Thursday, December 16, 2010

'The Adaptation'

Constantly I am surprised at the film Industries idea of adaptation. I am in the midst of reading 'Under the Tuscan Sun' by Frances Mayes. I have had the DVD in my collection for many years and I consider it one of my favourites, however I am always disappointed by the lack of accuracy.

Although some characters have been changed and the true recollections of Frances have been romanticized, I now look at one of my favourite films in a new light. I see how much differs from the book and I sigh. I am not oblivious to the time constraints of film or the demands to make a narrative marketable, but I wish that some books could be adapted without too many changes.

Frances' journey was not as easy as portrayed in the film and she was already in her relationship before buying 'Bramasole' which differs from the film. It is clear that to have your book adapted to the big screen would be wonderful, so I guess there must be sacrifices for success.

My opinion is that some stories are drastically altered to be marketable to the viewer; I guess it is like editing. Publishers edit books to make them marketable. Obviously film companies do to.

How much of the true story has to be cut before making the film version?

I open the title page of my secondhand copy and I am excited at the prospect of reliving Tuscany's light; there on the page lies a tribute from a daughter to her Dad:
Dear Dad,
Auguri e buon Natale.
With best wishes, Anthony and Ana Maria
Christmas 1997

Don't you just love picking up a book that has a past?

It is within these written lines, a story becomes possible for adaptation. I wish the whole story could be told!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

'Holiday Inspiration'

A new view, brings with it the inspiration to write. What is it with a change of environment that sparks creativity? It may have been the fresh ocean air or the superb view but I am spurting out ideas from all depths of my mind. It has helped break that deadlock you feel when it has been a busy year of studies.

There are many things that contributed to this burst of excitement; the prospect of new worlds; the amazing relaxation you feel when you have arrived at that one destination that hits your soul. You can breathe from the inner parts of your lungs and exhale the words needed to create your next piece of work.

I am revived and ready to spend the break exploring and discovering where my ideas take me. I want to read all those books on my shelves, walk in the gardens, and most of all, write my next story.

To all those writers who have writer's block or are struggling with an idea; spread forth your wings and delve into a new destination for inspiration. I absolutely recommend a reviving break to get those creative juices going!

Seneca- Roman Philosopher(4BC-65AD) said:
'Travel and change of place impart new vigour to the mind'