As a movie buff with a deep love for literature and a rich background of school visits and interactions with young readers, I’ve often found myself in heated debates about the value of film adaptations versus their source material. With this week marking the release of the animated adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s beloved classic “Kensuke’s Kingdom,” I can’t help but reflect on the complex relationship between books and films.
This article first appeared in TopMob magazine.
As a movie critic, I’m excited to share that this week marks the arrival of the animated adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s cherished novel, “Kensuke’s Kingdom.” This captivating tale follows a young boy stranded on an island after a shipwreck. The book has been a beloved classic for generations. I’ve had the privilege of watching the film’s premiere, and Sir Michael Morpurgo himself has expressed his admiration for the stunning animation.
During school visits, I’m often asked about the significance of introducing classic book adaptations to children through movies or TV shows. Does this visual representation aid them in understanding the text better? Or does it hinder their ability to form their unique responses to the literature? I’m supposed to take a stance, and as the newly appointed Children’s Laureate in the UK, my duty is to champion the importance of books and reading. However, let me assure you that both perspectives hold merit in their own right.
Certain movies, such as Jaws, The Godfather, and The 39 Steps, surpass their original sources in every aspect. At times, film adaptations uncover profound, straightforward universal themes hidden beneath layers of dialogue.
Disney’s Pinocchio raises the question of what makes a good person, while Carlo Collodi’s original story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of industrialization in Italy during its unification. Instead of making a wish at a star, Pinocchio ends up harming a cricket in the retelling.
Although John Masefield’s “Box of Delights” may have an unsatisfying ending (as it turns out, it was all a dream), the BBC’s 1984 adaptation is so captivating and delightful that countless individuals – myself included – find themselves re-watching it during every Advent season.
The Wizard of Oz is known for its themes of home and friendship, but the original novel by L. Frank Baum contains unexpected references to American monetary policy. For instance, the yellow brick road symbolizes the gold standard, while Dorothy’s silver slippers can be interpreted as a representation of cash devaluation. I may have exaggerated the excitement a bit in my previous explanation.
The book’s movie adaptation wasn’t widely regarded as a classic until it was broadcast on television. Initially, the production company considered omitting the song “Over the Rainbow.” However, the story underwent a transformative journey, shedding excess elements and ultimately emerging more captivating.
Having had the extraordinary privilege of being part of the writing team for two significant events in Her Majesty the Queen’s life, I can honestly say that my experiences have left me in awe and deeply humbled. The first time was when we crafted Paddington Bear’s heartfelt words of gratitude during his appearance at the Platinum Jubilee celebration. It was a surreal moment as we watched this beloved bear character, who had captured the hearts of generations, expressing sentiments that resonated with us all.
A fantastic film or TV version of a book can overshadow its original source. For instance, not many people read L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz nowadays. As for PL Travers’ Mary Poppins books, I’m not certain they’re widely read – but they deserve to be. They are significantly funnier, edgier, and more unpredictable than the Disney adaptation. Even more so than Dick Van Dyke’s peculiar accent in the movie.
An effective movie clarifies or even enhances complex ideas, but here’s the challenge: some quirks or intricacies can hinder understanding and add confusion. However, these very elements are what make us human. That’s where literature shines; it offers intricate narratives that engage our minds and emotions.
Anyone can pen down books. If you were to compile a list of the ten most influential books throughout history, it’s likely that half of them were penned by individuals who lived under oppressive circumstances – imprisonment, hiding, or slavery. It is even hypothesized that Aesop, the renowned fable writer, was once a slave himself. Books have the unique ability to preserve and amplify voices from all walks of life.
The films of The Lord of the Rings, Mary Poppins, and The Wizard of Oz are magnificent artistic creations. However, their flawlessness can seem impersonal. It’s in the imperfections of these stories that we detect the frustrating, endearing, absurdly human element. When we watch a brilliant movie, we connect deeply with the story. When we read a book, we engage with another mind and spirit.
Kensuke’s Kingdom is released in UK cinemas on 2nd August 2024.
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2024-07-23 17:04