“the torch” #30 – in the crux: literary adaptation

When words and images collide – there are most certainly going to be all losers in that game. To write for film, or to film after writing – is it merely a priority issue and your classic master-slave situation calling for good guidance and decisive action? Or is there a real conflict at play, more challenging and possibly less likely to be swiftly resolved by good will alone? This week’s edition of “The Torch” makes it an unambiguous case for the latter notion, and arguing that without the right amount of mutual respect for the art form of literal or visual representation respectively, there can be no coming-together in any way convincing and fruitful. If “know thy neighbour” be a rightful command with some grounding in past experience (learning from mistakes, that is), then the crafting of a good literary adaptation of a deserving text affords both sides involved to heed the rules of each profession alike and honour their differences. For what is incongruous by nature can only be overcome by real creativity, never force. Your point is: here.

(pic©mo)