From Page to Screen: Since its inception, cinema has always shared an affinity with literature. To wit, many of the first narrative films produced were adapted from classic or popular literature—a trend that continues today. This course introduces students to the significance of the literary adaptation and explores how different cinematic versions of one novel can reflect the particular cultural climate—and anxieties—of their respective moments in history. Beginning with a precursory evaluation of the origins of early cinematic technique and its relationship with popular literature, we then consider two specific texts, both of which have been adapted more than once for the screen. During the first two class meetings, we will cover The Talented Mr. Ripley, and consider two different screen manifestations: Purple Noon (1960) and The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999). Our third and fourth class meetings will cover Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial, yet beloved, classic, Lolita, alongside Stanley Kubrick’s 1962 adaptation and Adrian Lyne’s 1997 remake. It is recommended, but not necessary, for students to have already read The Talented Mr. Ripley before the first class meeting.
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