beauty"
- "The Bloody Chamber" (1979) collection by Angela Carter, featuring subversive and feminist reinterpretations of classic fairy tales
Contemporary takes on classics
- "Clueless" (1995) as a modern-day adaptation of Jane Austen's "Emma" set in Beverly Hills
- "10 Things I Hate About You" (1999) reimagining Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" in a high school setting
- "Bridget Jones's Diary" (1996) as a contemporary romantic comedy loosely based on "Pride and Prejudice"
Key Terms to Review (18)
Adaptation Theory: Adaptation theory refers to the study of how works, particularly literature and film, are transformed from one medium to another while retaining or altering their core themes and messages. This concept emphasizes the creative processes involved in reinterpreting original texts and exploring how adaptations can change the audience's understanding of the source material.
Ang Lee: Ang Lee is a Taiwanese-American filmmaker known for his versatile storytelling and mastery in adapting literary works into films. He gained international acclaim for his unique ability to blend different genres and cultures, often exploring complex themes such as identity, family, and the human experience.
Audience reception: Audience reception refers to the way in which an audience interprets and reacts to a piece of literature, film, or any form of media. This concept highlights the active role of the audience in making meaning from texts and emphasizes how individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, and social contexts influence their understanding and enjoyment of a work. It plays a critical part in rewriting and adaptation as it shapes how new versions or interpretations are crafted to resonate with different audiences.
Critical analysis: Critical analysis is the process of evaluating and interpreting a text to uncover its deeper meanings, themes, and implications. This involves breaking down the elements of the work, examining their relationships, and understanding how they contribute to the overall message or purpose. It allows for a comprehensive understanding of rewriting and adaptation by highlighting how new interpretations can reshape original narratives.
Cultural Appropriation: Cultural appropriation refers to the act of taking or using elements from one culture by members of another culture, often without permission or understanding, and usually in a context that strips those elements of their original meaning. This phenomenon can lead to exploitation, commodification, and misrepresentation of marginalized cultures while raising questions about power dynamics and the impact on cultural identity.
Fan fiction: Fan fiction is a genre of writing where fans create their own stories based on existing characters, settings, or narratives from popular works of literature, film, or television. This type of writing often explores alternative plotlines, character development, or relationships that may not be present in the original work, showcasing the creativity and engagement of fans with the source material.
Fidelity: Fidelity refers to the faithfulness or accuracy with which a text, story, or concept is represented or adapted from its original source. This concept plays a crucial role in understanding how adaptations can preserve the essence and meaning of the original work while potentially introducing new interpretations or changes.
Film adaptation: A film adaptation is the process of transforming a written work, such as a novel, short story, play, or comic book, into a feature film or television show. This often involves reinterpreting the source material to fit the visual and narrative style of cinema, which may include changes to characters, plotlines, and themes to better suit the medium of film.
Graphic novel: A graphic novel is a book-length work of fiction or nonfiction that tells a story through a combination of sequential art and text. This format allows for complex narratives and character development, utilizing visual storytelling to enhance themes and emotions. Graphic novels can take on various genres, including memoir, fantasy, and historical fiction, often blurring the lines between traditional literature and comic art.
Intertextuality: Intertextuality refers to the relationship between texts, where one text influences or is referenced in another, creating a web of connections that enriches meaning. This concept highlights how texts are not isolated works but rather part of a larger dialogue that includes allusions, adaptations, and shared themes across different forms of literature and media.
Novelization: Novelization is the process of transforming a screenplay or a script into a novel, often to expand on the story and provide additional depth to characters and settings. This technique allows authors to explore themes, internal thoughts, and background details that may not have been fully developed in the original film or television show, providing a richer narrative experience for readers.
Pastiche: Pastiche is a literary or artistic work that imitates the style or character of other works, often combining various elements from different sources. This blending can create a sense of homage or parody, allowing creators to explore and comment on the original works they draw from. Pastiche serves as a way to reflect on the influences of past works while often blurring the lines between original creation and imitation.
Postmodernism: Postmodernism is a literary and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a general skepticism toward grand narratives and ideologies, embracing fragmentation, playfulness, and self-referentiality. This approach often breaks down traditional forms and structures in literature and art, leading to diverse styles and an exploration of meaning in a complex, globalized world.
Recontextualization: Recontextualization is the process of taking a text or idea from one context and placing it into a different setting, allowing for new interpretations and meanings to emerge. This shift often involves altering the original message or purpose, making it relevant to contemporary audiences or different cultural backgrounds. It plays a crucial role in rewriting and adaptation, as it helps in transforming existing narratives while retaining their core elements.
Reinterpretation: Reinterpretation is the process of examining and presenting a text, idea, or cultural artifact in a new light or perspective, often altering its meaning or significance. This can occur through rewriting, adaptation, or critical analysis, and is essential in understanding how narratives evolve over time as they are reshaped by different contexts, audiences, and intentions.
Remediation: Remediation is the process through which one medium or form of expression is transformed into another, often incorporating elements from the original while adapting to a new context. This concept highlights how different forms of media can borrow from and reshape one another, allowing for new interpretations and experiences.
Spike Jonze: Spike Jonze is an American filmmaker, photographer, and director known for his innovative storytelling and unique visual style. His work often blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, making significant contributions to contemporary cinema through both original projects and adaptations, particularly in how stories are reinterpreted for the screen.
Transposition: Transposition refers to the process of transforming a piece of work into a different medium, form, or context while retaining its essential elements. This can involve changes in narrative structure, character development, or thematic focus, allowing the original material to resonate with new audiences or fit within different artistic frameworks.